Massachusetts Regiments in the Continental Army

Massachusetts line troops were involved in most of the war’s major battles north of Chesapeake Bay, and were present at the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781. General officers of the line included Major Generals Artemas Ward, William Heath, and Benjamin Lincoln, and Brigadier Generals John Glover and John Nixon.

Minutemen and militia had already set up siege lines around the port by the time that the Committee of Safety began to take charge, on 21 April 1775. The Committee voted to enlist 8,000 of those men and organize them into regiments subject to approval when the Provincial Congress reassembled.

Two months later, on 14 June, when the Continental Congress adopted the existing forces as the Continental army, the colony still was unable to give precise information on exactly what units existed and how many men they contained. As it turned out, they had created twenty-three infantry regiments and one of artillery. These carried the names of their colonels. Massachusetts also furnished Henry Knox’s Artillery Regiment and the First Continental Artillery, neither of which were part of the Massachusetts Line.

On 1 January 1776 the reorganized and reenlisted infantrymen became Sixteen of the numbered Continental Regiments: 3d, 4th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23d, 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th. The 1777 quota established by the Continental Congress dropped to fifteen regiments, mostly by consolidating and reorganizing existing units.

The old Twelfth and Fourteenth Regiments disbanded and four new units were formed, again drawing heavily on veterans. In marked contrast to the other states, the Massachusetts units did not take numbers until 1 August 1779, as the army attempted to sort out competing claims to seniority. The quota fell to ten regiments in 1781, to eight on 1 January 1783, and to four on 15 June of that year, when the men who had enlisted for the duration of the war were sent home on furlough.

On 3 November 1783 the entire infantry contingent of the Continental Army dropped to the 500 Massachusetts men of Jackson’s Continental Regiment in garrison at West Point. That unit went home on 20 June 1784.

Because Boston had been under British occupation when Massachusetts raised its forces in 1775 and 1776, its population had not been given the responsibility for forming any units. Individuals who had escaped from the city served, but only as individuals. When the 1777 reorganization took place, the absence of existing Boston units meant that it was again omitted.

But since the city was now free and had made substantial progress in its recovery, General George Washington remedied the omission by allocating three additional Continental Regiments to Massachusetts officers, with the expectation that they would concentrate their recruiting efforts in Boston. Henley’s, Henry Jackson’s and Lee’s had trouble reaching full strength, forming only five, seven, and six companies respectively.

They formed a provisional group which joined the main army in 1777, leaving recruiters behind. Late in October the provisional formation broke up and its troops were assigned to Jackson’s and Lee’s units, while the men still in Boston became Henley’s. On 9 April 1779 Washington amalgamated the three units under Jackson.

On 24 July 1780 the state adopted Jackson’s unit and it joined the line as the Sixteenth Massachusetts Regiment.

1st Massachusetts Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Patterson’s Regiment.
• Organized in spring 1775 at Cambridge to consist of 11 companies from Berkshire, Hampshire, Suffolk, Middlesex, Worcester, and York Counties, Massachusetts; and Litchfield County, Connecticut.
• Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Heath’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• consolidated (less Morse’s and Watkin’s Companies) on January 1, 1776 with Sayer’s and Sullivan’s Companies, Scammon’s Regiment, and consolidated unit re-designated as the 15th Continental Regiment, an element of Heath’s Brigade, to consist of 8 companies. More’s Company consolidated with Prescott’s Regiment (7th Continental Regiment) and Watkin’s Company consolidated with Phinney’s Regiment (12th Continental Regiment).
• Reassigned on January 24, 1776 from Heath’s Brigade and assigned to the Vacant Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Vacant Brigade re-designated on February 16, 1776 as Frye’s Brigade.
• Reassigned on April 15, 1776 from Frye’s Brigade and assigned to the Canadian Department.
• Reassigned on July 2, 1776 from the Canadian Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
• It was assigned on July 20, 1776 to Reed’s Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
• Reed’s Brigade re-designated on August 11, 1776 as Paterson’s Brigade.
• Reassigned on November 26, 1776 from Paterson’s Brigade and assigned to St. Clair’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• consolidated on January 1, 1777 with 2 companies formed from the 18th Continental Regiment and 2 companies formed from the 6th Continental Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as Vose’s Regiment, to consist of 8 companies.
• Reassigned on February 9, 1777 from St. Clair’s Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.
• Reassigned on March 13, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• It was assigned on June 12, 1777 to McDougall’s Brigade, and element of the Highland’s Department.
• Reassigned on June 15, 1777 from McDougall’s Brigade and assigned to the 2d Connecticut Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Reassigned on July 10, 1777 from the 2nd Connecticut Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 24, 1777 from the Highland’s Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on November 7, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 22, 1778 from the Main Army and assigned to the Eastern Department.
• Reorganized on April 1, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 7, 1779 from the Eastern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 1st Massachusetts Regiment.
• Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Disbanded on November 3, 1783 at West Point, New York.

