Contrary to myth, the
light troops in the Continental Army overwhelmingly followed European
doctrinal concepts. It is notable, however, that during the summer campaign of 1776, thousands of Pennsylvania Associators saw active service in New Jersey. He was replaced by Col. John Phillip DeHaas of Lebanon. Participating in a part of the left wing under Nathaniel Green, the Pennsylvanians assist in the defeat of the Hessians under Colonel Rall. PHMC. . 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 . Organized in spring 1777 at Philadelphia to consist of 8 companies from York, Bucks, Northampton and Northumberland Counties. In offensive
operations they became scouts and guides, locating targets (such
as villages) for task forces drawn from the militia or other colonial
troops. As the advance guard made its way across the river, Marion fell upon the rear guard. Col. Henry Bicker was appointed in his place but did not actually join the regiment until the following October. Source:Egle, William Henry, 1898. In the meantime, the regiment was commanded by the senior officer present for duty, Maj. William Williams. The financial difficulties of the new government, difficulties that lasted into the 1790's, complicated the payment of troops. The regiment would see action during the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Battle of Springfield. Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Military Records Pennsylvania in the Revolutionary War 1st Pennsylvania Regiment Brief History Also known as the Pennsylvania Rifle Battalion and Thompson's Rifle Battalion. The Flying Camp? 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. Frustration had set in on the British in regard to Marion, and the decision was made by Cornwallis replacement as field commander in South Carolina, Lord Francis Rawdon, to try and eradicate the pest once and for all. The company commanders could also change. The regiment was authorized in December, 1775 as the 5th Pennsylvania Battalion. Gen. Anthony Wayne's Division. The names of men in each company of each battalion were listed on a roll called "General Returns of the Battalion" together with the names of any substitutes that were provided. In January 1780, the Regiment after suffering long and hard service with pay in arrears, poorly fed, and poorly equipped, joined the other Pennsylvania regiments in a mutiny of the Pennsylvania Line at Morristown, New Jersey. For all intents the Regiment ceased to exist. The 7th Pennsylvania was part of the force that attacked the blockhouse under Wayne at Bergen Heights on july 21, 1780. They spent the winter at Valley Forge and fought at the battle of Monmoth on June 28, 1778. Sending forth his Loyalist cavalry to cross the causeway, Marion met the charge with one of his own led by Peter Horry and his mounted men. Somewhat similarly, at the end of the war arrearages and allowances due were met by issuing to each soldier still in the service a number of interest-bearing Final Settlements, also called Later, some of the 11th Pennsylvania took part in the patrol actions in New Jersey, which marked the spring and summer of 1777. Sullivan in his campaign against the Iroquois in western Pennsylvania. "Pennsylvania Rifle: Revolutionary Weapon in a Conventional War." Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, 103 (July 1979), pp. None of the light units
employed by the Continental Army carried out a training role as
Rogers' Rangers had during the French and Indian War. 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 regiment
never recruited the Indian component, and changes in British operations
led to the transformation of the white elements into normal infantry. Furloughed on January 17, 1781 at Trenton, New Jersey. 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. Ages ranged from sixteen to sixty years. Col. DeHaas was promoted to a brigadier general in February and was replaced by Col. James Irvine, who resigned in June. Formation [ edit] Gen. William Maxwell, which was formed for the fall campaign opposing the British approach toward Philadelphia from the south. An Official Pennsylvania Government Website. Most of the Associators now disbanded. The enlisted men were held by the British until December 26, 1776 when they were set free on parole and, most probably, exchanged for prisoners held by the Continental Forces. Morgans losses were placed at twelve killed and sixty-one wounded. As we continue to get closer to a complete collection of The Pennsylvania Archives, we find more interesting facts. 1st United States President, Revolutionary War Mount Vernon, For the remainder of the war, the fame of Morgan and of his Rangers continued to grow as they deployed throughout the colonies engaging British forces. 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. July to August 1777 - With the rest of Washington's army the 6th Regiment marched back and forth across New Jersey and into New York and Pennsylvania while trying to ascertain the destination of General Howe's army, which had embarked on the British fleet. Having suffered so many casualties, by November 1, the 7th Pennsylvania only had 17 officers and 105 men fit for duty. The 6th Pennsylvania was then posted there for the next three months and was involved in several brushes with the British. Such men of the Pennsylvania Line as became disabled in service but were found capable of light garrison duty were transferred to this special continental regiment. Imposing and silent, highly disciplined and trained, impressive in their bright red uniforms, the guards led with bayonets that gleamed and sparkled on the ends of upraised muskets. 