List of Continental Army units (1775)
Encyclopedia
The Continental Army
was the army raised by the Second Continental Congress
to oppose the British Army
during the American Revolutionary War
. The army went through three major establishments: the first in 1775, the second in 1776, and the third from 1777 until after the end of the war.
. On that day, the Continental Congress assumed responsibility for militia regiments that had been raised by the colonies of New Hampshire
, Massachusetts
, Rhode Island
, and Connecticut
. Most of these troops were stationed outside Boston, Massachusetts, where they besieged the city occupied by British troops under the command of General Thomas Gage
. The forces adopted by the Continental Congress amounted to 39 regiments of infantry, and 1 regiment and 1 separate company of artillery. The period of service for many of these regiments ended on December 31, 1775, although some had a service period that expired earlier. The Continental Congress resolved on June 15, 1775 that the Continental Army should be commanded by a full general. This appointment was offered to George Washington
, who accepted it the following day. In company with Philip Schuyler
and other officers he began the journey from Philadelphia to Boston.
On June 14 Continental Congress also for the first time ordered additional troops to be raised for national defense. It ordered that ten companies of "expert riflemen" be raised in Pennsylvania
, Maryland
, and Virginia
, specifying their organization, pay, and term of enlistment.
As 1775 came to a close, with no end in sight to the siege of Boston and troops in Quebec
preparing to attack Quebec City, Congress authorized a second establishment of the army, with a new regimental structure.
Unless otherwise noted, the regiments and companies listed were adopted into the Continental Army by Congress on June 14, 1775.
Main Army infantry units not assigned to a brigade:
Main Army artillery units:
Major General Philip Schuyler
New York Department artillery units:
Provincial units attached to New York Department
Continental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
was the army raised by the Second Continental Congress
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that started meeting on May 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, soon after warfare in the American Revolutionary War had begun. It succeeded the First Continental Congress, which met briefly during 1774,...
to oppose the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
during the American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
. The army went through three major establishments: the first in 1775, the second in 1776, and the third from 1777 until after the end of the war.
Creation of the army
The Continental Army was established by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, which is also recognized as the founding date of its successor, the United States ArmyUnited States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
. On that day, the Continental Congress assumed responsibility for militia regiments that had been raised by the colonies of New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
, and Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. Most of these troops were stationed outside Boston, Massachusetts, where they besieged the city occupied by British troops under the command of General Thomas Gage
Thomas Gage
Thomas Gage was a British general, best known for his many years of service in North America, including his role as military commander in the early days of the American War of Independence....
. The forces adopted by the Continental Congress amounted to 39 regiments of infantry, and 1 regiment and 1 separate company of artillery. The period of service for many of these regiments ended on December 31, 1775, although some had a service period that expired earlier. The Continental Congress resolved on June 15, 1775 that the Continental Army should be commanded by a full general. This appointment was offered to George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
, who accepted it the following day. In company with Philip Schuyler
Philip Schuyler
Philip John Schuyler was a general in the American Revolution and a United States Senator from New York. He is usually known as Philip Schuyler, while his son is usually known as Philip J. Schuyler.-Early life:...
and other officers he began the journey from Philadelphia to Boston.
On June 14 Continental Congress also for the first time ordered additional troops to be raised for national defense. It ordered that ten companies of "expert riflemen" be raised in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
, and Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, specifying their organization, pay, and term of enlistment.
As 1775 came to a close, with no end in sight to the siege of Boston and troops in Quebec
Province of Quebec (1763-1791)
The Province of Quebec was a colony in North America created by Great Britain after the Seven Years' War. Great Britain acquired Canada by the Treaty of Paris when King Louis XV of France and his advisors chose to keep the territory of Guadeloupe for its valuable sugar crops instead of New France...
preparing to attack Quebec City, Congress authorized a second establishment of the army, with a new regimental structure.
Unless otherwise noted, the regiments and companies listed were adopted into the Continental Army by Congress on June 14, 1775.
Infantry
- New Hampshire: 3 regimentsNew Hampshire LineThe New Hampshire Line was a formation within the Continental Army. The term "New Hampshire Line" referred to the quota of numbered infantry regiments assigned to New Hampshire at various times by the Continental Congress. These, together with similar contingents from the other twelve states,...
. - Massachusetts: 27 regiments. These Massachusetts regimentsMassachusetts LineThe Massachusetts Line was a formation within the Continental Army. The term "Massachusetts Line" referred to the quota of numbered infantry regiments assigned to Massachusetts at various times by the Continental Congress. These, together with similar contingents from the other twelve states,...
were commanded by colonels Ward, Thomas, Walker, Cotton, Whitcomb, Read, Mansfield, Danielson, Prescott, Frye, Bridge, Paterson, Scammon, Learned, GardnerThomas GardnerCol. Thomas Gardner was an American political figure and soldier.Gardner was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was a descendant of Thomas Gardner of Roxbury...
