American Revolutionary War
Continental Regiments

New York Regiments in the Continental Army

1st New York Regiment ● 2d New York Regiment ● 3d New York Regiment ● 4th New York Regiment ● 5th New York Regiment ● Nicholson's Regiment ● New York Provincial Company of Artillery

The New York Line was an administrative division within the Continental Army. It comprised the New York quota of ordinary infantry regiments raised for general service which, together with similar quotas from other states, formed the Continental Line. Officers of the Continental Army below the rank of brigadier general were ineligible for promotion except in the line of their own state.

The New York Line was created in consequence of the capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan Allen on May 10, 1775. The Continental Congress resolved on May 25, 1775, to permit the Province of New York to maintain as many as 3,000 troops at Continental expense. Under this authority, New York raised four regiments, each of some 750 men, which were designated the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th New York Regiments.

1st New York Regiment

The Regiment was authorized on May 25, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 2nd New York Regiment. They were assigned to the New York (subsequently the Northern) Department.
Organized on June 28-August 4, 1775 at Albany. The force was to consist of 10 companies from Albany, Tryon, Charlette and Cumberland Counties
Reorganized and redesignated on April 15, 1776 as Van Schaick's Regiment to consist of 8 companies. Also, the regiment was relieved from the Northern Department and assigned to the Canadian Department.
Relieved on June 9, 1776 from the Canadian Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
Consolidated on January 26, 1777 with the 4th New York Regiment and redesignated as the 1st New York Regiment, an element of the Northern Department, to consist of 8 companies.
Relieved on March 31 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
It was assigned on May31 to the Pennsylvania Brigade and assigned to the New York Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
Relieved on November 4, 1778 from the New York Brigade and Assigned to the Northern Department.
Reorganized on May 30, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.
Relieved on August 28, 1780 from the Northern Department and assigned to the New York Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
New York Brigade relieved on November 6, 1780 from the Main Continental Army and assigned to the Northern Department
Consolidated on January 1, 1781 with the 3rd New York Regiment and redesignated as the 1st New York Regiment, an element of the New York Brigade.
New York Brigade relieved on August 16, 1781 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army
Furloughed on June 2, 1783 at Neburgh
Disbanded on November 15, 1783

Engagements

Unit History

1st New York Regiment was raised on May 25, 1775 at Albany, New York for service with the Continental Army under Colonel Van Schaick. The regiment would see action in the Invasion of Canada, Battle of Valcour Island, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Monmouth, the Sullivan Expedition and the Battle of Yorktown. The regiment would be furloughed June 2, 1783 at Newburgh, New York and disbanded November 15, 1783.

June 1775: New York Provincial Congress authorizes the raising of four infantry regiments. Alexander McDougall commissioned Colonel of the 1st New York.

Fall & Winter 1775: 1st New York participates in the invasion of Canada. 1st NY companies are with General Richard Montgomery during the failed assault on Quebec City December 31, 1775.

January 1776: Second Establishment of the 1st NY. Alexander McDougall continues as Colonel.

Spring 1776: 1st NY garrisons the fortifications in New York City. In reserve camp on Bayard's Hill.

July 9, 1776: Continental Army in New York City assembled for the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

August 1776: Alexander McDougall promoted to Brigadier General in command of 1st and 3rd New York regiments and Connecticut militia.

September 1776: 1st New York moves to reserve on Harlem Heights.

October 1776: (Battle of White Plains) 1st New York Regiment sees action in the defense of Chatterton's Hill.

November 1776: (Retreat from White Plains) 1st New York make camp at North Castle. Third Establishment of the 1st New York Regiment under Col. Goose Van Schaick (formerly colonel of the 2nd New York).

December 1776: Capt. John Johnson's contingent of the 1st New York joins Gen. George Washington in New Jersey. The 1st New York participates in the Battle of Trenton.

Spring 1777: 1st New York Regiment divided and sent to various garrison posts throughout New York.