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. The names of those who actually turned out for muster duty would then appear on company muster rolls listing the men in their new arrangement. After spending the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge with the other regiments of the Pennsylvania Line, the 11th Pennsylvania took part in the campaign across New Jersey which followed. June 26, 1777 - As part of Lord Stirling's Division the regiment probably joined the army in time to participate in the battle of Short Hills. (these are free with registration) Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 from National Archives (NARA) microfilm publication M246. Arriving from Ireland Kauffman, 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. At the Battle of Brandywine on Sept. 11, 1777, the regiment was part of the force guarding Chadds Ford until the British diversionary force stormed across the creek and compelled Wayne's Division to withdraw. PHMC > Archives > Research Online > Bedford County Revolutionary War Militia. As Thompson's Rifle Battalion, the regiment participated in the siege of Boston. Some of the muster rolls provide the date when duty began, and in the case of officers, the date of their commission, and perhaps some additional comments indicating such types of information as whether they were detached on special duty or the dates of any desertions. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. The regiment was merged into the 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment on July 1, 1778. During the 1777 campaign, the regiment split, with the smaller rifle corps joining Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates at Saratoga. Brinkerhoff, Jacob; ensign, Captain Williams' company, Colonel Michael Swope's battalion of the flying camp; in service, 1776. The Regiment was authorized on January 30, 1776 in the continental Army as Capt. An online listing of officers in the Organized on September 5, 1776 at Lancaster with recruits from central Pennsylvania and assigned to the. Ancestry.com and our loyal RootsWeb community. Like the Associators, they were volunteers. Pennsylvania, Also important to understand is that the 1777 Militia Act automatically expired in 1780 and was immediately replaced by a new Militia Act that also lasted for three years and was superceded by a third Militia Act in 1783. The young officer, nicknamed "The Irish Beauty" by the ladies of Philadelphia, was a close friend of Anthony Wayne's and well acquainted with Washington as well. RootsWeb is funded and supported by The regiment was furloughed January 17, 1781 at Trenton, New Jersey and disbanded on January 1, 1783. Less than a week later, on July 1, the unit was dissolved, and merged with elements of the 10th Pennsylvania. Organized between June 25- July 20, 1775 to consist of 9 companies from Cumberland, Lancaster, Northumberland, Northampton, Bedford, Berks and York Counties. 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. As Marions men turned back from the fires, Watson loaded two wagons with wounded. When General Washington asked for the middle Atlantic states to provide additional reinforcements willing to serve for six months duty in 1776, the Associator units were tapped as a manpower pool, though the individual units did not themselves become part of the Pennsylvania Line forces. Eight days later, Pennsylvania was directed to raise two additional companies, followed by a third. Before daybreak, Marion roused his men and deployed his troops. The traditional ranger
usage reached its peak during the French and Indian War. The Thirteenth was incorporated with the Second Pennsylvania, July 1, 1778. The Regiment was authorized on December 9, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 3d Pennsylvania Battalion. Only in extreme cases was any individual militia man required to drill with his neighbors as many as twelve times each year, and at most he was called upon to perform during the entire course of the war, two or possibly three, short tours of active duty. Instead, it protected itself with the passage of temporary laws authorizing organized militias. 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. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. On June 7, it fought at Connecticut Farms and on June 21 was at "the blockhouse" at Bergen Hts., where it joined the First Pennsylvania Regiment in a gallant but futile headlong charge on a sturdy Loyalist fortification despite the attempts of the officers to restrain the men. Most of the muster rolls that have survived were made up just before the men were discharged from duty. December 26, 1776 The Battle of Trenton. The Rangers were engaged in numerous violent raids that characterized the northern frontier of the American Revolutionary War, such as the Battle of Wyoming in July 1778 and the Cherry Valley massacre of November 1778. This active-duty roll was therefore a completely different roll from the permanent billet roll. During the Seven
Years' War most European armies developed partisan corps (also
called frei korps). Stephanie Hoover 2017 - All Rights Reserved, Directory of Pennsylvania Genealogical & Historical Societies, Pennsylvania Research Reference Materials. William Hendrick's and Mathew Smith's companies each additionally served in: On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution calling for the raising of six companies of expert riflemen from Pennsylvania, two from Maryland, and two from Virginia. To make amends for such depreciation, each of these men who in 1781 yet remained in line service was awarded a substantial sum inDepreciation Pay Certificates, which were both interest bearing and negotiable, like bonds of the present day. 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 1st Partisan Corps
under the Frenchman "Colonel Armand" (the marquis de
la Rouerie) and the 2d under Lee both drew assignments in Major
General Nathanael Greene's Southern Department. 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. Soon, the British regiment marched into view. Reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1777 as the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, to consist of 8 companies. This was the second unit raised by the state (the first was "The Pennsylvania Rifle Battalion") and was enrolled for a term of one year. In fact over the period of several
