On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress, which had been meeting in Philadelphia since May 10, resolved to raise ten companies of riflemen to join the New England militiamen surrounding Boston in the aftermath of the battles of Lexington and Concord. The new companies were to be raised in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, and the enlistment forms would have the wording, "the American continental army." Each company, six from Pennsylvania and two each from Maryland and Virginia, would "consist of a captain, three lieutenants, four serjeants, four corporals, a drummer or trumpeter, and sixty-eight privates." Congress set forth the pay for each rank, ranging from 20 dollars per month for the captain to 6 and 2/3 dollars per month for the privates, the men to "find their own arms and cloaths." With this resolution, Congress transformed the New England militia encircling the King's troops in Boston into an army for all the colonies.
"Washington Taking Command of the Army at Cambridge 1775," engraving by John Rogers (ca.1808-ca.1888) after the painting by Michael Angelo Wageman (1820 or 1821-1898) from Robert Tomes, Battles of America by Sea and Land (New York, 1861).
The same day, Congress appointed a committee consisting of George Washington, Philip Schuyler, Silas Deane, Thomas Cushing, and Joseph Hewes to draft rules and regulations for the government of the new army. On June 15, Congress resolved that "a General be appointed to command all the continental forces, raised, or to be raised, for the defence of American liberty." Thomas Johnson of Maryland nominated George Washington, who was unanimously elected. In his brief remarks accepting the appointment, Washington told Congress, "Tho' I am truly sensible of the high Honour done me ... yet I feel great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important Trust: However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service, and for support of the glorious cause."
A valuable resource for information on the uniforms, arms, and equipment of the Continental Army--and Navy--is Military Collector & Historian, the journal of the Company of Military Historians. Special Collections & Archives houses volumes 1 through 35 (1949-1983) of this periodical.
Cover of the Spring 1961 issue of Military Collector & Historian. In 1962, The Company of Military Collectors & Historians changed its name to The Company of Military Historians.
A member of the Company of Military Historians representing one of Captain Daniel Morgan's Virginia riflemen. Morgan (1736-1802) provided invaluable service to the Continental Army, ultimately attaining the rank of Brigadier General. Photograph from the Summer 1961 issue of Military Collector & Historian.
Reproduction of a fringed linen hunting shirt, the type of shirt worn by Daniel Morgan's riflemen. General George Washington encouraged the use of hunting shirts in part because they were “justly supposed to carry no small terror to the enemy, who think every such person a complete marksman.” Photograph from the Fall 1963 issue of Military Collector & Historian.
A Navy connection to the Army. From the Fall 1974 issue of Military Collector & Historian.
Happy 250th birthday to our sister service. Huzza! (pronounced huzzay)
Sources:
Ford, Worthington Chauncey, Gaillard Hunt, John C. Fitzpatrick, and Roscoe R. Hill eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1904-1937. Volume 2, 1775 May 10-September 20. J10.A5
George Washington General Orders, Headquarters, New York July 24, 1776 in The Papers of George Washington: Revolutionary Series, vol. 5, p. 439.
0 Comments.