August 1777: The 1st NY under Lt. Col. Cornelius Van Dyck joins General Benedict Arnold in the march for the relief of Fort Schuyler. After successfully discouraging the British offensive, six 1st NY companies remain to help garrison the fort.

Fall 1777: Twentyfour men from the 1st New York make up the permanent guard for Brig. Gen. Philip Schuyler. 1st New York guard maintained through the end of the war.

November 1777: 1st New York companies reunited in winter camp at Schenectady, New York.

May 1778: 1st NY Regt. joins Gen. George Washington at Valley Forge. Becomes part of the 2nd Pennsylvania Brigade, and the 2nd Division of the Continental Army under Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne.

June 1778: Battle of Monmouth. The 1st New York is part of the American left fighting under Maj. Gen. Lord Stirling.

July 1778: Washington moves his army to the Hudson Highlands. 1st New York encamps at White Plains.

Summer 1778: Capt. John Graham placed in command of the new Light Infantry Company of the 1st New York.

Fall 1778: 1st New York at Peekskill camp.

Spring 1779: 1st New York relieves Col. Peter Gansevoort at Fort Schuyler. Fort Van Dyck built at the Oneida Castle.

March 1779: Captain John Graham appointed Major in the 1st NY.

April 18, 1779: Failed attack on the British garrison at Oswegatchee.

April 21, 1779: Van Schaick Expedition against the Onondaga settlements. Settlements with food stores destroyed and prisoners taken.

Summer 1779: Indian and Tory harassment of the garrison at Fort Schuyler. Several 1NY soldiers captured and sent to Canada.

Lt. Abraham Hardenbergh scouts map and plan for second attempt on Oswegatchie.

Sullivan Expedition begins against Loyalist Indian Nations, 1st New York continues on garrison duty at Fort Schuyler.

September 1779: Garrison discontented over pay arrears, separation from families, lack of supply, and continual Indian harassment. Mutiny and sabotage plot by thirty soldiers of the 1st New York discovered and thwarted.

Winter 1779-1780: Supply problems continue. Morale down and desertions increase due to lack of pay, lack of supply, and threat of attack. End of enlistments further diminish the ranks of the 1st New York.

1st New York part of the Brig. Gen. James Clinton's New York Brigade, under the command of Maj. Gen. Lord Stirling.

April 14, 1780: Guardhouse fire at Fort Schuyler. Adjoining barracks torn down to contain the fire. Snowshoes and arms unfit for use destroyed. The fire is quickly extinguished, and the guardhouse is rebuilt within a week.

May 22, 1780: Pvt. William Conway leads the desertion of 27 men of the 1st New York soldiers. Lt. Abraham Hardenbergh and 40 Oneida Indians pursue the deserters. Fight on the Grand River leaves 13 deserters dead, and 3 recovered as prisoners.

May 1780: Sir John Johnson leads Royal Greens, Rangers, and Indians in raid on Johnstown and Caughnawaga. 1st New York and militia unable to prevent Johnson's retreat to Canada.

July 3, 1780: Oneidas attacked by Indians and Tories. Oneida Indians move to Fort Schuyler for protection.

July 26, 1780: Chief Joseph Brant and British forces present in force on the grounds at Fort Schuyler.

September 1780: 1st New York marches to Albany under Maj. Graham.

October 1780: The 1st New York joins the rest of the New York Brigade at West Point.

November 1780: 1st New York Regiment returns to Albany in response to British threats on the New York frontier.

January 1781: Reorganization of Continental Army begins. New York maintains two infantry and one artillery regiments. 3rd New York consolidated into the 1st New York Regiment. The 1st New York is again fragmented: Lt. Col. Van Dyck goes to Saratoga with 4 companies, Capt. Jansen's company goes to Fort Edward, and the remainder of the First New York remains in Albany.