, Nixon, Fellows, Doolittle, J. Brewer, D. Brewer, Heath, Woodbridge, Glover, Little, Gerrish, Phinney, and Sargent. - Rhode Island: 3 regiments. These regimentsRhode Island LineThe Rhode Island Line was a formation within the Continental Army. The term "Rhode Island Line" referred to the quota of numbered infantry regiments assigned to Rhode Island at various times by the Continental Congress. These, together with similar contingents from the other twelve states, formed...
were commanded by colonels Varnum, Hitchcock, and Church. - Connecticut: 8 regiments. The 1st through 6th regimentsConnecticut LineThe Connecticut Line was a formation within the Continental Army. The term "Connecticut Line" referred to the quota of numbered infantry regiments assigned to Connecticut at various times by the Continental Congress, the size of its allocation determined by the size of its population in relative to...
were adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. The 7th and 8th regiments were adopted by the Congress on July 19, 1775. - New York: 5 regiments. On May 25 the Continental Congress voted to support a force not exceeding 3,000 men for the defense of New York. The colony of New York availed itself fully of this number, subsequently raising them as the 1st through 4th New York RegimentsNew York LineThe New York Line was a formation within the Continental Army. The term "New York Line" referred to the quota of numbered infantry regiments assigned to New York at various times by the Continental Congress. These, together with similar contingents from the other twelve states, formed the...
. Warner's RegimentGreen Mountain BoysThe Green Mountain Boys were a militia organization first established in the 1760s in the territory between the British provinces of New York and New Hampshire, known as the New Hampshire Grants...
, from the present state of VermontVermontVermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
, was authorized on June 23, 1775. - Pennsylvania: 1 regiment. The Continental Congress ordered that six companies of riflemen be raised in PennsylvaniaPennsylvania LinePennsylvania, like many other colonies, was involved with the war and developing problem of the American Revolution.-History:Philadelphia was the site of the Constitutional Convention. It also served as the capital city for a while. Threats from Britain caused the country to relocate to...
. Pennsylvania frontiersman were so eager to participate that on June 22 Pennsylvania's quota of companies was increased to eight, organized as a regimentRegimentA regiment is a major tactical military unit, composed of variable numbers of batteries, squadrons or battalions, commanded by a colonel or lieutenant colonel...
known as the Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. A ninth company was added to the regiment on July 11. - Maryland: 2 separate companies. The Continental Congress ordered that two companies of riflemen be raised in MarylandMaryland LineThe Maryland Line was a formation within the Continental Army. The term "Maryland Line" referred to the quota of numbered infantry regiments assigned to Maryland at various times by the Continental Congress. These, together with similar contingents from the other twelve states, formed the...
. - Virginia: 2 regiments, 2 separate companies. The Continental Congress ordered that two companies of riflemen be raised in VirginiaVirginia LineThe Virginia Line was a formation within the Continental Army. The term "Virginia Line" referred to the quota of numbered infantry regiments assigned to Virginia at various times by the Continental Congress. These, together with similar contingents from the other twelve states, formed the...
. On November 4, 1775 the Congress adopted the 1st and 2d Virginia RegimentsVirginia LineThe Virginia Line was a formation within the Continental Army. The term "Virginia Line" referred to the quota of numbered infantry regiments assigned to Virginia at various times by the Continental Congress. These, together with similar contingents from the other twelve states, formed the...
. These were existing organizations that had been authorized by the colony in August and organized at WilliamsburgWilliamsburg, VirginiaWilliamsburg is an independent city located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia, USA. As of the 2010 Census, the city had an estimated population of 14,068. It is bordered by James City County and York County, and is an independent city...
in October. - North Carolina: 2 regiments. On June 26, 1775 the Continental Congress voted to support a force not exceeding 1,000 men for the defense of North Carolina. The colony of North Carolina availed itself fully of this number, subsequently raising them as the 1st and 2d North Carolina RegimentsNorth Carolina LineThe North Carolina Line was a formation within the Continental Army. The term "North Carolina Line" referred to the quota of infantry regiments assigned to North Carolina at various times by the Continental Congress. These, together with similar contingents from the other twelve states, formed the...
