Much of the information provided below was extracted by former archivist Henry James Young, and also possibly by archivist Marvin Schlegel, during the 1940s and 1950s from published entries in the various series of the Shortly afterward, the Regiment helped delay Cornwallis before the Battle of Princeton. The Regiment was authorized on March 6, 1776 in the Pennsylvania State Troops as the Pennsylvania State Rifle Regiment. Thousands of militiamen returned from tours of active duty unpaid, bearing only a slip signed by a commanding officer. 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 two dismounted
troops armed and equipped as light infantry provided a defensive
element to protect the camp from enemy surprise attack, and also
provided a base of fire around which the mounted elements could
maneuver. But the bluff was too high and the artillery canister just passed overhead of the defenders on the east bank when fired. Search Connecticut Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 from The National Archives, Search Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served from Connecticut in the American Army During the Revolution from The National Archives. General Hugh Mercer and attack a group of British dragoons. 3, 1964): 161-230 was well as the historical background section below. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. 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. Concurrent with the establishment of county militias was the creation of five companies of Rangers. The structure
of the legionary corps focused on providing close reconnaissance
and security patrols for a field army although various operational
and manpower problems hampered most of the regiments from achieving
complete success. Unfortunately for Watson, the lack of trees and concealment did not diminish the fires, nor their accuracy. As such, they were subject to the orders of the Provincial Assembly. The Regiment was authorized on June 14, 1775 in the Continental Army as 6 separate companies of Pennsylvania Riflemen and assigned to the Main Army. This active-duty roll was therefore a completely different roll from the permanent billet roll. who served in the war of the American Revolution, 1775-1783 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). The original 8th Pennsylvania Regiment was formed in July 1776 of men from Westmoreland and Bedford counties in western Pennsylvania. Upon reaching the ford site, the captain was killed with one shot from the Marions sharpshooter commander. Marion knew that an engagement with them would not be easy and he could expect no support from the American army. Another sixty-six enlisted men were sick, and thirty-one were on detached service. 1783-1788], Return of Pennsylvania Line Entitled To Donation Lands, Northumberland Co Revolutionary War Militia, Philadelphia City Revolutionary War Militia, Philadelphia Co Revolutionary War Militia, Westmoreland Co Revolutionary War Militia, PHMC Collections Management Policy Standards, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access Policy, Military Accounts, Associators, 1775-1777 (RG 4) (microfilm rolls #152), Military Accounts, Line, 1775-1809 (RG 4) (microfilm rolls #142-150), Military Accounts, Militia, 1777-1794 (RG 4) (microfilm rolls #153-189), Military Accounts, Navy, 1775-1794 (RG 4) (microfilm rolls #205-207, 150), Revolutionary War Pension File, 1809-1893 (RG 2) (microfilm rolls #20-22), Revolutionary War Pension List Book, 1834-1837 (RG 28) (microfilm roll #240), Records of Pennsylvania's Revolutionary Governments (RG 27) (microfilm rolls #689-741), Miscellaneous Manuscripts of the Revolutionary War Era, 1771-1791 (MG 275) (microfilm roll #2984), Lyman Copeland Draper Papers, 1542-1916 (MG 262) (microfilm rolls #1202-1239), Sol Feinstone Collection of the American Revolution, 1739-1859 (MG-262) (microfilm rolls #1290-1292), Lieutenant General von Knyphausen, Report of the Battle of Brandywine to Court of Hesse-Kassel, September 11, 1777 (MG 262) (microfilm rolls #3003), Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1789 (National Archives) (microfilm rolls #1733-1738), Donation and Depreciation Lands (RG 17) (microfilm roll #3429). Learn more. 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. 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. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, so many men volunteered to join the Associators that a more formal operating structure was required. At Morristown, during the winter of 1780-81, the 7th Pennsylvania was involved in a mutiny with other Pennsylvania Regiments after which the unit was disbanded. Lee particularly shined when his regulars
stiffened the irregular local forces of leaders like Francis ("Swamp
Fox") Marion. 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. Revolutionary War: Black loyalists sought freedom at Sandy Hook NJ (sic)They are officially uniformed in a blue regimental coat with red lining and facing and pewter buttons inscribed PSR. Essentially, the old 2nd Pennsylvania ceased to exist before the final campaign in Virginia and South Carolina, although former members of the regiment were battle casualties at Green Springs on July 6 and Yorktown in October. The Pennsylvania State Regiment of Foot was organized at the end of April, 1777, from the men and officers of Miles's rifle battalion and Atlee's musketry battalion. 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. In pursuit was Peter Horry, firing on the retreating forms from every bush and thicket. On September 25 it rushed from Tappan, New York, to West Point to reinforce the garrison there after Benedict Arnold's treachery was discovered. In contrast, however, they received uniforms and arms from the state. In October it participated in Anthony Wayne's defeat of the British at Valcour Island, but otherwise had an uneventful tour of garrison duty. Each