March 1781: Four companies of the 1st New York move from Albany to West Point, and are attached to the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade. Col. Van Schaick, as senior Colonel, takes command of the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade. The 1st New York is housed in the barracks at Fort Clinton.

Summer 1781: In response to a perceived threat of British invasion from Canada, the 1st NY Regt. goes to Albany in June. They return to West Point in July.

August 7, 1781: Attempt to kidnap Schuyler in his Albany home thwarted. Pvt. John Cockley and Army Courier John Tubbs taken prisoner by the attackers. They are held in Canada for the duration of the war.

August 1781: 1st New York joins Washington's army at Dobb's Ferry. They prepare for a march south.

August 25, 1781: Pvt. Edmund Burke executed for his part in the June 1781 pay mutiny and desertion at Albany.

August 31, 1781: 1st New York with Washington's Army in Trenton

September 2, 1781: American Army marches through Philadelphia.

September 28, 1781: Americans with their French allies within two miles of the British lines at Yorktown. Col. Van Schaick remains in Philadelphia. Lt. Col. Van Dyck commands the 1st NY, which is in Gen. James Clinton's Brigade, and in Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln's Division.

October 1781: American and French armies lay siege to the British forces under Cornwallis at Yorktown. Cornwallis surrenders on October 19.

November 1781- September 1782: 1st New York in camp at Pompton.

September 1782: The 1st New York, along with the rest of the New York Brigade, moves to Verplank's Point.

October - June 1783: New Windsor Cantonment

April 19, 1783: At 12:00 P.M.. Proclamation of the Cessation of Hostilities read in camp. Followed with prayers and thanksgiving. Celebratory fires lit.

May 21, 1783: Last inspection of the 1st New York Regiment.

June 8, 1783: Soldiers' discharges distributed.

1st New York Regiment (1775-1776)

The Regiment was authorized 25 May 1775 in the Continental Army as the 1st New York Regiment and assigned to the New York (subsequently the Northern) Department.

Organized 28 June - 4 August 1775 to consist of 10 companies from City and County of New York.

Reorganized 24 February - 21 May 1776, to consist of 8 companies.
It was assigned 24 April 1776 to Stirling's Brigade, an element of the Main Army.

Relieved 12 August 1776 from Stirling's Brigade and assigned to McDougall's Brigade, an element of the Main Army.

Relieved 11 December 1776 from McDougall's Brigade and assigned to Sargent's Brigade,, an element of the Main Army.

Disbanded 26 January 1777 at Morristown, New Jersey.

Significant Campaigns and Battles

2nd New York Regiment

The Regiment was authorized Authorized 25 May 1775 in the Continental Army as the 4th New York Regiment and assigned to the New York (subsequently the Northern) Department.
Organized 28 June - 4 August 1775 to consist of ten companies from Westchester, Dutchess, Kings, Queens, and Richmond Counties.
Reorganized and redesignated 12-24 April 1776 as the 3d New York Regiment to consist of eight companies; concurrently, relieved from the Northern Department and assigned to Stirling's Brigade, an element of the Main Army.
Relieved 12 August 1776 from Stirling's Brigade and assigned to McDougall's Brigade, an element of the Main Army.
Relieved 11 December 1776 from McDougall's Brigade and assigned to Sargent's Brigade, an element of the Main Army.
Reorganized and redesignated 26 January 1777 as the 2d New York Regiment to consist of eight companies; concurrently, relieved from Sargent's Brigade and assigned to the Highlands Department .
It was assigned 12 June 1777 to McDougall's Brigade an element of the Highlands Department .
Relieved 16 August 1777 from McDougall's Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.
It was assigned 22 August 1777 to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
New Hampshire Brigade relieved 23 October 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Army.
Relieved 22 July 1778 from the New Hampshire Brigade and assigned to the New York Brigade, an element of the Main Army.
Relieved 17 October 1778 from the New York Brigade and assigned to the the Northern Department
Relieved 19 April 1779 from the Northern Department and assigned to Hand's Brigade, an element of the Main Army.
Reorganized 30 May 1779 to consist of nine companies.
Relieved 26 June 1779 from Hand's Brigade and assigned to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Main Army.
Relieved 23 August 1779 from the New Hampshire Brigade and assigned to the New York Brigade, an element of the Main Army.
New York Brigade relieved 30 May 1780 from the Main Army and assigned to the Northern Department
New York Brigade relieved 19 June 1780 from the Main Army and assigned to the Highlands Department
New York Brigade relieved 6 November 1780 from the Highlands Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
Consolidated 1 January 1781 with the 4th and 5th New York Regiments and redesignated as the 2d New York regiment; concurrently, assigned to the New York Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
New York Brigade relieved 16 August 1781 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Army.
Furloughed 2 June 1783 at Newburgh.
Disbanded 15 November 1783.