. - South Carolina: 2 regiments. The Continental Congress resolved, on November 4, 1775 to adopt two infantry regiments in South Carolina and authorized one in Georgia. The 1st and 2d South Carolina RegimentsSouth Carolina LineThe South Carolina Line was a formation within the Continental Army. The term "South Carolina Line" referred to the quota of numbered infantry regiments assigned to South Carolina at various times by the Continental Congress. These, together with similar contingents from the other twelve states,...
were existing organizations that had been authorized by the colony in June. Georgia did not establish a regiment of its own until 1776
Artillery
- Massachusetts: 1 regiment. The Massachusetts Artillery Regiment, under Colonel Gridley, was adopted by the Continental Congress and redesignated the Continental Artillery Regiment.
- Rhode Island: 1 company. This company had been raised by Rhode Island as the Rhode Island Train of Artillery.
- New York: 1 company. The Continental Congress authorized Lamb's Continental Artillery Company on June 30, 1775.
Main Army
General George WashingtonGeorge Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
- Right Wing
- 1st (Ward's) Division (Major General Artemas WardArtemas WardArtemas Ward was an American major general in the American Revolutionary War and a Congressman from Massachusetts...
)
-
- 1st (Thomas') Brigade (Brigadier General John ThomasJohn Thomas (general)John Thomas was an American doctor and soldier from Massachusetts who became a major general in the Continental Army. He was a leader during the siege of Boston. Thomas briefly commanded the withdrawal from Canada after the unsuccessful invasion by the Continental Army. He died from smallpox...
).-
- Ward's Regiment, or 1st Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Jonathan Ward. (Designated the 21st Continental Regiment21st Continental Regiment-Summary:The 21st Continental Regiment was raised April 23, 1775 as a Massachusetts militia Regiment at Cambridge, Massachusetts under Colonel Jonathan Ward. The regiment would join the Continental Army in June 1775. The regiment saw action during the Siege of Boston, the New York Campaign and the...
in 1776). - Bailey's Regiment, or 2d Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel John Bailey. (Designated the 23d Continental Regiment in 1776).
- Cotton's Regiment, or 4th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Theophilus Cotton. (Consolidated in December 1775 with Bailey's Regiment, less two companies consolidated with Ward's Regiment, one company consolidated with Learned's Regiment, and one company consolidated with Gardner's Regiment).
- Danielson's Regiment, or 8th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Timothy Danielson. (Consolidated in December 1775 with Learned's Regiment, less one company consolidated with Nixon's Regiment and one company consolidated with Gardner's Regiment).
- Fellows' Regiment, or 17th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel John Fellows. (Consolidated in December 1775 with Ward's Regiment, less one company consolidated with Jonathan Brewer's Regiment).
- David Brewer's Regiment, or 20th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel David Brewer. (Consolidated in December 1775 with Read's Regiment, less one company consolidated with Jonathan Brewer's Regiment).
- Ward's Regiment, or 1st Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Jonathan Ward. (Designated the 21st Continental Regiment
-
- 1st (Thomas') Brigade (Brigadier General John Thomas
-
- 3d (Spencer's) Brigade (Brigadier General Joseph SpencerJoseph SpencerJoseph Spencer was an American lawyer, soldier, and statesman from Connecticut. During the Revolutionary War, he served both as a delegate to the Continental Congress and as a major general in the Continental Army....
).-
- 2nd Connecticut Regiment2nd Connecticut RegimentThe 2nd Connecticut Regiment was authorized in the Continental Army on September 16, 1776. It was organized between 1 January - April 1777 at Danbury, Connecticut of eight companies from the counties of Fairfield, Windham, and Hartford in the state of Connecticut and assigned on 3 April 1777 to...
(1775). Colonel Samuel Wyllys. (Used in December 1775 as cadre for the 22nd Continental Regiment22nd Continental RegimentThe 22nd Continental Regiment was formed on 1 January 1776 when the 2nd Connecticut Regt of Spencer's Brigade in the Main Continental Army was re-designated. On 12 August 1776 Spencer's Brigade was re-designated as Parson's Brigade and on 12 November 1776 the brigade was re-assigned to the...
). - 6th Connecticut Regiment6th Connecticut RegimentThe 6th Connecticut Regiment was raised on May 1, 1775, at New Haven, Connecticut, as a provincial regiment for the Continental Army. It then became a regiment of the Continental Line on January 1, 1776, designated the 10th Continental Regiment, and a regiment of the Connecticut Line on January 1,...
(1775). Colonel Samuel Holden ParsonsSamuel Holden ParsonsSamuel Holden Parsons was an American lawyer, jurist, and military leader.Parsons was born in Lyme, Connecticut, the son of Jonathan Parsons and Phoebe Parsons...
. (Used in December 1775 as cadre for the 10th Continental Regiment). - 8th Connecticut Regiment8th Connecticut RegimentThe 8th Connecticut Regiment also known as 17th Continental Regiment was raised on September 16, 1776 at Danbury, Connecticut. The regiment would see action in the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown and the Battle of Monmouth. The regiment was merged into the 1st Connecticut Regiment on...
