Virginia Regiments in the Continental Army

In August 1775 the Virginia Convention voted to raise fifteen companies to serve one year. The companies were raised in the fall of 1775 and organized into two regiments.

The Continental Congress resolved, on November 1, 1775, to place these two regiments on the Continental establishment. The regiments were designated the 1st and 2d Virginia Regiments.

On December 28, 1775, the Continental Congress voted to raise four more regiments in Virginia. The Virginia Convention concurred on January 11, 1776. The Convention ordered that an additional 72 companies be raised and that the term of service of the original fifteen companies be extended.

The 87 companies were to be organized into nine regiments of ten companies each (the 9th Virginia Regiment having at first only seven companies). The new force was to serve for not exceeding two and a half years.

The 1st and 2d Virginia Regiments were reconstituted; the 3d through 6th Virginia Regiments were raised as Continental regiments; and the 7th through 9th Virginia Regiments were raised as state troops.

In the course of 1776 the state regiments were placed on the Continental establishment.

On September 16, 1776, the Continental Congress resolved to raise an army of eighty-eight infantry regiments which were to serve for the duration of the war.

Virginia was called upon to contribute fifteen of these regiments. The 1st through 9th Virginia Regiments were reconstituted in the Continental Army as regiments raised to serve for the duration of the war.

The cadres for these regiments were drawn from the regiments which Virginia had sent to the field in 1775 and 1776. The remaining six regiments (the 10th through 15th Virginia Regiments) were entirely new.

The Continental Congress ordered a reorganization of the Continental Army on May 27, 1778. Under this resolve, the Virginia quota was reduced from fifteen infantry regiments to eleven.

In September 1778 the Virginia Line was in the vicinity of White Plains, New York, after serving at the Battle of Monmouth. New commissions issued at this time were dated September 14, 1778.

The Virginia regiments were still under strength and continued to dwindle in 1779, reduced to a fraction of their paper strength; at this point, regimental history becomes very confusing to track.

Given the number of men fit for duty, these “regiments” are not really “regiments” at all any more, yet they are still named as such. In 1780, the word “Detachment” comes into use, describing a 700-man conglomeration of these “regiments.”

The 1st Virginia Detachment was led by Richard Parker. The 2nd Virginia Detachment was formed out of various regiments under the 2d Virginia Regiment’s original colonel, Brigadier General William Woodford, including elements of the 2nd Virginia Regiment.

The 3rd Virginia Detachment would be formed under Colonel Abraham Buford and was composed of elements of the 7th Virginia, as well as various pieces of other units.

The first two Detachments of the Virginia Line served at the Siege of Charleston in South Carolina and were surrendered to the British Army on 12 May 1780.

The 3rd Detachment was cut to pieces at the Battle of Waxhaws; the Virginia line had effectively ceased to exist. The single exception was the two-company 9th Virginia Regiment of 1779, which was stationed at Fort Pitt (the present Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania).

In October 1780 the Continental Congress, in consultation with George Washington, ordered a further reorganization of the Continental Army. Under this reorganization, which was to be effective on January 1, 1781, Virginia was assigned a quota of eight infantry regiments.

The Militia - Colonial Virginia did not maintain a standing army. Nearly everyone was engaged in agriculture, and needed to plant in the spring and harvest in the fall. The Virginians were not wealthy enough to afford full-time soldiers. Whenever there were colonial "alarms" about pirates or Indians, riders on horses would spread the word to various farms and the men would assemble as needed.

The militia was organized by county. In theory, there were regular training sessions of the militia at the county courthouse. In times of peace, however, these became largely social events. The County Lieutenant was often a candidate for the House of Burgesses, and strict discipline of essentially volunteer soldiers was rare. More often, the drinking during the militia assemblies was more intense than the target practice.