Significant Campaigns and Battles

The regiment would see action during the Siege of Boston (1775–1776), Invasion of Quebec (1775), New York and New Jersey Campaign (1776-77), Saratoga Campaign (1777) and the Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78.
It took part in the following major battles:

• Battle of Bunker Hill (1775)
• Siege of Boston (1775)
• Capture of Fort Ticonderoga (1775)
• Battle of Trenton (1776)
• Battle of Princeton (1777)
• Battle of Rhode Island (1778)
• Battle of Saratoga (1777)
• Battle of Monmouth (1778)

2nd Massachusetts Regiment

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Second Massachusetts Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Thomas’ Regiment.
• Organized in spring 1775 at Roxbury to consist of 10 companies from northern Plymouth County.
• Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• Redesignated on July 1, 1775 as Bailey’s Regiment.
• It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Thomas’ Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• consolidated on January 1, 1776 with Cotton’s Regiment, and consolidated unit redesignated as the 23d Continental Regiment, an element of Thomas’ Brigade, to consist of 8 companies.
• Reassigned on April 24, 1776 from Thomas’ Brigade and assigned to Heath’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reassigned on August 12, 1776 from Heath’s Brigade and assigned to the Clinton’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reassigned on August 31, 1776 from Clinton’s Brigade and assigned to the Nixon’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reassigned on August 12, 1776 from Nixon’s Brigade and assigned to the Clinton’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• consolidated on January 1, 1777 with the 7th Continental Regiment and Clap’s Company, 21st Continental Regiment and Peter’s Company, 13th Continental Regiment and consolidated unit redesignated as Baily’s Regiment, to consist of 8 companies.
• Reassigned on Febraury 9, 1777 from Clinton’s Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.
• It was assigned on August 13, 1777 to the 4th Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
• 4th Massachusetts Brigade relieved on October 27, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• 4th Massachusetts Brigade relieved on October 27, 1777 from the Main Continental Army and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment.
• Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 4th Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 2d Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Disbanded on November 3, 1783 at West Point, New York.

Significant Campaigns and Battles

The regiment would see action during the Siege of Boston (1775–1776), New York and New Jersey Campaign (1776-77), Saratoga Campaign (1777) and the Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78.
It took part in the following major battles:

• Siege of Boston (1775–1776)

• Battle of Bunker Hill (1775)
• Battle of Trenton (1776)
• Battle of Princeton (1777)
• Battle of Saratoga (1777)
• Battle of Monmouth (1778)

3rd Massachusetts Regiment

The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Heath’s Regiment.

Organized in spring 1775 at Roxbury to consist of 10 companies from eastern Suffolk County.

Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.

Re-designated on July 1, 1775 as Greaton’s Regiment.
It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Heath’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

consolidated on January 1, 1776 with Craft’s Company, Gardner’s Regiment, and consolidated unit re-designated as the 24th Continental Regiment, an element of Heath’s Brigade, to consist of 8 companies.

Reassigned on April 15, 1776 from Heath’s Brigade and assigned to the Canadian Department.

Reassigned on July 2, 1776 the Canadian Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
It was assigned on July 20, 1776 to Arnold’s Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.

Arnold’s Brigade re-designated on October 26, 1776 as Poor’s Brigade.