(1775). Colonel Jedediah HuntingtonJedediah HuntingtonJedediah Huntington , also known as Jedidiah Huntington, was an American general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He was born in Norwich, Connecticut, the son of Jabez Huntington . The Gen. Jedidiah Huntington House in Norwichtown, Connecticut, survives and was listed...
. (Used in December 1775 as cadre for the 17th Continental Regiment). - Walker's Regiment, or 3d Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Timothy WalkerTimothy WalkerTimothy Walker is a British film and television actor. His most famous role was perhaps as Angus the groom in the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral, but he has also appeared in Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial, Looking for Victoria, Peak Practice, Monsignor Renard, Pie in the Sky and Doctor...
. (Consolidated in December 1775 with Read's Regiment). - Read's Regiment, or 6th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Joseph ReadJoseph ReadJoseph Read was a soldier and a Colonel in the American Revolutionary War.-Early life:Read was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, the son of John and Lucy Read. He married Eunice Taft of Uxbridge on Nov 22, 1753...
. (Designated the 13th Continental Regiment13th Continental Regiment-Summary:The 13th Continental Regiment was raised April 23, 1775 as a Massachusetts militia Regiment at Cambridge, Massachusetts under Joseph Read. The regiment would join the Continental Army in June 1775. The regiment saw action during the Siege of Boston, the New York Campaign and the Battle of...
in 1776). - Learned's Regiment, or 14th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Ebenezer LearnedEbenezer LearnedEbenezer Learned was a brigadier general in the American Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.-Early life and career:...
. (Designated the 3d Continental Regiment in 1776).
- 2nd Connecticut Regiment
-
- 3d (Spencer's) Brigade (Brigadier General Joseph Spencer
- Left Wing
- 2d (Lee's) Division (Major General Charles LeeCharles Lee (general)Charles Lee was a British soldier who later served as a General of the Continental Army during the American War of Independence. Lee served in the British army during the Seven Years War. After the war he sold his commission and served for a time in the Polish army of King Stanislaus II...
)
-
- 5th (Sullivan's) Brigade (Brigadier General John SullivanJohn SullivanJohn Sullivan was the third son of Irish immigrants, a United States general in the Revolutionary War, a delegate in the Continental Congress and a United States federal judge....
).-
- 1st New Hampshire Regiment1st New Hampshire RegimentThe 1st New Hampshire Regiment was an infantry unit that came into existence on 22 May 1775 at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. John Stark was the regiment's first commander. The unit fought at Chelsea Creek and Bunker Hill in 1775. On 1 January 1776, while engaged in the Siege of...
(1775). Colonel John StarkJohn StarkJohn Stark was a New Hampshire native who served as a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He became widely known as the "Hero of Bennington" for his exemplary service at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.-Early life:John Stark was born in Londonderry, New...
. (Designated the 5th Continental Regiment5th Continental RegimentThe 5th Continental Regiment was formed when the 1st New Hampshire Regiment was redesignated on 1 January 1776 as eight companies in Sullivan's Brigade in the main Continental Army. On 27 April 1776 the regiment was relieved from the brigade and assigned to the Canadian Department...
in 1776). - 2nd New Hampshire Regiment2nd New Hampshire RegimentThe 2nd New Hampshire Regiment, also known as the 8th Continental Regiment, was formed in early May of 1775, as the second of three Continental Army regiments raised by the state of New Hampshire during the American Revolutionary War. Its first commander was Colonel Enoch Poor, with Joseph Cilley...
(1775. Colonel Enoch PoorEnoch PoorEnoch Poor was a brigadier general in the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. He was a ship builder and merchant from Exeter, New Hampshire.-Biography:...
. (Designated the 8th Continental Regiment in 1776). - 3rd New Hampshire Regiment3rd New Hampshire RegimentThe 3rd New Hampshire Regiment, also known as the 2nd Continental Regiment, was authorized on 22 May 1775, organized 1-8 June 1775, and adopted into the Continental Army on 14 June, 1775, as the third of three regiments raised by the state of New Hampshire during the American Revolution...
(1775). Colonel James ReedJames Reed (soldier)James Reed was a military officer in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, rising to the rank of brigadier general in the latter conflict....
. (Designated the 2d Continental Regiment in 1776). - Mansfield's Regiment, or 7th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel John MansfieldJohn MansfieldJohn Mansfield was the 15th Lieutenant Governor of California from 1880 to 1883. He also was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War, serving as the last colonel of the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the famed Iron Brigade.Mansfield responded to President Abraham...
