pennsylvania rangers revolutionary war

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. It spent the rest of the year in garrison at West Point and probably wintered at Morristown. The regiment as a whole seems to have seen its first major action at the Battle of Brandywine, on September 11, 1777, and saw especially hard fighting, taking heavy casualties. During 1777, the regiment participated in the Philadelphia Campaign and fought at the Battles of Brandywine (11 Sept.) and Germantown (4 Oct.). 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. Union County, To make amends for such depreciation, each of these men who in 1781 yet remained in line service was awarded a substantial sum in 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. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Hiding in his lair on Peyres Plantation or Snows Island by day and stealthily emerging at night to strike around midnight, Marion and his men would wreak havoc on British units from White Marsh to Black Mingo before fading once again into the morasses of the Santee or Peedee Rivers. It remained in the Western Department till the end of the war. 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. 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. In December, the 2nd Pennsylvania returned to Morristown for another winter. Following additional successes by the Swamp Fox, General Nathanael Greene would write the following to Francis Marion: When I consider how much you have done and suffered, and under what disadvantage you have maintained your ground, I am at a loss which to admire most, your courage and fortitude, or your address and management. Crossing the road that led from Murrys Ferry to Kingstree, Watson continued to follow Marion toward Georgetown. USA. In certain counties there were recruited special troops called Revolutionary War Records at FamilySearch. The 11th Pennsylvania fought again at Germantown on October 4, 1777. October 4, 1777 Battle of Germantown. 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. Provision was made for recruiting from the ranks of Associators in each county a small corps of The Pennsylvania Line originated in 1775 was organized into thirteen regiments and several independent companies. The regiment was disbanded on January 17, 1781 at Trenton, New Jersey. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. When one considers those parameters, there truly was only one group of American revolutionaries who could be considered an excellent example of early American Ranger prowess. During the summer, the 11th Pennsylvania was assigned to the 2d Brigade of Anthony Wayne's division. 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. Men who served with Regiment and continued their service saw action at Yorktown and mopping up operations in South Carolina. The origin of the ranger tradition lies in the seventeenth century wars between colonists and Native American tribes. 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. Rangers committed to prolonged enlistment periods and rather than fight the war for independence, they patrolled Pennsylvania's western frontier, often fending off Indian attacks. 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. Virginia, Morgan would continue to fight in support of the American Revolution in a number of significant battles, including the battle at Cowpens, South Carolina, on 17 January 1781. Scouts abounded about the British regiment. 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. Miscellaneous private papers relating to the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, Philippine Insurrection, World War I, the Pennsylvania National Guard, and peacetime military service. 302-324. return to scholars showcase. The Raid at Cabanatuan, Philippines, 75th Ranger Regiment The Legacy Continues. Militia Resource Guide 1682-1815 - Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Union County, November 30, 2006 by Trevor. USA, Winfield, During this assault one regiment, possibly the 6th Pennsylvania attacked the pickets at Mount Airy. Here the 2nd Pennsylvania served in a provisional brigade commanded by Lt. Col. Aaron Burr and made a charge from the American left flank into a British force trying to assault the American center. The Regiment was authorized on December 9, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 4th Pennsylvania Battalion. Reorganized and re-designated 1 January 1, 1777 as the 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment, to consist of 8 companies. 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. Huddy was captured but escaped on the way back . Watson and his men remained where they were, subsisting off the plantation, gathering from those homes around them anything else they needed. Later, some of the 11th Pennsylvania took part in the patrol actions in New Jersey, which marked the spring and summer of 1777. It was here that they received a new commander, Lieutenant Colonel Josiah Harmar, on the 1st of January 1778. List of 10,000 Revolutionary Soldiers 1775-1783 - Fold3 HQ Under the provisions of the Militia Act, each individual summmoned had the right to file an appeal asking that their service be delayed and some successfuly avoided service by repeatedly filing appeals. The regiment was furloughed January 17, 1781 at Trenton, New Jersey and disbanded on January 1, 1783. Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 (M246), and other historical records. 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. Marion and his brigade soon arrived and forded the river. Williams led the unit in patrol actions in New Jersey during the spring and summer, including an engagement at Bound Brook on April 11 or 12 and a skirmish at Amboy on April 25 in which one officer was killed. 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 financial difficulties of the new government, difficulties that lasted into the 1790's, complicated the payment of troops. The American revolutionaries were not without their Rangers, despite Rogers' support of the Crown. 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. 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. 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 . In fact, Major General Friedrich von Steuben wrote a separate drill manual for them in late 1780. It halted the British attack but was itself compelled to retire under subsequent artillery fire. As his situation grew more desperate with each passing day, Watson finally decided to retreat. Upon reaching the ford site, the captain was killed with one shot from the Marions sharpshooter commander. Ohio, To cross it would put Watson deep within the heartland of the Whig resistance. Congress called for a Flying Camp to serve under General George Washington. It performed excellently in a light infantry role at the battle of Harlem Heights on 16 September 1776, but Knowlton suffered a mortal wound. Corps of Invalids. The tranditional ranger usage had only limited application during that later war. 