In times of war, those with crops to plant and harvest were reluctant to serve for more than a few weeks. When a militia unit received orders to march to another colony, their reluctance was based in part on a desire to return home soon rather than a misguidance allegiance to Virginia. Bounties were often offered to attract the "idle poor" who had less to lose, and were more willing to volunteer. These were rarely the most-disciplined or hardest-working members in the county, however. In addition, they often arrived in camp without the required clothing, guns, powder, and ammunition. Whatever was issued to such soldiers had a tendency to be lost or damaged... though some items were obviously sold or kept for personal profit. The militia motivations were basic, with patriotism towards the colony far down the list.

During the French and Indian War, George Washington struggled to obtain and trained enough soldiers for a sustained campaign. Some were recruited through financial incentives, while others were forcibly drafted. One author has described the conditions of serving at the front - Winchester, in Frederick County - in 1757:

Nearly all the militia remained law abiding in their idleness except the contingent from Prince William County who became violently abusive in claiming their superiority not only to the privates but also the officers of the Virginia Regiment. As a result, one militiaman was seized and locked in the guardhouse for his insolence. This insult was not to be endured. A militia officer gathered his comrades, stormed the guardhouse, released their compatriot and proceeded to demolish the building. The leader of the mutiny swore that the Virginia Regiment officers were all scoundrels and that "...he could drive the whole Corps before him...

" Although the Regiment was anxious for reinforcements from the militia, insults were not to be countenanced. The mutinous militia leader was personally acquainted, in a manner left unexplained, with military law and enforcement by irate members of the Regiment. The next morning the chastened militia officer tendered his apologies at headquarters. Washington chose not to punish the leader as the fright he had suffered at the hands of the Regiment "...sufly attoned for his imprudence."

The Continental Army -
The Revolutionary War may have been another one of those "rich man's war, poor man's fight" - but many Virginians did fight. They were recruited to serve intially in the First Virginia Regiment. Additional regiments were raised, and then many were transferred to the emerging "national" Continental army - where they served outside of the new state, in the northern colonies and then in South Carolina.

George Washington was given command of the first multi-colony army. He had not-so-subtly dressed in his old French and Indian War uniform, while Congress debated who was trustworthy enough to lead the military forces... but not try to become a dictator on the process. He left the Philadelphia, where the Continental Congress was meeting, and did not return to Virginia for six years (when he stopped at Mount Vernon on the march to Yorktown). Martha managed to join him for winter camps, providing some moral support to the troops as well as to her husband.

The Continental Army was organized by state, and the Virginia troops were in the Virginia Line. Almost all Virginians serving in the Continental Army were captured in the disastrous surrender by General Benjamin Lincoln of the army at Charlestown, South Carolina in 1780.

An additional 350 under Colonel Abraham Buford in the 3rd Virginia Cavalry were killed or wounded at Waxhaws, South Carolina. They were reinforcements who arrived too late to help the Charleston garrison, and were caught by Banastre Tarleton's dragoons while retuning to Virginia. In the "Waxhaws Massacre," Tarleton's men killed over 100 while they apparently tried to surrender. However, there's another perspective:

"As Tarleton came forward to discuss surrender, his horse was shot from under him and he was pinned under it while his dragoons, thinking he had been killed under a flag of truce, gave the Virginians no quarter. There is a monument a half a mile from the battle site, which is now known as Buford Crossroads and surrounding community known as Buford"

Some of the original service records for the Revolutionary War were destroyed by fire. Those remaining are on file at the National Archives, compiled primarily from rosters and rolls of soldiers serving in Virginia’s militia units, with additions from correspondence and field reports of military officers. However, there is no comprehensive list of Virginia veterans of this war.

1st Virginia Regiment

The Regiment was authorized on August 21, 1775 in the Virginia State Troops as the First Virginia Regiment.

Organized on October 21, 1775 at Williamsburg as a provincial defense unit composed of six musket and two rifle companies under the command of Patrick Henry. Each company was to consist of 68 enlisted men, with officers to include a captain, lieutenant and ensign (second lieutenant). Six of the companies were armed with muskets, and two with rifles.