. (Designated the 27th Continental Regiment in 1776). - Nixon's Regiment, or 16th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel John NixonJohn Nixon (Massachusetts)John Nixon was an American brigadier general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.He was born in Framingham, Massachusetts on March 1, 1724 to Christopher and Mary Nixon. On February 7, 1754, John Nixon married Thankfully Berry also of Framingham...
. (Designated the 4th Continental Regiment in 1776). - Doolittle's Regiment, or 18th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Ephraim Doolittle. (Disbanded December 31, 1775).
- 7th Connecticut Regiment7th Connecticut RegimentThe 7th Connecticut Regiment was raised on September 16, 1776 at New Milford, Connecticut. The regiment would see action in the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown and the Battle of Monmouth...
(1775). Colonel Charles Webb. (Used in December 1775 as cadre for the 19th Continental Regiment).
- 1st New Hampshire Regiment
-
- 5th (Sullivan's) Brigade (Brigadier General John Sullivan
-
- 6th (Greene's) Brigade (Brigadier General Nathanael GreeneNathanael GreeneNathanael Greene was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. When the war began, Greene was a militia private, the lowest rank possible; he emerged from the war with a reputation as George Washington's most gifted and dependable officer. Many places in the United...
)-
- Varnum's Regiment (Rhode Island). Colonel James Mitchell VarnumJames Mitchell VarnumJames Mitchell Varnum was an American legislator, lawyer and a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.-Early life:James Mitchell Varnum was born in Dracut, Massachusetts...
. (Designated the 9th Continental Regiment in 1776). - Hitchcock's Regiment (Rhode Island). Colonel Daniel Hitchcock. (Designated the 11th Continental Regiment in 1776).
- Church's Regiment (Rhode Island). Colonel Thomas Church. (Disbanded December 31, 1775).
- Whitcomb's Regiment, or 5th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Asa Whitcomb. (Disbanded December 31, 1775. Colonel Whitcomb took command of the 6th Continental Regiment, raised from Jonathan Brewer's Regiment).
- Read's Regiment, or 6th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Joseph ReadJoseph ReadJoseph Read was a soldier and a Colonel in the American Revolutionary War.-Early life:Read was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, the son of John and Lucy Read. He married Eunice Taft of Uxbridge on Nov 22, 1753...
. (Designated the 13th Continental Regiment13th Continental Regiment-Summary:The 13th Continental Regiment was raised April 23, 1775 as a Massachusetts militia Regiment at Cambridge, Massachusetts under Joseph Read. The regiment would join the Continental Army in June 1775. The regiment saw action during the Siege of Boston, the New York Campaign and the Battle of...
in 1776). - Gardner's Regiment, or 15th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Thomas GardnerThomas GardnerCol. Thomas Gardner was an American political figure and soldier.Gardner was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was a descendant of Thomas Gardner of Roxbury...
. (Designated the 25th Continental Regiment25th Continental RegimentThe 25th Continental Regiment was raised April 23, 1775 as a Massachusetts militia Regiment at Cambridge, Massachusetts under Colonel William Bond. The regiment would join the Continental Army in June 1775. The regiment saw action during the Siege of Boston, Invasion of Canada and the Battle of...
in 1776). - Jonathan Brewer's Regiment, or 19th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Jonathan Brewer. (Designated the 6th Continental Regiment in 1776).
- Little's Regiment, or 24th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Moses LittleMoses LittleMoses Little , born on May 8, 1724 in Newbury, Massachusetts. Moses Little served in the Massachusetts militia and with his company marched to the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775...
. (Designated the 12th Continental Regiment12th Continental RegimentThe 12th Continental Regiment was raised April 23, 1775 as a Massachusetts militia Regiment at Cambridge, Massachusetts under Colonel Moses Little. The regiment would join the Continental Army in June 1775. The regiment saw action during the Siege of Boston, the New York Campaign and the Battle of...
in 1776).
- Varnum's Regiment (Rhode Island). Colonel James Mitchell Varnum
-
- 6th (Greene's) Brigade (Brigadier General Nathanael Greene
- Reserve
- 3d (Putnam's) Division (Major General Israel PutnamIsrael PutnamIsrael Putnam was an American army general and Freemason who fought with distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War...
)
-
- 2d (Heath's) Brigade (Brigadier General William HeathWilliam HeathWilliam Heath was an American farmer, soldier, and political leader from Massachusetts who served as a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War....
)-
- Prescott's Regiment, or 9th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel William PrescottWilliam PrescottWilliam Prescott was an American colonel in the Revolutionary War who commanded the rebel forces in the Battle of Bunker Hill...