years the 3d South Carolina Regiment gradually evolved into a
line infantry regiment. The 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment had its origins in a unit established on October 12, 1775, and designated "The First Pennsylvania Battalion." In the Western Department, the unit helped construct and garrison Fort McIntosh on the Beaver River, and Fort Laurens on the Tuscarawas. In 1747, Ben Franklin (only 39 years of age at the time) created the Philadelphia Militia Association, a completely volunteer force totalling 10,000 enrollees. October 4, 1777 Battle of Germantown. USA, Somerset, Only
during a brief period in the winter of 1777-1778 did the Continental
Army experiment with the idea of employing them as a shock force. Leaving twenty dead from the engagement, he, the wagons, and the remainder of his regiment forced the ford. Were your ancestors part of the Pennsylvania Line? 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 light infantry companies
continued under their existing practice of forming provisional
battalions for each campaign season. To get things off to a spirited start, he dispatched a detachment of sharpshooters across the river to the plantation where Watson and his troops were housed with orders to shoot his sentries and to wreak havoc. Recipe Book - 1705. They also helped garrison Fort Pitt, Fort Henry, and a number of smaller posts. Revolutionary War General. Whitcomb's Rangers
started as a similar provisional unit on the Lake Champlain front
in 1776. Many of the Invalids were subsequently pensioned. Though titled Rangers by Washington and a grateful American people, Morgans Rangers were not, in essence, Rangers in the sense of the uniquely trained, motivated, and challenged soldier. It was consolidated with the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment on 17 January 1781 and re-designated as the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment and concurrently furloughed at Trenton, New Jersey. Navy veterans were not eligible for grants of Donation Land. About. By the end of that year, Pennsylvania had adopted a new more radical constitution that wrested control from the older conservative Assembly and in early 1777 the new Assembly passed Pennsylvania's first militia law requiring compulsory military service. The next year, the regiment took part in a number of small engagements in New Jersey and again wintered at Morristown. Exemptions were extremely limited, and an estimated 60,000 men were enrolled. USA, New Berlin, Two
months later the remnants of the corps fell into British hands
when Fort Washington surrendered. These groups assisted state-controlled - yet still temporary - militias. Within each county, the colonels drew lots for their individual rank, which was then assigned to their battalion as First Battallion, Second Battalion, Third Battalion, etc. Nine miles from Georgetown, the harried regiment approached the Sampit River. Marion knew that an engagement with them would not be easy and he could expect no support from the American army. Re-designated the 7th Pennsylvania Regiment and with such a large number of re-enlisting veterans, the unit was ready for duty in a very short time. The Pennsylvania Lineoriginated in 1775 was organized into thirteen regiments and several independent companies. Organized in spring 1777 at Philadelphia to consist of 8 companies from Westmoreland, Lancaster, Chester, Philadelphia and Cumberland Counties. Filename: Description: Date: Submitter: Revolutionary War: 1bat1782.txt : Rev War: 1782 - First Battalion, Washington County: May 1998: m. Burns: Frontier Rangers/Militia Overmyer has not added any memorials to this virtual cemetery. In January 1776, the eight companies of the newly-formed battalion began leaving the state to participate in Benedict Arnold's ill-fated attempt to capture Quebec. On November 3, 1783, after a distinguished career, the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment was officially mustered out in Philadelphia, then capital of the United States of America. The tranditional ranger usage had
only limited application during that later war. January to June 1777 - During this period the unit was reorganized as the 6th Regiment with Colonel Henry Bicker as its commander. When new elections were held for field officers in 1780 and 1783, the colonels elected at that time again drew lots for their rank and this resulted in a new order for the battalions. Some elements of the 11th Pennsylvania saw action in the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777. To fight the enemy bravely with a prospect of victory is nothing; but to fight with intrepidity under the constant impression of defeat, and inspire irregular troops to do it, is a talent peculiar to yourself. This was the decisive point of the campaign that required Marion to attack. U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900. Watson rode back to rally his men only to have his horse shot from under him. In contrast, however, they received uniforms and arms from the state. Congress passed the first national conscription act in the country's history. The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 23 (No. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Organized between January 2- February 17, 1776 at Philadelphia to consist of 8 companies. For line troops, neither the type of service rendered nor the term of enlistment was uniform. The names of these individuals will be found on the appeal lists. 3, The Pennsylvania Line: Regimental Organization and Operations, 17751783. During the battle, Colonel Miles, Atlee and Lt. Light infantry companies
added to the regimental organization of each Continental Army