Significant Campaigns and Battles

Unit History

The 2nd New York Regiment was raised, on May 25, 1775, at New York City, New York for service with the Continental Army under the command of Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt. The regiment would see action in the Invasion of Canada, Battle of Valcour Island, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Monmouth, the Sullivan Expedition and the Battle of Yorktown. The regiment would be furloughed, June 2, 1783, at Newburgh, New York and disbanded November 15, 1783.

3d New York Regiment

The Regiment was authorized on June 21, 1776 in the Continental Army as "Dubois' Regiment." The regiment was assigned to the Northern Department.
Partially organized in the fall of 1776 in Albany. The regiment was made up primarily from veterans who served in Canada during operations in 1775-76.
Reorganized and re-designated January 26, 1777 as the 3rd New York Regiment. The regiment was to consist of 8 companies from Dutchess and Ulster Counties and New York City and County; concurrently , relieved from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highlands Department .
Relieved on May 12, 1777 from the Highlands Department and reassigned back to the Northern Department.
It was assigned on November 4, 1777 to the New York Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
New York Brigade relieved on May 24, 1779 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
Reorganized on May 30, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.
New York Brigade relieved on May 30, 1780 from the Main Army and assigned to the Northern Department.
New York Brigade relieved on June 19, 1780 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highlands Department .
New York Brigade relieved on November 6, 1780 from the Highlands Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
Consolidated on January 1, 1781 with the 1st New York Regiment.

Significant Campaigns and Battles

Unit History

The 3rd New York Regiment was authorized under Colonel James Clinton on June 28, 1775 for five months service in Canada. The regiment was reraised between February 1776 and Mary 1776 at Albany, New York for service with the Continental Army under Colonel Rudolphus Ritzema. The regiment was raised for the third time in December, 1776 under the command of Peter Gansevoort.

The regiment would see action in the New York Campaign, Fort Stanwix and the Sullivan Expedition. During the winter of 1779 - 1780 it encamped with the New York Brigade at Morristown, New Jersey. The regiment was merged into the 1st New York Regiment, on January 1, 1781.

4th New York Regiment (1776)

The Regiment was authorized 19 January 1776 in the Continental Army as the 4th New York Regiment assigned to the New York (subsequently the Northern) Department.
Organized 27 April 1776 at Albany, to consist of 8 companies from Albany, Tryon and Charlotte Counties.
It was assigned 20 July 1776 to Stark's Brigade, and element of the Northern Department.
Relieved 23 July from Stark's Brigade and assigned to Reed's Brigade, and element of the Northern Department.
Relieved 10 August 1776 from Reed's Brigade but remained assigned to the Northern Department.
Consolidated 26 January 1777 with the 1st New York Regiment.