partisan unit in the Continental Army, however, had a unique organizational
structure. Stephanie Hoover 2017 - All Rights Reserved, Directory of Pennsylvania Genealogical & Historical Societies, Pennsylvania Research Reference Materials. Colonels Colonel William Thompson, Colonel Edward Hand, Colonel James Chambers Companies This Revolutionary War Militia Arrangement provides a breakdown of the battalions and companies raised in each county and the names of the commanding officers. Washington wanted to
use it as a vehicle for insuring tribal support--its Native American
members would become hostages for the good behavior of the rest
of the tribe--as well as a combat element. Depreciation Pay Certificates, which were both interest bearing and negotiable, like bonds of the present day. Swearingen resigned from the service in August 1779 and settled in Washington County, Pa., where he owned a handful of slaves and became the county's first sheriff two years later. 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 Regiment was authorized on December 9, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 4th Pennsylvania Battalion. Search the Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files of Connecticut Veterans from The National Archives: Capt. September 11, 1777 The Battle of Brandywine. Less than a week later, on July 1, the unit was dissolved, and merged with elements of the 10th Pennsylvania. From there it moved to Morristown, New Jersey, for the encampment in Jockey Hollow where it endured the most brutal winter of the 18th Century. Mother Bedford - The Pennsylvania Frontier Of The 1700s 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. and were required to show up for their two months of active duty at the time and in the order that their class was called up. For line troops, neither the type of service rendered nor the term of enlistment was uniform. Translate. By 1675-1676 a new
element appeared in the ranger concept. The Regiment was authorized on January 18, 1777 in the Continental Army as an independent company to guard prisoners of war at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In March 1777, this indeed occurred. The 1781 reorganization
of the Continental resolved the issue of light troops by bringing
greater centralized control. Or were they Associators? Organized between July 15- September 15, 1776 at Kittanning to consist of 8 companies from Westmoreland, Bedford and Cumberland Counties. Most of the regiment's men were recruited from Berks and Chester counties, although many came from Philadelphia and as far away as Northumberland County. 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. Relieved on April 27, 1776 from Green's Brigade and assigned to the. Revolutionary Soldiers, thanks again Ed Carsons In April of 1781, Robinson's Rangers had already been involved, as General Potter stated in his letter xiv in a "sharp engagement at Bald Eagle Creek." Little is known of that particular engagement, and perhaps it is the same one related by Van Campen, later. Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Revolutionary War Military Abstract Card File, Revolutionary War Pension Files and Related Accounts, Military Pension Accounts and Related Papers, Revolutionary War Soldiers' Claims and Related Papers, Revolutionary War Accounts and Miscellaneous Records (Associators Accounts), Revolutionary War Accounts and Miscellaneous Records (Line Accounts), Revolutionary War Accounts and Miscellaneous Records (Militia 3A Accounts), Revolutionary War Accounts and Miscellaneous Records (Militia 3B Accounts), Revolutionary War Accounts and Miscellaneous Records (Navy Accounts), American Loyalist Claims, [ca. Militia Resource Guide 1682-1815 - Pennsylvania Historical & Museum It is believed and written by many that when the time came for the colonies to fight for their independence, the American Rangers were ready. To a degree, when one looks to the likes of Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox, that may be true. Curtailing his attempt to clear the far side first, Watson formed his men in column and ordered the first column forward with its captain out front. Ohio, 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. Largely due to its Quaker roots, Pennsylvania did not initially (like neighboring colonies) form a standing militia. Black regimental hats are bound up in yellow.Records of deserters in 1777-78 show however, men clad in various color regimental coats and hunting shirts. Unfortunately, when redemption came many of the original holders had long since sold their certificates at heavy discounts. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Contrary to common belief, none of the lands granted to veterans by the federal government were located in Pennsylvania. As his situation grew more desperate with each passing day, Watson finally decided to retreat. 1st United States President, Revolutionary War Mount Vernon, The financial difficulties of the new government, difficulties that lasted into the 1790's, complicated the payment of troops. In the mid 1700s, Capt. RevWar '75 Continental Army Orderly Books Crown Forces Orderly Books Articles from Military Collector and Historian. Union County, Relieved on May 22, 1777 from Stirling's Brigade and assigned to the 1st Pennsylvania Brigade, an element of the. With his cavalry defeated, Watson advanced his guards. On July 1, 1776, the army reorganized yet again with each state directed to supply a quota of line regiments for Continental service. John Nelson's Independent Rifle Company and assigned to the. Following a brief skirmish on the narrow land bridge, both sides withdrew. October 4, 1777 Battle of Germantown. Contrary to myth, the
light troops in the Continental Army overwhelmingly followed European