Reassigned on November 26, 1776 from Poor’s Brigade and assigned to the Vose’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Vose’s Brigade re-designated on December 18, 1776 as McDougall’s Brigade.

consolidated (less Bent’s and Whiting’s Companies) on January 1, 1777 with the 25th Continental Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as Greaton’s Regiment, to consist of 8 companies. Bent’s and Whiting’s Companies concurrently reOrganized and re-designated as Fairfield’s and Pillsbury’s Companies, Wigglesworth’s Regiment.

Reassigned on February 9, 1777 from McDougall’s Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.
It was assigned on March 13, 1777 to the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
It was assigned on June 12, 1777 to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

1st Massachusetts Brigade relieved 1 July 1, 1777 from the Highland’s Department and assigned to the Northern Department.

1st Massachusetts Brigade relieved on March 31, 1778 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.

Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.

Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 3rd Massachusetts Regiment.

Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

Reassigned on June 12, 1783 from the 3d Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

Disbanded on November 3, 1783 at West Point, New York.

4th Massachusetts Regiment

The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Learned’s Regiment.

Organized in spring 1775 at Roxbury to consist of 10 companies from southwestern Worcester County.

Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army. It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Spencer’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Reassigned on August 9, 1775 from Spencer’s Brigade and assigned to Thomas’ Brigade, an element of the Main Army.

consolidated on January 1, 1776 with Danielson’s Regiment and Wood’s Company, Cotton’s Regiment, and consolidated unit re-designated as the 3rd Continental Regiment, an element of Thomas’ Brigade, to consist of 8 companies.

Reassigned on April 24, 1776 from Thomas’ Brigade and assigned to Heath’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Reassigned on August 12, 1776 from Heath’s Brigade and assigned to Clinton’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

consolidated on January 1, 1777 with King’s Company, 21st Continental Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as Shepard’s Regiment, to consist of 8 companies.

Reassigned on February 9, 1777 from Clinton’s Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.

Reassigned on March 13, 1777 to from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
It was assigned on June 12, 1777 to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

Reassigned on June 15, 1777 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 24, 1777 from the Highland’s Department and assigned to the Northern Department.

2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on November 7, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.

2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 22, 1778 from the Main Continental Army and assigned to the Eastern Department.

Reorganized on April 1, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.

2d Massachusetts Brigade relieved 7 July 7, 1779 from the Eastern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.

Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 4th Massachusetts Regiment.

Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

Reassigned on June 12, 1783 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

Disbanded on November 3, 1783 at West Point, New York.

5th Massachusetts Regiment

The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Mansfield’s Regiment.

Organized in spring 1775 at Cambridge to consist of 10 companies from southeastern Essex County.

Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.

It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Sullivan’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1776 as the 27th Continental Regiment, to consist of 8 companies; concurrently relieved from Sullivan’s Brigade and assigned to the Vacant Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Vacant’s Brigade re-designated on February 16, 1776 as Frye’s Brigade.

Reassigned on April 4, 1776 from Frye’s Brigade and assigned to the Eastern Department.

Reassigned on July 11, 1776 from the Eastern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
It was assigned on August 12, 1776 to Mifflin’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Mifflin’s Brigade re-designated on October 8, 1776 as Stirling’s Brigade.

Reassigned on October 15, 1776 from Stirling’s Brigade and assigned to Clinton’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

consolidated on January 1, 1777 with Walbridge’s Company, 13th Continental Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as Putnam’s Regiment, to consist of 8 companies.

Reassigned on February 9, 1777 from Clinton’s Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.

Reassigned on March 13, 1777 to from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
It was assigned on June 12, 1777 to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

Reassigned on June 15, 1777 from the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

1st Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 1, 1777 from the Highland’s Department and assigned to the Northern Department.

1st Massachusetts Brigade relieved on March 31, 1778 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.

Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.

Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 5th Massachusetts Regiment.

Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

Furloughed on June 12, 1783 at West Point, New York.

6th Massachusetts Regiment

The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Nixon’s Regiment.

Organized in spring 1775 at Cambridge to consist of 10 companies from eastern Middlesex County, Essex and Lincoln Counties, Massachusetts, and Rockingham County, New Hampshire.

Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army. It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Sullivan’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

consolidated on January 1, 1776 with Thompson’s Company, Danielson’s Regiment, and consolidated unit re-designated as the 4th Continental Regiment, to consist of 8 companies; an element of Sullivan’s Brigade.

