An online listing of officers in the In certain counties there were recruited special troops called For a more detailed account of how the Pennsylvania militia system worked see "The Pennsylvania Militia in 1777" by Hannah Benner Roach in Having dashed ahead to destroy the bridge, Horry and his men were positioned fifty yards across the river. Advancing his main force as support, Marion again ordered Horry to charge. Where it was involved in several minor battles and skirmishes. ?? The four regiments of light dragoons raised in 1777 as a reconnaissance force derived from European developments in light cavalry during the eighteenth century. On July 1, 1778, the regiment absorbed the remainder of the 13th Pennsylvania Regiment, most of its men's enlistments having expired. On New Year's Day, 1781, members of the 6th Pennsylvania joined the mutiny of the Pennsylvania regiments then quartered at Morristown. Home Battles 1775 to 1783 Campaigns Continental Army Continental Navy British Army Flags of the Revolution War Facts War Leaders Patriot Leaders British Leaders The regiment would see action during the New York Campaign, Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Sullivan Expedition. Choosing escape, Watson abruptly wheeled his Regiment to the right and proceeded to move at a quick pace across fifteen miles of marsh and pine lands to the Santee Road. Arriving from Ireland Kauffman, (these are free with registration) Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 from National Archives (NARA) microfilm publication M246. During the afternoon the forces under General John Sullivan fought with the enemy for almost two hours near Birmingham Meeting House. Furloughed on June 11, 1783 at Philadelphia. The regiment never recruited the Indian component, and changes in British operations led to the transformation of the white elements into normal infantry. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. In the meantime, the regiment was commanded by the senior officer present for duty, Maj. William Williams. Northumberland County Revolutionary War Militia Upper Division Associators, 24 January 1776 Commanding Officers: Col. unknown Pennsylvania therefore adapted her fleet to shallow waters. Organized between July 15- September 15, 1776 at Kittanning to consist of 8 companies from Westmoreland, Bedford and Cumberland Counties. The term "Pennsylvania Line" referred to the quota of numbered infantry regiments assigned to Pennsylvania at various times by theContinental Congress. In many instances, members of the militia gave no military service beyond occasional routine drill, and some escaped even that. In 1779, the 6th Pennsylvania was part of the force commanded by "Mad" Anthony Wayne that stormed the British fortifications at Stony Point, NY (16 July). Membership in the Associators differed greatly from membership the militia, for, technically, enrollment in the Associators was voluntary, while membership in the militia was strictly compulsory with the obligation legally defined. American Revolutionary War Pennsylvania, It sustained casualties at Paoli on Sept. 21, including one officer killed, and at the Battle of Germantown it was the left flank of the American troops attacking the British center that was mistakenly fired on by other American troops. [2] The only time Pennsylvania seems to have had any sort of basic militia prior to the draft is during the winter months of 1776 into 1777. As circumstances would have it, Rogers, who had never earned the trust of those like George Washington, sought and received a commission from Great Britain, consequently raising and leading the Queens Rangers and Kings Rangers during the American Revolution, flying the Union Jack of Great Britain rather then the red, white, and blue colors of the newly declared American colonies. December 19, 1777 - After an encampment of almost six weeks at Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania the army moved into its winter quarters at Valley Forge where they would remain for the next six months. In the original concept rangers were full-time soldiers employed by the colonial governments to "range" between fixed frontier fortifications as a reconnaissance system to provide early warning of hostile raids. Relieved on November 18, 1776 from St. Clair's Brigade. The Regiment was authorized on July 11, 1776 in the Continental Army as a Battalion for frontier defense in the, Designated on July 20, 1776 as Mackay's Battalion. Volume Reel 0822 American Revolutionary War Service Records; Soldiers--United States--Registers Pennsylvania, Seventh Battalion (Cumberland County Militia), Seventh Regiment: A -F Later, some of the 11th Pennsylvania took part in the patrol actions in New Jersey, which marked the spring and summer of 1777. Lt. Many of the men who served in 1776 reenlisted and to these were added new recruits to fill out the regiment. With his men in a panic and the number of wounded and suffering growing, Watson shelved his pride and addressed a letter to Marion not only requesting permission to send seven of his most seriously wounded through the lines but once again alluding to the fact that Watson believed Marion was conducting himself in a manner contrary to civilized war. Sullivan in his campaign against the Iroquois in western Pennsylvania. Many members of the Pennsylvania Navy were entitled to and received Depreciation pay certificates, and, rather curiously, some were paid off with Certificates of the Funded or Militia