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 . For example, men listed on the permanent roll as belonging to the 2nd Class of the 7th Company of the 6th Battalion would in the active duty battalion be automatically placed in the 6th Company of the 2nd (Active Duty) Battalion. Weve updated the security on the site. On June 30, 1775, the Provincial Assembly gave official recognition to the Associators and grouped their companies into battalions. The battalion colonels, lieutenant colonels, and majors were called to active duty in a specific order. Organized between January 2- February 17, 1776 at Philadelphia to consist of 8 companies. You can always change this later in your Account settings. In October it participated in Anthony Wayne's defeat of the British at Valcour Island, but otherwise had an uneventful tour of garrison duty. "Light Horse Harry" Lee of Virginia (the father of Robert E. Lee) raised the only American-born unit under this concept. The individuals who volunteered at this time were formed into battalions by county and were known as "Flying Camps" that served on active duty until November 30, 1776. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Washington County Military After this, the 7th Pennsylvania spent time in New York and New Jersey watching the British. 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. 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. The Regiment was authorized on January 4, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 6th Pennsylvania Battalion. Largely due to its Quaker roots, Pennsylvania did not initially (like neighboring colonies) form a standing militia. 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 It remained at Ticonderoga voluntarily until November 13 (three weeks beyond its term of service) to await the arrival of replacement troops. 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. Pennsylvania, It was assigned on December 1, 1776 to the, It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the 3rd Pennsylvania Brigade, an element of the. Pennsylvania Regiments in the Continental Army - American Revolutionary War 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. 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. During this period, 135 men and officers were detached to Col. Daniel Morgan and participated in the Saratoga campaign as part of his rifle corps. They marched from Hannastown, Pennsylvania, to New Jersey in the winter of 1776-77, and the following campaign season took part in a number of battles, including Paoli, Brandywine, White Marsh, Boundbrook, and Germantown as part of Brig. 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. This active-duty roll was therefore a completely different roll from the permanent billet roll. As Thompson's Rifle Battalion, the regiment participated in the siege of Boston. Relieved on November 18, 1776 from St. Clair's Brigade. September 11, 1777 - Stirling's Division takes part in the action on the right of Washington's army during the battle of Brandywine. After camping at Valley Forge, the First Pennsylvania saw limited action at Monmouth. Please enable scripts and reload this page. For Northumberland County, the number of militiamen serving in each company of the 1776 Associator Battalions and for the 1778 3rd and 4th Militia Battalions is provided. There is a problem with your email/password. Northampton County Revolutionary War Militia 1st Battalion, 1777 Commanding Officers: Col. George Hubner; 4th Battalion, 1780 Commanding Officers: Lt. Col. Philip Beehm (Boehm) Militia fines became an important source of revenue. Substitute Fine was paid. The military unit may also be identified by searching the collection "United States, Revolutionary War Compiled Service Records, 1775-1783" Index provided by Fold3.com and FamilySearch. Concurrent with the establishment of county militias was the creation of five companies of Rangers. On 1 July 1778 the regiment was re-organized to eight companies. On Sept. 1, 1780, Tye's brigade raided the Colts Neck home of Capt. . Within the formation were the wagons, periodically stopping to gather more wounded or dead. The regiment lost two men wounded in this action. Reorganized and redesignated on January 1, 1777 as the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment, to consist of 8 companies. 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. When several classes were called up for active duty, a separate roll for each company listed the names of the men who actually served, either in person or as substitutes. 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. From these beginnings of the Continental Army, a group of expert riflemen composed of hardy frontiersmen were formed in 1777 into an organization George Washington referred to as The Corps of Rangers. 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. 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. Gen. Anthony Wayne and Washington south in August where they fought at Brandywine on September 11, 1777. When spring came, the regiment was again actively engaged in patrols and skirmishes with British forays from New York. Militias were paid out of Pennsylvania's then-functioning provincial treasury. (these are free with registration) Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 from National Archives (NARA) microfilm publication M246. These volunteer companies made up the 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. They also became very adept at employing the mounted troops in a raid designed to provoke a British pursuit which would end with a classic "L-shaped" ambush. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Some elements of the 11th Pennsylvania saw action in the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Consolidated and reorganized on July 1, 1778 with the. Pennsylvania Line, Militia, Rangers, Associators, and Flying Camp John Pugh's Independent Company to guard Powder Mill at French Creek. Though the act provided exemptions for members of the Continental Congress, Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council, Supreme Court judges, masters and teachers of colleges, ministers of the Gospel, and indentured servants, as a practical matter anyone could avoid serving either by filing an appeal to delay their service for a period of time or by paying a fine to hire a substitute. Fairfax County, The regiment was merged into the 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment on July 1, 1778. The regiment would see action during the New York Campaign, Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Sullivan Expedition. Contrary to common belief, none of the lands granted to veterans by the federal government were located in Pennsylvania. It is known that no Pennsylvania militia served at Valley Forge, Monmouth, or Yorktown. Supporting Army Rangers past, present, and future-RLTW. John Nelson's Independent Rifle Company and assigned to the. In enrollment, it probably never numbered as many as one thousand men. After a settlement was reached, the regiment was furloughed at Trenton on January 17. He was replaced by Col. John Phillip DeHaas of Lebanon. Trussell, Jr. (Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 1977). Harmar would remain in this position until 1780. 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. As a result of declining numbers, the Pennsylvania Regiments were reorganized into three provisional battalions.