4th New York Regiment

The Regiment was authorized 25 May 1775 in the Continental Army as the 3d New York Regiment and assigned to the New York (subsequently the Northern) Department.
Organized 28 June - 4 August 1775 to consist of 10 companies from Ulster, Dutchess, Orange and Suffolk Counties.
Reorganized and redesignated 27 April 1776 as the 2d New York Regiment, an element of the Northern Department, to consist of 10 companies.
Reorganized and redesignated 26 January 1777 as the 4th New York Regiment, to consist of 8 companies; concurrently , relieved from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highlands Department .
It was assigned 12 June 1777 to the 2d Connecticut Brigade, an element of the Highlands Department .
Relieved 16 August 1777 from the 2d Connecticut Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.
It was assigned 22 August 1777 to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
New Hampshire Brigade relieved 23 October 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Army.
Relieved 22 July 1778 from the New Hampshire Brigade and assigned to the New York Brigade, an element of the Main Army.
New York Brigade relieved 19 November 1778 from the Main Army and assigned to the Northern Department.
New York Brigade relieved 24 May 1779 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Army.
Reorganized 30 May 1779, to consist of 9 companies.
New York Brigade relieved 30 May 1780 from the Main Army and assigned to the Northern Department.
New York Brigade relieved 19 June 1780 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highlands Department .
Relieved 18 October 1780 from the New York Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.
Consolidated 1 January 1781 with the 2d and 5th New York Regiments

Engagements

Unit History

The 4th New York Regiment was raised on May 25, 1775 at Albany, New York for service with the Continental Army. The regiment would see action in the New York Campaign, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Monmouth and the Sullivan Expedition. The regiment would be merged into the 2nd NY on January 1, 1781 and furloughed June 2, 1783 at Newburgh, New York and disbanded November 15, 1783.

5th New York Regiment

The Regiment was authorized 30 November 1776 in the Continental Army as the 5th New York.
Organized 26 January 1777 to consist of 8 companies from southern New York and assigned to the Highlands Department .
Relieved 22 July 1778 from the Highlands Department and assigned to the New York Brigade, an element of the Main Army.
New York Brigade relieved 19 November 1778 from the Main Army and assigned to the Northern Department.
New York Brigade relieved 24 May 1779 from the Northern Departmentand assigned to the Main Army.
Reorganized 30 May 1779, to consist of 9 companies.
New York Brigade relieved 30 May 1780 from the Main Army and assigned to the Northern Department.
New York Brigade relieved 19 June 1780 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highlands Department .
New York Brigade relieved 6 November 1780 from the Highlands Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
Consolidated 1 January 1781 with the 2d and 4th New York Regiments .

Significant Campaigns and Battles

Unit History

The 5th New York Regiment was raised on November 30, 1776 outside of New York City, New York for service with the Continental Army. The regiment would see action in the Sullivan Expedition. The regiment would be merged into the 2nd New York Regiment on January 1, 1781 and be furloughed June 2, 1783 at Newburgh, New York and disbanded November 15, 1783.

Nicholson's Regiment

The Regiment was authorized 8 January 1776 in the Continental Army as a regiment to be raised from the troops in service in Canada and assigned to the Canadian Department.
Organized 15 April 1776 at Quebec Canada, as Nicholson's Regiment, to consist of 8 companies from New York
Relived 2 July 1776 from the Canadian Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
Disbanded 31 December 1776 at Albany.