infantry regiment in 1778 also had European roots. During 1777, the regiment participated in the Philadelphia Campaign and fought at the Battles of Brandywine (11 Sept.) and Germantown (4 Oct.). Undaunted, the British Regulars held their ground, unlimbered their field cannon, and repelled the attack. However, the men who remained in service were all redistributed among all these units and this establishment was mostly on paper. Marions response was to once again reiterate his position that he was only responding in kind to British transgressions. It was during this action that the "wives of several of the soldiers belonging to the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment took the empty canteens of their husbands and friends and returned them filled with waterduring the hottest part of the engagement, although frequently cautioned as to the danger of coming into the line of fire.". Supporting Army Rangers past, present, and future-RLTW. Watsons Buffs were considered to be one of the finest regiments in the British army. The Regiment was authorized on December 9, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 4th Pennsylvania Battalion. 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. The 13th Pennsylvania Regiment, also known as The Pennsylvania State Rifle Regiment and Miles's Regiment, was raised March 6, 1776, as a state militia regiment and later for service with the Continental Army. 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. Following a brief skirmish on the narrow land bridge, both sides withdrew. The companies supported British
operations against French Canada on the New York and St. Lawrence
River fronts. This account has been disabled. The financial difficulties of the new government, difficulties that lasted into the 1790's, complicated the payment of troops. Advancing his main force as support, Marion again ordered Horry to charge. For the 2nd Class, the colonel of the 2nd Battalion, lieutenant colonel of the First Battalion, and major of the 4th Battalion entered service in command of the 2nd Class active-duty battalion. In many instances, members of the militia gave no military service beyond occasional routine drill, and some escaped even that. The regiment spent the winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge and took part in the Battle of Monmouth (28 June) the following summer. To each of her line soldiers, who served to the end of the war, Pennsylvania grantedDonation Landin certain western counties, land that remained free from taxation so long as the soldier lived and retained ownership. 302-324. return to scholars showcase. (sic)They are officially uniformed in a blue regimental coat with red lining and facing and pewter buttons inscribed PSR. Relieved in January 1777 from Stirling's Brigade. March 5, 1776 The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passes a resolution to establish: The Pennsylvania State Rifle Regiment, know as Miles's Regiment, was to consist of two battalions of six companies of seventy-eight enlisted men, armed with rifles: The State Battalion of Musketry, known as Atless's Battalion, was to consist of eight companies of fifty-eight enlisted men, armed with muskets. Inspite of the the heavy loss of life at Paoli the Regiment fought on October 4, 1777 at Germantown. These nine companies were to form a battalion to be commanded by Col. William Thompson of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Tabulated company returns were periodically compiled from the muster rolls and from these the adjutants for each battalion compiled battalion returns that were then tabulated by the muster master general of the brigade and submitted to the brigadier general in the form of a general return (not to be confused with the Battalion General Return mentioned above). November 30, 2006 by Trevor. At the Battle of Monmouth, on June 28, 1778, it was one of the three Pennsylvania regiments in the force which Aaron Burr led in a late-afternoon assault on the flank of a British counterattacking column. The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment. Or were they Associators? Organized in spring 1777 at Philadelphia to consist of 8 companies from Philadelphia City and Berks, Chester, Philadelphia and Northumberland Counties. 14 cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Knowlton's Rangers, a provisional three-company unit
of volunteers from Connecticut and Massachusetts line regiments
under Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton, came into being during
the late summer of 1776 at New York City. 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. USA. Weve updated the security on the site. Taking refuge in forests and swamps, for which he earned the appellation the Swamp Fox from his enemies, Marions brigade kept the British off-balance with quick movements that captured British troops, destroyed supplies, and disrupted lines of communications. The regiment would see action during the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown and the Battle of Monmouth. March 1, 1777 The Pennsylvania State Regiment is officially activated as a unit. In 1782, John Alton served as a Private in the Pennsylvania Rangers on the Frontier in Captain John Dean's Company in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, with his brother Benjamin during Colonel Crawford's disastrous expedition against the Indians at Sandusky. The Regiment was authorized on April 8, 1777 in the Pennsylvania State Troops as Capt. On 5 March 1781, Watson began his movement, marching from Fort Watson. Deleting this Virtual Cemetery cannot be undone. Relieved on April 27, 1776 from Green's Brigade and assigned to the. Each
partisan unit in the Continental Army, however, had a unique organizational
structure. 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. On 1 July 1778 the regiment was re-organized to eight companies. who served in the war of the American Revolution, 1775-1783 Seven miles later at Ox Swamp, he encountered destroyed bridges and an abatis across the causeway.