. (Designated the 7th Continental Regiment7th Continental RegimentThe 7th Continental Regiment was raised April 23, 1775 as a Massachusetts militia Regiment at Cambridge, Massachusetts under Colonel William Prescott. The regiment would join the Continental Army in June 1775. The regiment saw action during the Siege of Boston and the New York Campaign...
in 1776). - Paterson's Regiment, or 12th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel John Paterson. (Designated the 15th Continental Regiment15th Continental RegimentThe 15th Continental Regiment was an infantry regiment of the 1776 establishment of the Continental Army.-Administrative history:The regiment was formed when the remnants of the 1st Massachusetts Regiment and Sayer's and Sullivan's companies of Scammon's Regiment were combined on 1 January 1776...
in 1776). - Scammon's Regiment, or 13th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel James Scammon. (Consolidated in December 1775 with Phinney's Regiment, less two companies consolidated with Prescott's Regiment and two companies consolidated with Paterson's Regiment).
- Greaton's Regiment, or 21st Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel John Greaton. (Designated the 24th Continental Regiment in 1776).
- Gerrish's Regiment, or 25th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Samuel Gerrish. (Designated the 26th Continental Regiment in 1776).
- Phinney's Regiment, or 26th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Edmund Phinney. (Designated the 18th Continental Regiment in 1776).
- Prescott's Regiment, or 9th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel William Prescott
-
- 2d (Heath's) Brigade (Brigadier General William Heath
-
- 4th Brigade (vacant) (commanded by Putnam because Seth PomeroySeth PomeroySeth Pomeroy was an American gunsmith and soldier from Northampton, Massachusetts. His military service included the French and Indian War and the early stages of the American Revolutionary War...
declined his commission)-
- Frye's Regiment, or 10th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel James FryeJames FryeJames Frye was a colonial soldier. He filled several local offices, served at the capture of Louisburg in 1745, and commanded the Essex regiment at the beginning of the Revolution, taking an active part in the battle of Bunker Hill. He afterward commanded the 6th brigade of the army investing...
. (Disbanded December 31, 1775). - Bridge's Regiment, or 11th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Ebenezer Bridge. (Disbanded December 31, 1775).
- Woodbridge's Regiment, or 22d Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Benjamin Ruggles WoodbridgeBenjamin Ruggles WoodbridgeBenjamin Ruggles Woodbridge of South Hadley, Massachusetts, practiced medicine and law, was a colonel in the Massachusetts militia during the American Revolutionary War, and was a commander at the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was also a farmer, and he owned a rum still, a wood lot, a grazing meadow,...
. (Disbanded December 31, 1775). - Glover's Regiment, or 23d Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel John GloverJohn Glover (artist)John Glover was an English/Australian artist in what is known as the early colonial period of Australian art. In Australia he has been dubbed the father of Australian landscape painting.-Life in Europe:...
. (Designated the 14th Continental Regiment14th Continental RegimentThe 14th Continental Regiment, also known as the Marblehead Regiment and Glover's Regiment, was raised as a Massachusetts militia regiment in 1775, and taken into the Continental Army establishment during the summer of 1775 as the 23rd Massachusetts Regiment. When the Continental Army was...
in 1776). - Sargent's Regiment, or 27th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel Paul Dudley SargentPaul Dudley SargentPaul Dudley Sargent was a soldier in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.-Revolutionary War Service:...
. (Designated the 16th Continental Regiment in 1776). - 3rd Connecticut Regiment3rd Connecticut RegimentThe 3rd Connecticut Regiment was authorized on 16 September 1776 and was organized between 1 January - April 1777 of eight companies of volunteers from the counties of Windham and Hartford in the state of Connecticut. On 3 April 1777 it was assigned to the 1st Connecticut Brigade in the Highland's...
(1775). Colonel Experience Storrs. (Used in December 1775 as cadre for the 20th Continental Regiment).
- Frye's Regiment, or 10th Massachusetts Regiment. Colonel James Frye
-
- 4th Brigade (vacant) (commanded by Putnam because Seth Pomeroy
Main Army infantry units not assigned to a brigade:
- Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. Colonel William ThompsonWilliam Thompson (general)William Thompson was a soldier from Pennsylvania and a brigadier general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.Thompson was born in Ireland and emigrated to Carlisle, Pennsylvania...
. (Designated the 1st Continental Regiment in 1776; Captain William Hendricks' Company and Captain Matthew SmithMatthew Smith (Pennsylvania statesman)Matthew Smith —the dates of his birth and death apparently unknown—was a Pennsylvania politician. He served briefly as Vice-President of Pennsylvania following the resignation of George Bryan on 11 October 1779...