Reassigned on April 29, 1776 from Sullivan’s Brigade and assigned to Stirling’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Reassigned on August 12, 1776 to Stirling’s Brigade, and assigned to Nixon’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1777 as Nixon’s Regiment, to consist of 8 companies.

Reassigned on February 9, 1777 from Nixon’s Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.

Reassigned on March 13, 1777 to from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
It was assigned on June 12, 1777 to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

1st Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 1, 1777 from the Highland’s Department and assigned to the Northern Department.

1st Massachusetts Brigade relieved on March 31, 1778 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.

Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.

Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 6th Massachusetts Regiment.

Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.

Furloughed on June 12, 1783 at West Point, New York.

Disbanded on November 3, 1783.

7th Massachusetts Regiment

• Constituted on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as Alden’s Regiment.
• Organized in spring 1777 at Boston to consist of 7 companies from Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, York, Cumberland, Hampshire, Lincoln, and Suffolk Counties, and Mayhew’s Company, 25th Continental Regiment.
• It was assigned on February 9, 1777 to the Northern Department.
• Reassigned on March 13, 1777 to from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• It was assigned on June 12, 1777 to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Reassigned on June 15, 1777 from the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• 1st Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 1, 1777 from the Highland’s Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
• Reassigned on March 31, 1778 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade.
• Reorganized on September 25, 1778 to consist of 9 companies.
• Reassigned on June 14, 1779 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 7th Massachusetts Regiment.
  It was assigned on August 23, 1779 to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reassigned on November 14, 1779 from the New Hampshire Brigade an assigned to the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Furloughed on June 12, 1783 at West Point, New York.
• Disbanded on November 15, 1783

8th Massachusetts Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Sargent’s Regiment.
• Organized in spring and summer 1775 at Cambridge to consist of 10 companies from Essex County, Bristol County, Middlesex County, Plymouth County, Worcester County, Suffolk County, and Hampshire County, Massachusetts, and Hillsborough County and Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
• Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Vacant’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1776 as the 16th Continental Regiment, to consist of 8 companies; an element of Vacant’s Brigade.
• Reassigned on January 24, 1776 from Vacant’s Brigade and assigned to Heath’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reassigned on April 4, 1776 from Heath’s Brigade and assigned to the Eastern Department.
• Reassigned on July 11, 1776 from the Eastern Department and assigned to Main Continental Army.
  It was assigned on August 12, 1776 to Mifflin’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reassigned on August 31 from Mifflin’s Brigade and assigned to Sargent’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1777 as Michael Jackson’s Regiment, to consist of 8 companies.
• Reassigned on February 9, 1777 from Sargent’s Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.
  It was assigned on August 13, 1777 to the 4th Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
• 4th Massachusetts Brigade relieved on October 27, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• 4th Massachusetts Brigade relieved on November 20, 1778 from the Main Continental Army and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 8th Massachusetts Regiment.
• Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 4th Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Furloughed on June 12, 1783 at West Point, New York.
• Disbanded on November 15, 1783

9th Massachusetts Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Gerrish’s Regiment.
• Organized in spring 1775 at Cambridge to consist of 10 companies from Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, and York Counties, Massachusetts, and Rockingham County, New Hampshire.
• Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Heath’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1776 as the 26th Continental Regiment, to consist of 8 companies; an element of Heath’s Brigade.
• Reassigned on August 12, 1776 from Heath’s Brigade and assigned to Clinton’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• consolidated on January 1, 1777 with the 21st Continental Regiment and consolidated unit redesigned as Wesson’s Regiment, to consist of 8 companies.
• Reassigned on February 9, 1777 from Clinton’s Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department.
  It was assigned on August 13, 1777 to the 4th Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
• 4th Massachusetts Brigade relieved on October 27, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• 4th Massachusetts Brigade relieved on November 20, 1778 from the Main Continental Army and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 9th Massachusetts Regiment.
• Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 4th Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1783 at West Point, New York.