Adopted on November 1, 1775 into the Continental Army.

Reorganized on January 11, 1776 to consist of 10 companies by raising two more musket companies.
It was assigned on February 27, 1776 to the Southern Department.

Relieved on July 20, 1776 from the Southern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
It was assigned on Occtober 5, 1776 to Weedon's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Relieved on October 17, 1776 from Weedon's Brigade and assigned to Stirling's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Relieved on May 22, 1777 from Stirling's Brigade and assigned to the 1st Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.

Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies

Consolidated on May 12, 1779 with the 9th Virginia Regiment and redesignated as the 1st Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies
Relieved on December 4, 1779 from the 1st Virginia Brigade and assigned to the Southern Department.

Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina .

Disbanded on November 15, 1783

Further Reading

• The First Virginia Regiment of Foot 1775-1783

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of Princeton
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
• Battle of Charleston

Unit History

The 1st Virginia Regiment was authorized by the Virginia Convention of July 17, 1775, as a provincial defense unit composed of six musket and two rifle companies under the command of Patrick Henry. Each company was to consist of 68 enlisted men, with officers to include a captain, lieutenant and ensign (second lieutenant). Six of the companies were armed with muskets, and two with rifles.

In September, the companies began arriving in Williamsburg from the surrounding counties where each was recruited. The regiment encamped behind the College of William and Mary where the men were trained in military drill and maneuvers. On December 28, 1775, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia recommended that each regiment should have 10 companies, and the 1st Virginia soon raised two more musket companies.

The First, along with the Second Regiment saw service in the Tidewater area fighting the troops of Virginia's Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore. Dunmore raised two Loyalists regiments and a small unit made up of runaway slaves to reclaim the wayward government of the colony. Two British Grenadier companies soon augmented his force. Members of the 1st Virginia engaged Dunmore's troops at Hampton, Jamestown and Norfolk.

On December 9, 1775, three companies from the First joined the 2nd Virginia Regiment in defeating Dunmore's troops at the Battle of Great Bridge near Norfolk. Dunmore made several more attempts to gain a stronghold on the colony but in August 1776 he abandoned Virginia.

On February 15, 1776, the Regiment was accepted into the new Continental Line authorized by Congress in Philadelphia. At this time, Patrick Henry, commander of all the Virginia forces, was given a Continental commission as a Colonel, commanding only the 1st Virginia. Recognizing this as a demotion, Henry refused the commission and resigned effective February 28, 1776. To protest Henry's demotion the officers in the 1st Virginia asked to be discharged but Henry persuaded them to stay with the army.

The battle of Harlem Heights
Between February and August 1776, the First Virginia trained in Williamsburg with other regiments under the command of General Andrew Lewis. On August 16, the Regiment began the long march north to join General Washington's Grand Army, in New York City. Before leaving, the men of the 1st and 2nd Regiments were asked to re-enlist for 3 years, or for the duration of the war. Although most of the men of the 2nd refused to sign up for such a long term, nearly all of the 1st Virginia re-enlisted.

Harlem Heights

On September 15, 1776, the First Virginia, along with the 3rd Virginia joined Washington's army near Harlem Heights, New York. Having recently suffered the humiliation of being chased out of New York City and subsequently out-maneuvered by the British, Washington's Continentals looked to the Virginians for new strength and hope. The following day three companies of the Virginians joined Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton's Connecticut Rangers in reconnoitering the enemy lines. Running into a detachment of British, the Continentals soon found themselves in heated battle and managed to force the British to withdraw. Maryland troops joined the battle, but Washington soon called his troops back, not willing to risk a full-scale engagement. During the engagement, Maj. Andrew Leitch of the 1st Virginia was mortally wounded, as was Lt. Col. Knowlton. The success and heroism shown by the Continental troops in this relatively small engagement was a much needed morale boost for the Americans.