's Company assigned to Northern Department September 8, 1775; marched to Quebec under Benedict ArnoldArnold ExpeditionIn September 1775, early in the American Revolutionary War, Colonel Benedict Arnold led a force of 1,100 Continental Army troops on an expedition from Cambridge, Massachusetts to the gates of Quebec City. Part of a two-pronged invasion of the British Province of Quebec, his expedition passed...
; captured at Quebec December 31, 1775). - Cresap's Independent Maryland Rifle Company. Captain Michael CresapMichael CresapMichael Cresap was a frontiersman born in Maryland. He was the son of the pioneer Thomas Cresap. He spent part of his adult years in the Ohio Country as a trader and land developer. He led several raids against Indians whom he believed were hostile to white settlement. Logan of the Mingo Indians...
, June 21, 1775; Captain Moses Rawlings, October 18, 1775. (Assigned to the Maryland and Virginia Rifle RegimentMaryland and Virginia Rifle RegimentThe Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment, most commonly known as Rawlings' Regiment in period documents, was organized in June 1776 as a specialized light infantry unit of riflemen in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War...
, June 14, 1776). - Price's Independent Maryland Rifle Company. Captain Thomas PriceThomas PriceThomas Price was a stonecutter, teacher, lay preacher, businessman, stonemason, clerk-of-works, union secretary, union president and politician...
, June 21, 1775. (Assigned to the Maryland and Virginia Rifle RegimentMaryland and Virginia Rifle RegimentThe Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment, most commonly known as Rawlings' Regiment in period documents, was organized in June 1776 as a specialized light infantry unit of riflemen in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War...
, June 14, 1776). - Stephenson's Independent Virginia Rifle Company. Captain Hugh Stephenson, July 1775. (Assigned to the Maryland and Virginia Rifle RegimentMaryland and Virginia Rifle RegimentThe Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment, most commonly known as Rawlings' Regiment in period documents, was organized in June 1776 as a specialized light infantry unit of riflemen in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War...
, June 14, 1776). - Morgan's Independent Virginia Rifle Company. Captain Daniel MorganDaniel MorganDaniel Morgan was an American pioneer, soldier, and United States Representative from Virginia. One of the most gifted battlefield tacticians of the American Revolutionary War, he later commanded troops during the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion.-Early years:Most authorities believe that...
, July 1775. (Assigned to the Northern Department September 8, 1775; marched to Quebec under Benedict ArnoldArnold ExpeditionIn September 1775, early in the American Revolutionary War, Colonel Benedict Arnold led a force of 1,100 Continental Army troops on an expedition from Cambridge, Massachusetts to the gates of Quebec City. Part of a two-pronged invasion of the British Province of Quebec, his expedition passed...
; captured at Quebec December 31, 1775).
Main Army artillery units:
- Continental Artillery Regiment (Massachusetts). Colonel Richard GridleyRichard GridleyRichard Gridley was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of Richard Gridley and Rebecca Scarborough. He was a soldier and engineer who served for the British Army during the French and Indian Wars and for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.He married Hannah Deming...
; Colonel Henry KnoxHenry KnoxHenry Knox was a military officer of the Continental Army and later the United States Army, and also served as the first United States Secretary of War....
, November 17, 1775. - Rhode Island Train of Artillery. Captain John CraneJohn CraneJohn Rene Crane is an American writer and actor, best known as the head writer, executive producer and occasional performer on Fox's Saturday late night sketch comedy program, MADtv.-Career:...
. (Consolidated with the Continental Artillery Regiment on December 31, 1775).
New York Department
Established June 25, 1775. Merged into Middle Department, February 27, 1776.Major General Philip Schuyler
Philip Schuyler
Philip John Schuyler was a general in the American Revolution and a United States Senator from New York. He is usually known as Philip Schuyler, while his son is usually known as Philip J. Schuyler.-Early life:...
- 1st Connecticut Regiment1st Connecticut RegimentThe 1st Connecticut Regiment was a unit of the Continental Army, and was involved in the American Revolutionary War. The regiment was initially formed in 1776, and was active in various forms until 1783.-1776–1780:...
(1775). Brigadier General David WoosterDavid WoosterDavid Wooster was an American general who served in the French and Indian War and in the American Revolutionary War. He died of wounds sustained during the Battle of Ridgefield, Connecticut. Cities, schools, and public places were named after him...
; field commander, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Ward. - 4th Connecticut Regiment4th Connecticut RegimentThe 4th Connecticut Regiment was raised on April 27, 1775 at Hartford, Connecticut. The regiment would see action in the Invasion of Canada. After which the regiment was disbanded on December 20, 1775 and reformed on September 16, 1776 to fight in the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown and...