doctrinal concepts. A separate article discussing the various form of military service during this conflict will be added in the near future. Ages ranged from sixteen to sixty years. It was assigned on August 12, 1776 to Stirling's Brigade, an element of the Main Army. After exchanging fire in the area of Chadd's Ford, The PSR, as part of General Greene's division move to meet the main British assault. When the American Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, about fifty Loyalist regiments were raised, including the Butler's Rangers, the King's Royal Regiment, and the Maryland and Pennsylvania Loyalists.Robert Rogers again raised a unit, this time in New York (mostly from Loyalists living in Westchester and Long Island), from western Connecticut, and with men from the Queen's Loyal Virginia . During the Revolutionary War, Western Pennsylvania saw much fighting between American soldiers and British rangers and their Indian allies. It spent the rest of the year in garrison at West Point and probably wintered at Morristown. The distance from bank to bank was the perfect sharpshooter distance, fifty yards. 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). John Pugh's Independent Company to guard Powder Mill at French Creek. Exercise Fine. An Official Pennsylvania Government Website. Veterans of this corps
played a major role in the Continental Army during the Revolution,
including Major General Israel Putnam and Brigadier Generals John
Stark and Moses Hazen. Marion was located past Murrys Ferry. Disbanded on July 1, 1778 at White Plains, New York. 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. Bucks County Associators and a chart showing how the units were organized is available. During this assault one regiment, possibly the 6th Pennsylvania attacked the pickets at Mount Airy. The 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment was raised, on December 9, 1775, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for service with the Continental Army. Pennsylvania, Strafford County, The Regiment was authorized on October 12, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion. The resulting restructuring of the Pennsylvania Line perpetuated a 2nd Regiment among the state's six reorganized units, with Walter Stewart still in command. On October 14, under pressure from the British rejoined the main force at Ticonderoga. This was the decisive point of the campaign that required Marion to attack. Samuel Morehead's Independent Company, an element of the. Here the regiment shared the sufferings of the Continental Line, trained in Von Steuben's new manual of arms and brought itself up to strength. Armand's
remained a shell during 1781, but Lee had great success in the
Carolinas carrying out those specific missions for which the 3-3
mix of mounted and dismounted troops had been designed. Union County, 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." Northumberland County Revolutionary War Militia Upper Division Associators, 24 January 1776 Commanding Officers: Col. unknown It should be noted that these fines were not necessarily intended to be punitive. The regiment was disbanded on January 1, 1783. It then reported to march with the army under Col. Arthur St. Clair and was involved at Three Rivers on June 9. Men who served with Regiment and continued their service saw action at Yorktown and mopping up operations in South Carolina. 21 Thacher, James, Military Journal during the American Revolutionary War, pp. Contrary to common belief, none of the lands granted to veterans by the federal government were located in Pennsylvania. Navy veterans were not eligible for grants of Donation Land. Trussell, Jr. (Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 1977). Morgans Corps of Rangers was coming to fruition. December 26, 1776 The Battle of Trenton. Re-designated on January 1, 1777 as the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment. U.S., Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 - Ancestry 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. Participating in a part of the left wing under Nathaniel Green, the Pennsylvanians assist in the defeat of the Hessians under Colonel Rall. 3, The Pennsylvania Line: Regimental Organization and Operations, 17751783. Washington County, Pa., Frontier Rangers, 1781-1782 - Indiana Reorganized on July 1, 1778 to consist of 9 companies. Due to the sixty-day turnover, however, none of the men who were at Brandywine in September would have been present at Whitemarsh in December. 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. Watson and his men remained where they were, subsisting off the plantation, gathering from those homes around them anything else they needed. It also provided an avenue for conscientious objectors to fulfill their legal obligation to the state without compromising their religious convictions. Within the formation were the wagons, periodically stopping to gather more wounded or dead. Swamp to his left and right, passage blocked to the front and Marion closing in from the rear, Watson had to quickly choose whether to flee or fight. American Revolution - ARMY RANGERS Indian warriors, British rangers wipe out Western Pa. town during The 7th Pennsylvania marched with Brig. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Westmoreland County Revolutionary War Militia On 1 July 1778 the regiment was re-organized to eight companies. There is no particular record that the unit was involved in any fighting that summer, but in October, 1779, it had 452 officers and men with Wayne at West Point. Soldiers who served during the years 1777-1780, when the currency was depreciating, were paid in About Us | Contact Us | Copyright | Report Inappropriate Material Gen. Anthony Wayne's Division. American Revolutionary War From Bedford County Despite the fact that a totally comprehensive collection is not available, a number of rosters of Patriots of the American Revolutionary War from Bedford County, Pennsylvania have survived.