Significant Campaigns and Battles

Invasion of Quebec 1775-1776

Misc Militia Units

1st Battalion Grenadiers and Light Infantry, 1776
1st Regiment of Levies, 1780–81
2nd Regiment of Levies, 1776
3rd Regiment of Levies, 1780–83
Allison's Regiment of Militia, 1775–78
Benedict's Regiment of Militia, 1780–81
Brinckerhoff's Regiment of Militia, 1777
Budd's Regiment of Militia, 1776
Campbell's Battalion of Militia, 1776–82
Cantine's Regiment of Militia Levies, 1778–79
Church's Regiment of Militia 1776
Clyde's Regiment of Militia, 1779–83
Cooper's Regiment
Crane's Regiment of Militia, 1779–81
Cuyler's Regiment of Militia, 1781–83
Drake's (Joseph) Regiment of Militia, 1776
Drake's (Samuel) Regiment of Militia, 1776–77
DuBois' Regiment of Levies, 1780
Field's Regiment of Militia, 1777–80
Fisher's Regiment of Militia (Third Tryon County militia), 1775–81
Freer's Regiment of Militia, 1777–79
Golden's Company of Militia, 1776
Graham's Regiment of Militia, 1777–79
Hamman's Regiment of Militia, 1777–82
Hardenburgh's Regiment of Militia, 1776
Harper's Regiment of Militia, 1779
Hasbrouck's Regiment of Militia, 1777
Hathorn's Regiment of Militia, 1777–81
Hay's Regiment of Militia, 1778–80
Hearts of Oak (New York militia), 1775
Hopkins' Regiment of Militia, 1779
Humphrey's Regiment of Militia, 1776–77
Jansen's Regiment of Militia, 1779–82
Lansing's Detachment of Militia, 1777
Livingston's Regiment of Militia, 1777–81
Ludington's Regiment of Militia, 1777–80

McClaughrey's Regiment of (Ulster County) Militia, 1776–81
McCrea's Regiment of Levies, 1779
Morrison co. Militia,1776
New York Provincial Company of Artillery, 1776
Nicholson's Regiment, 1776
Nicoll's Regiment of Levies, 1776
Palmer's Regiment of Militia, 1776
Pawling's Regiment of Levies and Militia, 1779–81
Pawling's Regiment of Militia, 1776–77
Poughkeepsie Invincibles, {4th Duchess County regiment, New York Militia}
Quackenbos' Regiment of Militia, 1779–80
Sacket's Westchester County Regiment, 1776
Schuyler's Regiment of Militia, 1781–82
Schuyler's Regiment of Albany County Militia, (Fifth Regiment of Albany County Militia)1777
Snyder's Regiment of Militia, (First Regiment of Ulster County Militia) 1776–82
Swartwout's Regiment of Militia, 1776
Thomas' Battalion or Regiment of Militia, 1776–79
Tryon County militia
Van Alstyne's Regiment of Militia, 1777–81
Van Bergen's Regiment of Militia, 1777–80
Van Brunt's Regiment of Militia, 1776
Van Cortlandt's Regiment of Militia, 1777
Vandenbergh's Regiment of Militia, 1777
Vandenbergh's Regiment of Militia, 1778
Van Ness' Regiment of Militia, 1777–80
Van Rensselaer's Regiment, 1779–81
Van Schaick's Battalion, 1776
Van Schoonhoven's Regiment of Militia, 1778–82
Van Veghten's Regiment of Militia, 1779–80
Van Woert's Regiment of Militia, 1779–80
Vrooman's Regiment of Militia, 1779–83
Webster's Regiment of Militia, 1780–82
Weissenfels' Regiment of Levies, 1781–82
Wemple's Regiment of Militia, (2nd Albany County Militia Regiment) 1777–80
Whiting's Regiment of Militia, 1777–81
Willett's Regiment of Levies, 1781–83
Williams' Regiment of Militia, 1778–81
Woodhull's Regiment, 1776
Yate's Regiment of Militia, 1779–80

Links to New York Units in the Revolutionary War

Search New York Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 fromThe National Archives: NARA M246. These documents include muster rolls, payrolls, strength returns, and other miscellaneous personnel, pay, and supply records of American Army units, 1775-83.
Search Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served from New York in the American Army During the Revolution from The National Archives: NARA M881. Compiled service records of soldiers who served in the American Army during the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783.

Search the Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files of New York Veterans from The National Archives:: NARA M804. The records in this collection include entire pension files for soldiers and sailors who served in the Revolutionary War. Unlike selected service records, which were typically chosen subjectively for genealogical content, these records reveal more details about each veteran's history and service, as well as more information about his family, state of health, and life after the war.
Books on New York Units in the Revolutionary War