10th Massachusetts Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as Marshall’s Regiment.
• It was assigned on February 9, 1777 to the Northern Department.
• Organized in spring 1777 at Boston to consist of 8 companies from Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Bristol, Hampshire, Plymouth, and Suffolk Counties, Massachusetts, and Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
• It was assigned on August 13, 1777 to from the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
• 3rd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on October 27, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• 3rd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on November 20, 1778 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 10th Massachusetts Regiment.
• Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 3d Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Reassigned on June 18, 1781 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• New Hampshire Brigade relieved on October 14, 1781 from the Highland’s Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
• Reassigned on November 12, 1781 from the New Hampshire Brigade and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• It was assigned on August 29, 1782 to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
• Reassigned on October 26, 1782 from the New Hampshire Brigade and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Disbanded on November 15, 1783 at West Point, New York.

11th Massachusetts Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as Francis’ Regiment.
• It was assigned on February 9, 1777 to the Northern Department.
• Organized in spring 1777 at Boston to consist of 8 companies from Cumberland, York, Suffolk, and Lincoln Counties, Massachusetts, and Windham County, Connecticut.
• Re-designated on July 7, 1777 as Tupper’s Regiment.
• It was assigned on August 13, 1777 to from the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
• 3rd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on October 27, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• 3rd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on November 20, 1778 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 11th Massachusetts Regiment.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1781 at West Point, New York.

12th Massachusetts Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Phinney’s Regiment.
• Organized in spring 1775 in Cumberland County to consist of 10 companies from Cumberland County.
• Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Heath’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• consolidated on January 1, 1776 with Scammon’s Regiment and Watkin’s Company, Peterson’s Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as the 18th Continental Regiment, to consist of 8 companies; an element of Heath’s Brigade.
• Reassigned on April 4, 1776 from Heath’s Brigade and assigned to the Eastern Department.
• Reassigned on August 3, 1776 from the Eastern Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
  It was assigned on September 4, 1776 to Patterson’s Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
• Reassigned on November 14, 1776 from Patterson’s Brigade.
• Reorganized and re-designated (less 2 companies) on January 1, 1777 as Samuel Brewer’s Regiment, an element of the Northern Department, to consist of 8 companies; 2 companies concurrently consolidated with the 15th Continental Regiment.
• It was assigned on August 13, 1777 to the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
• 3rd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on October 27, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• 3rd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on November 20, 1778 from the Main Continental Army and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 12th Massachusetts Regiment.
• Reassigned on November 14, 1779 from the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1781 at West Point, New York.

13th Massachusetts Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as John Brewer’s Regiment.
• Organized in spring 1775 at Cambridge to consist of 10 companies from Worcester, Hampshire, Middlesex, Suffolk, Bristol, Berkshire, and Barnstable Counties.
• Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Greene’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Consolidated on January 1, 1776 with Soul’s Company, Fellows’ Regiment and Danforth’s Company, David Brewer’s Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as the 6th Continental Regiment, an element of Greene’s Brigade to consist of 8 companies.
• Reassigned on January 24, 1776 from Greene’s Brigade and assigned to Thomas’ Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reassigned on April 4, 1776 from Thomas’ Brigade and assigned to the Eastern Department.
• Reassigned on August 8, 1776 from the Eastern Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
• Consolidated (less 2 companies) 1 January 1777 with Bent’s and Whiting’s Companies, 24th Continental Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as Wigglesworth’s Regiment, an element of the Northern Department, to consist of 8 companies; 2 companies concurrently consolidated with the 15th Continental Regiment.
• Reassigned on March 13, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• It was assigned on June 12, 1777 to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• Reassigned on June 15, 1778 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 24, 1777 from the Highland’s Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on November 7, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 24, 1778 from the Main Army and assigned to the Eastern Department.
• Reorganized on April 1, 1779 to consist of 9 companies.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved 7 July 7, 1779 from the Eastern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 13th Massachusetts Regiment.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1781 at West Point, New York.

14th Massachusetts Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as Bradford’s Regiment.
• It was assigned on February 9, 1777 to the Northern Department.
• Organized in spring 1777 at Boston to consist of 8 companies from Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Suffolk, Cumberland and Worcester Counties.
• It was assigned on August 13, 1777 to from the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Northern Department.
• 3rd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on October 27, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• 3rd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on November 20, 1778 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Reorganized on May 12, 1779 to consist of 9 companies
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 14th Massachusetts Regiment.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1781 at West Point, New York.