(1775). Colonel Benjamin HinmanBenjamin HinmanColonel Benjamin Hinman was a US soldier and member of the Connecticut Legislature.-Biography:He was born to Benjamin Hinman Colonel Benjamin Hinman (January 22, 1719 – March 22, 1810) was a US soldier and member of the Connecticut Legislature.-Biography:He was born to Benjamin Hinman Colonel...
. - 5th Connecticut Regiment5th Connecticut RegimentThe 5th Connecticut Regiment was raised on April 27, 1775 at Danbury, Connecticut under the command of David Waterbury. The Regiment was one of six formed by the Connecticut Legislature in response to the hostilities at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. The Fifth would see its first action...
(1775). Colonel David Waterbury. - 1st New York Regiment (1775-1776). Colonel Alexander McDougallAlexander McDougallAlexander McDougall was an American seaman, merchant, a Sons of Liberty leader from New York City before and during the American Revolution, and a military leader during the Revolutionary War. He served as a major general in the Continental Army, and as a delegate to the Continental Congress...
(McDougall appointed brigadier general, Continental Army, August 9, 1776). - 2nd New York Regiment (1775). Colonel Goose Van SchaickGoose Van SchaickColonel Goose Van Schaick was a Continental Army officer during the American Revolutionary War.He was born September 5, 1736, the son of Sybrant Van Schaick, mayor of Albany New York, and Alida Rosebloom. In 1758, he was a captain of a New York regiment that participated in the attack on Fort...
. (Designated Van Schaick's Regiment in 1776, then the 1st New York Regiment1st New York RegimentThe 1st New York Regiment was authorized on 25 May 1775 and organized at New York City from 28 June to 4 August, for service with the Continental Army under the command of Colonel Alexander McDougall...
in 1777). - 3rd New York Regiment (1775). Colonel James ClintonJames ClintonJames Clinton was an American Revolutionary War soldier who obtained the rank of major general.He was born in Ulster County in the colony of New York, in a location now part of Orange County, New York...
. (Designated the 2nd New York Regiment in 1776, then the 4th New York Regiment4th New York RegimentThe 4th New York Regiment was authorized on May 25, 1775 and organized from June 28 to August 4 from Westchester, Dutchess, Kings, Queens, and Richmond counties for service with the Continental Army under the command of James Holmes...
in 1777). - 4th New York Regiment (1775). Colonel James Holmes. (Designated the 3rd New York Regiment in 1776, then the 2nd New York Regiment2nd New York RegimentThe 2nd New York Regiment was authorized on May 25, 1775, and formed at Albany from June 28 to August 4 for service with the Continental Army under the command of Colonel Goose Van Schaick...
in 1777). - Green Mountain Rangers ("Green Mountain BoysGreen Mountain BoysThe Green Mountain Boys were a militia organization first established in the 1760s in the territory between the British provinces of New York and New Hampshire, known as the New Hampshire Grants...
") (Vermont). Lieutenant Colonel Seth WarnerSeth WarnerSeth Warner was born in Roxbury, Connecticut. In 1763, he removed with his father to Bennington in what was then known as the New Hampshire Grants. He established there as a huntsman....
. - Canadian Regiment. Colonel James LivingstonJames Livingston (American Revolution)Colonel James Livingston was born in the French province of Canada to New York-born parents. He was living in Quebec when the American Revolutionary War broke out...
. (Redesignated the 1st Canadian Regiment1st Canadian RegimentThe 1st Canadian Regiment, was raised by James Livingston to support Colonial efforts in the American Revolutionary War during the invasion of Quebec...
in 1776).
New York Department artillery units:
- Lamb's Artillery Company (New York). Captain John LambJohn Lamb (general)John Lamb was an American soldier, politician, and Anti-Federalist organizer.-Career:He was born January 1, 1735 in New York City. He was the son of Anthony Lamb. His father was a convicted burglar who was transported to the colonies in the 1720s...
. (Lamb was later Colonel, 2d Continental Artillery Regiment, 1777-1783).
Provincial units attached to New York Department
- New Hampshire Rangers. Major Timothy BedelTimothy BedelTimothy Bedel was a soldier and local leader prominent in the early history of New Hampshire and Vermont.Bedel was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts...
. (Reraised as Bedel's RegimentBedel's RegimentBedel's Regiment was first raised as a single company of rangers in Coos, New Hampshire on May 26, 1775 under the command of Timothy Bedel for the protection of northern New Hampshire during the early days of the American Revolutionary War...
in 1776; continued as Whitcomb's RangersWhitcomb's RangersWhitcomb's Rangers were authorized on October 15, 1776, and formed in November 1776 at Fort Ticonderoga in New York. The unit consisted of two companies of New Hampshire rangers for service with the Continental Army under the command of Benjamin Whitcomb, a veteran of Bedel's Regiment. They saw...
in 1777).