Debt. 3, 1964): 161-230 was well as the historical background section below. The "Act to Regulate the Militia of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" passed 17 March 1777, and the the subsequent Militia Act passed March 20, 1780, together with their amendments, required all white men between the ages of 18 and 53 capable of bearing arms to serve two months of militia duty on a rotating basis. About Us | Contact Us | Copyright | Report Inappropriate Material On the brink of war, the Continental Congress passed a resolution on 14 June 1775, on what is known as Flag Day, that "six companies of expert riflemen be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia." Certificates of the funded or Militia Debt. The four regiments of light dragoons transformed into combined arms Legionary Corps composed of four mounted and two dismounted troops; the various partisan elements consolidated into two Partisan Corps, each with three mounted and three dismounted troops. The Regiment was authorized on August 23, 1776 in the Continental Army as the Northampton and Northumberland Defense Battalion and assigned to the. As a result of this alliance, Rogers greatest claim to fame during the Revolution and possibly most infamous overall was the seizure of Nathan Hale. In formal battles it provided unblemished flank security, but it was even better in rear battle by conducting deep raids against British logistical bases. During the winter of 1776-1777 the Association collapsed, and the Assembly replaced it with a militia system which, though imperfect, proved better adapted to Pennsylvania's needs. The battle took place in the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania on July 3, 1778 in what is now Luzerne County. Here is an alphabetical list of Revolutionary Soldiers "compiled chiefly from The Depreciation Account books in the office of the Auditor General of . USA. Under the Militia Act of 1777, the numbering of the militia units changed every three years though the composition of each unit recruited from a given area tended to remain more or less the same except for casualties and new recruits. Immortalized in song and story, Francis Marion became a hero of the Revolution second only to the commander-in-chief and first President of the United States, George Washington. Light infantry companies added to the regimental organization of each Continental Army infantry regiment in 1778 also had European roots. Late that afternoon, he bivouacked south of Nelsons Ferry. September 11, 1777 - Stirling's Division takes part in the action on the right of Washington's army during the battle of Brandywine. Samuel Morehead's Independent Company, an element of the. The 4th Pennsylvania Regiment was raised December 9, 1775 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for service with the Continental Army. The Pennsylvania Line originated in 1775 was organized into thirteen regiments and several independent companies. A system error has occurred. Contrary to common belief, none of the lands granted to veterans by the federal government were located in Pennsylvania. Following a disastrous expedition to Quebec, Canada, and his subsequent capture and parole as a prisoner, Morgan was appointed a colonel of a rifle regiment. The Pennsylvania Line: Regimental Organization and Operations, 1776-1783 by John B.B. . Companies and Battalions of militia were set up on a geographical basis similar to the arrangement already familiar with the Associators. Exercise Fine. They took part in campaigns against the Indian towns in northwest Pennsylvania in concert with the Sullivan/Clinton campaign, and again against the hostile Indians in southeast Ohio. Recognizing that personal circumstances might in some cases make it inconvenient or even impossible for a particular individual to serve, the fine system was in part devised to provide money in lieu of service in order to hire substitutes. This data collection contains an estimated 80,000 application files from officers and enlisted men who served in the Revolutionary War in all branches of the American military: army, navy, and marines. Supporting Army Rangers past, present, and future-RLTW. The regiment would see action during the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Battle of Springfield. The battalion colonels, lieutenant colonels, and majors were called to active duty in a specific order. The few present were able to man a section of the army's first line of defense at Whitemarsh in early December, before moving with the rest of Washington's forces into the legendary winter encampment at Valley Forge. The 7th Pennsylvania fought at Middlebrook, New Jersey on June 17. In June the men refused to report at camp for duty as they thought they were still on parole and had not been properly exchanged. October 4, 1777 - Possibly because of their service at Brandywine, Conway's Brigade was chosen to lead the main column of Washington's army in the attack on the British at Germantown. The traditional ranger usage reached its peak during the French and Indian War. It was organized during the spring of 1777 to consist of eight companies of volunteers from Westmoreland, Lancaster, Chester, Philadelphia and Cumberland counties of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The geographical boundaries for each district were drawn so as to raise between 440 to 680 men fit for active duty as determined by information contained in the local tax rolls. An Official Pennsylvania Government Website. The 7th Pennsylvania was present at Whitemarsh but did not fight. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. PHMC > Archives > Research Online > Bedford County Revolutionary War Militia. American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), also known as the American War of Independence, was a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies . At Mount Hope Swamp, Marion had his men disassemble the bridge. Leaving twenty dead from the engagement, he, the wagons, and the remainder of his regiment forced the ford. Thanks for your help! In certain counties there were recruited special troops calledRangers, who served long enlistments on the frontier against the Indians. Consolidated on January 17, 1781 with the, Reorganized on January 1, 1783 at Ashley Hills, South Carolina, to consist of 9 companies, and assigned to the. Within minutes, the planks had been removed from the center of the bridge and the stringers burned on the east end. This was in spite of the fact that he "is detested by the officer's of his brigade because he makes his brigade work and personally drills and instructs it, instead of leaving it idle in camp. Organized between January 2- late March 1776 at Philadelphia to consist of 8 companies from Philadelphia City and Berks, Bucks Chester and Philadelphia Counties. On September 25 it rushed from Tappan, New York, to West Point to reinforce the garrison there after Benedict Arnold's treachery was discovered. Benjamin Church and Maj. Robert Rogers both formed Ranger units to fight during the King Phillips War and the French and Indian War. However, the men who remained in service were all redistributed among all these units and this establishment was mostly on paper. Originally, the 6th Pennsylvania Battalion, the 7th Pennsylvania was authorized on January 4, 1776. During this time the brigade under General Thomas Conway, to which the 6th Regiment belonged, was reputed to be "the best instructed and disiplined" in the army. A double-pronged attack was planned with Lieutenant Colonel Watson marching down the Santee to attack Marion while Colonel Welbore Ellis Doyle crossed the Lynches River to cut off the rebels escape. Its main objective was the defense of Philadelphia and the protection of the Delaware river and bay of the outward and inward bound trade of the state. During this time, Congress realized a more substantial national army with enlistments longer than 12 months would be needed to fight the war successfully. After each tour of duty was completed, all of the privates and the company and field officers were returned to their permanent battalion billets. In March 1777, this indeed occurred. Or were they Associators? Remainder of Regiment reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1777 as the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment, an element of the, Relieved on July 18, 1778 from the 2nd Pennsylvania Brigade and assigned to the, New York Brigade relieved on May 24, 1779 from the, Relieved on August 24, 1779 from the New York Brigade and assigned to Hand's Brigade, an element of the, Relieved on August 1, 1780 from Hand's Brigade and assigned to 1st Pennsylvania Brigade, an element of the. But the bluff was too high and the artillery canister just passed overhead of the defenders on the east bank when fired. Captured in part on November 16, 1776 by the British Army at Fort Washington, New York. Pennsylvania Archives volumes and not directly from original archival records. Within the formation were the wagons, periodically stopping to gather more wounded or dead. The Flying Camp? Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. The Battle of Wyoming, also known as the Wyoming Massacre, was a military engagement during the American Revolutionary War between Patriot militia and a force of Loyalist soldiers and Iroquois warriors. Consolidated on November 6, 1777 with the, Bayard's Philadelphia Associators Regiment, Cadwalader's Philadelphia Associators Regiment, Matlack's Philadelphia Associators Rifle Battalion, Morgan's Philadelphia Associators Regiment, Moulder's Philadelphia Associators Artillery Company, Klotz's Lancaster County Militia Regiment, McAllister's York County Militia Regiment, Montgomery's Cumberland County Militia Regiment, Watt's Cumberland County Militia Regiment. Unfortunately, when redemption came many of the original holders had long since sold their certificates at heavy discounts. The American Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, was a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North American. This time, the question of military service was no longer optional. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. The regiment was assigned to the 3d Pennsylvania Brigade of the Main Continental Army on 27 May 1777. This Revolutionary War Militia Arrangement provides a breakdown of the battalions and companies raised in each county and the names of the commanding officers. Undaunted, the British Regulars held their ground, unlimbered their field cannon, and repelled the attack. At the beginning of 1775, Pennsylvania, founded under Quaker auspices, differed from other American colonies in being totally devoid of military organization. 