15th Massachusetts Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as Bigelow’s Regiment.
• It was assigned on February 9, 1777 to the Northern Department.
• Reassigned on March 13, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Organized in spring 1777 at Boston to consist of 8 companies from Berkshire, Bristol, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Cumberland and Worcester Counties.
• It was assigned on June 12, 1777 to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 24, 1777 from the Highland’s Department and assigned to the Northern Department.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on November 7, 1777 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 22, 1778 from the Main Continental Army and assigned to the Eastern Department.
• 2nd Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 7, 1779 from the Eastern Department and assigned to the Highland’s Department.
• Re-designated on August 1, 1779 as the 15th Massachusetts Regiment.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1779 to consist of nine companies.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1781 at West Point, New York.

David Brewer’s Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as David Brewer’s Regiment.
• Organized in spring 1775 at Roxbury to consist of 10 companies from Berkshire, Hampshire, Worcester, Bristol and Plymouth Counties.
• Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Thomas’ Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Consolidated (less Danforth’s Company) on January 1, 1776 with Read’s Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as the 13th Continental Regiment; concurrently, Danforth’s Company reOrganized as Danforth’s Company, 6th Continental Regiment.

Bridge’s Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Bridge’s Regiment.
• Organized in spring 1775 at Cambridge to consist of ten companies from northeastern Middlesex County, Essex County and one company at large.
• Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Vacant’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Disbanded on December 31, 1775 at Cambridge.

Cotton’s Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Cotton’s Regiment.
• Organized in spring 1775 at Roxbury to consist of ten companies from southern Plymouth County.
• Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Thomas’ Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Consolidated (less Mayhew’s, Wood’s, Benson’s and Bradford’s Companies) on January 1, 1776 with Bailey’s Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as the 23rd Continental Regiment; concurrently, Mayhew’s Company reorganized and re-designated as Mayhew’s Company, 25th Continental Regiment, Wood’s Company reorganized and re-designated as Wood’s Company, 3rd Continental Regiment, and Benson’s and Bradford’s Companies consolidated and re-designated as Clap’s Company, 21st Continental Regiment.

Danielson’s Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Danielson’s Regiment.
• Organized in spring 1775 at Roxbury to consist of 11 companies from southern Hampshire County, Bristol and Worcester Counties, Massachusetts; and New London and Hartford Counties, Connecticut.
• Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Thomas’ Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Consolidated (less Thompson’s, and Egery’s Companies) on January 1, 1776 with Learned’s Regiment and consolidated unit re-designated as the 3rd Continental Regiment; concurrently, Thompson’s Company reorganized and re-designated as Thompson’s Company, 4th Continental Regiment, and Egery’s Company reorganized and re-designated as Egery’s Company, 25th Continental Regiment.

Misc Massachusetts Militia Units

• Gerrish’s Regiment, 1778
• Gill’s Regiment of Militia, 1777
• Holman’s Regiment of Militia, 1777
• Independent Company of Cadets, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, 1741 a.k.a. “First Corps of Cadets”
• Jacob’s Regiment, 1778–79
• Johnson’s Regiment of Militia, 1775–1777
• Hyde’s Detachment of Militia, 1777
• Keyes’ Regiment, 1777
• Leonard’s Regiment of Militia
• May’s Regiment of Militia, 1777
• Murray’s Regiment of Militia, 1780
• Perce’s Battalion of Militia, 1779
• Plymouth Artillery Company organized January 7, 1777
• Poor’s Regiment of Militia, 1778
• Porter’s Regiment of Militia, 1776
• Rand’s Regiment of Levies, 1776
• Reed’s Regiment of Militia, 1777
• Robinson Regiment of Militia, 1777
• Simonds’ Regiment of Militia, 1776–77
• Smith’s Regiment of Foot, 1776
• Sparhawk’s Regiment of Militia, 1777
• Stearns’ Regiment of Militia, 1778
• Storer’s Regiment of Militia’ 1777
• Turner’s Regiment, 1781
• Wells’ Regiment of Militia, 1777
• Whitney’s Regiment of Militia, 1777
• Williams’ Regiment of Militia, 1777
• Wood’s Regiment of Militia, 1778–79
• Woodbridge’s Regiment of Militia, 1777
• Wright’s Regiment of Militia, 1777

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Links to Massachusetts Units in the Revolutionary War