14 cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. After a settlement was reached, the regiment was furloughed at Trenton on January 17. Special battalions of line troops were recruited for the Realizing that he had done enough and that his men would not be able to stand in the open ground against such a disciplined and highly trained force, Marion had his men remount and follow him, leaving the field of battle to Watson. As his situation grew more desperate with each passing day, Watson finally decided to retreat. June 10, 1777 The transfer of the Pennsylvania State Regiment to the Continental service is formalized. With France entering the conflict on the side of the new United States in May, the British abandoned Philadelphia and moved across New Jersey to the more easily defended stronghold of New York City. Jacob Weaver's Independent Company, Consolidated on November 7, 1777 with the. It also provided an avenue for conscientious objectors to fulfill their legal obligation to the state without compromising their religious convictions. History of the massacre of Captain Phillips' Pennsylvania Rangers; Illinois, Revolutionary War Veteran Burials, 1775-1850; Illinois, U.S., Revolutionary War Veteran Burials Index, 1775-1850; In memoriam : citizen soldiers of Dracut, Mass. The origin of the ranger tradition lies in the seventeenth century wars between colonists and Native American tribes. The American leadership stressed the ideas of Maurice, comte de Saxe and the comte de Guibert, two leading French military theorists, which advocated cross-training every soldier to perform both line or light infantry roles to allow mission flexibility. After this, the 7th Pennsylvania spent time in New York and New Jersey watching the British. Comment: Adapted here with some reformating, and standardization, Links to person articles to be added as they come available. Following the reduction of the Pennsylvania Line in the winter of 1780-81 the unit was redesignated "the detachment of the Pennsylvania Line", and consisted of two companies. With little winter clothing and half their muskets unservicable, the men struggled by foot, sloop, and bateaux into Canada, their strength sharply reduced by sickness. Some of its troops were detached to serve with the special task force (the "light infantry corps") under Brig. That evening both sides encamped, though Marion did order his night patrols to take shots at Watsons sentinels. After camping at Valley Forge, the First Pennsylvania saw limited action at Monmouth. Please enable scripts and reload this page. The regiment spent the winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge and took part in the Battle of Monmouth (28 June) the following summer. In the original concept rangers were full-time soldiers employed by the colonial governments to "range" between fixed frontier fortifications as a reconnaissance system to provide early warning of hostile raids. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. who served in the war of the American Revolution, 1775-1783 The regiment was raised in Cumberland and York counties (companies G and H). Organized between March 13- May 29, 1776 at Chester to consist of 8 companies from Philadelphia City and Bucks, Philadelphia, Chester and Lancaster Counties. In their place came a complex system of county battalion classes and officers whose seniority was chosen by the drawing of lots. RevWar '75 Continental Army Orderly Books Crown Forces Orderly Books Articles from Military Collector and Historian. Joseph Howell became acting regimental commander and the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment numbered only 13 other officers and 74 enlisted men present for duty at the end of the month. It spent the rest of the year in garrison at West Point and probably wintered at Morristown. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Muster rolls of the navy and line, militia and rangers, 1775-1783:198-220 Intemediate Sources: USGENwebArchives Transcribed by Christina Hunt Archive.org, OCR Transcription. Perry County, Continental bills of Credit, which quickly lost value. August 11, 1776 The Pennsylvania troops are ordered to New York and are assigned to the brigade commanded by General William Alexander. The mix of mounted and dismounted men gave it somewhat greater staying power in independent firefights while also allowing rapid forced marches (each light infantryman held on to a dragoon's stirrups). Capt. Organized in spring 1777 at Philadelphia to consist of 8 companies from York, Bucks, Northampton and Northumberland Counties. As Thompson's Rifle Battalion, the regiment participated in the siege of Boston. About. On June 10, 1777, the Pennsylvania Assembly, following the advice of the Supreme Executive Council of the state, transferred the state regiment to Continental service. Organized spring 1777 at York, Pennsylvania, with personnel from York County. In October it participated in Anthony Wayne's defeat of the British at Valcour Island, but otherwise had an uneventful tour of garrison duty. In Pennsylvania, the Associators once again stepped up to fill these roles, but the cost and commitment of their near continuous service were growing burdensome. During this assault one regiment, possibly the 6th Pennsylvania attacked the pickets at Mount Airy. Later that evening, one of Marions scouts reconnoitered the camp and rode off to warn his brigadier. Watson was cut off from outside information, for his messengers could not break through Marions cordon. Unfortunately for Watson, the lack of trees and concealment did not diminish the fires, nor their accuracy. The Pennsylvanians assigned to the fort, mostly from the Musket Battalion, are among those captured.