In order to avoid a full-scale engagement Washington continued to retreat from Howe's slow-moving British redcoats. On the night of October 21, 600 Continentals, with 160 men from the 1st and 3rd Virginia Regiments attacked a Tory force of about 500 men including Robert Roger's "Queen's American Rangers." The Tories suffered 20 killed and 36 captured, while the Continentals claimed only 12 wounded.

Trenton and Princeton

By the end of December 1776, Washington's immediate army had shrunk from casualties, disease, desertion, and the termination of enlistments to about 2,500 men fit for duty. In the hope of seizing another morale victory, if not a strategic one, Washington decided on a daring attack on Hessian troops at Trenton, New Jersey. In the early morning hours of December 26, Washington's small band, including the First Virginia, crossed the Delaware River, reaching the outskirts of Trenton about 8:00 am. The surprised Hessians tried in vain to hold off the Americans, but by 9:45 am the Germans were forced to surrender.

Within a few days of the American victory at Trenton, British troops marched to the town to engage Washington's small army. The two armies began firing on each other across a creek but darkness soon put an end to the fighting. When dawn arrived the next morning, the British were surprised to find that Washington's army had quietly pulled out in the dark. The Continentals had marched all night to the village of Princeton where they stumbled into a British force just setting out for Trenton. The Americans were divided into two groups, with the Virginians part of Green's division under Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer, guarding the road to Trenton. The remaining Americans proceeded to attack Princeton from the west.

Col. Mawhood's two British regiments had already departed Princeton when Mercer's troops were spotted behind them. The British turned back toward Princeton and engaged Mercer's troops. With about 300 men on each side facing one another, the British soon charged with bayonets. Mercer was one of the first to fall victim to the bayonet charge. Twenty one year old Captain John Fleming of the First Virginia rallied the Regiment but was soon killed, and 18 year old second lieutenant Bartholomew Yates was mortally wounded.

Confusion ensued for the Americans, with the Virginia regiments in the heaviest fighting and suffering the most casualties. With the appearance of Washington on the battlefield the Americans rallied, forcing the British to flee, throwing down their weapons as they ran.

During the heavy fighting Lieutenant Yates was shot in the side, and as he lay on the ground, the British shot him again in the chest, bayoneted him 13 times and clubbed him in the head. He survived for a week before dying. A tribute to Capt. Fleming read: "(he) behaved and died as bravely as a Caesar would have done, ordering his men to dress [form a line] before firing, though the enemy was within 40 yards of him, advancing fast with abusive threats what they would do. However, they were mistaken, and most of them cut to pieces."

The 1st Virginia spent the winter with Washington's army at Morristown, New Jersey. The fifteen Virginia Regiments had a total of 2,925 men fit for duty, averaging less than 200 men each. Troop strength was low because of expired enlistments, disease, and battle casualties. The 1st Virginia could only muster 64 privates present and fit for duty, and all troops were in need of clothing and other necessities.

Washington's troops spent the winter and spring recruiting and rebuilding the army. The main British Army under General Howe in New York made several forays into New Jersey. Washington waited for Howe to move out of New York, expecting him to move his army north to join Brig. Gen. John Burgoyne near Albany. Instead, Howe eventually sailed his troops to Head of Elk, Maryland where they began to march on Philadelphia.

On August 24, 1777, Washington's Army of 16,000 regulars and militia marched through Philadelphia to Wilmington, Delaware, and by September 11, the two armies were poised for battle near Brandywine Creek, Pennsylvania.

Howe divided his force for a frontal attack on the Americans and a flanking attack on the American right. Washington tried to counter the British flanking movement, ordering Green's division, including the 1st Virginia, to support the outflanked Americans under Brig. Gen. Sullivan. Greene's men covered almost four miles in 45 minutes, arriving to find Sullivan's men retreating in a rout. Greene's Virginians opened their line to allow the panicked Americans through and then held off the advancing British to allow Washington's Army to fall back and retire in order. Greene's troops held out against a British force three times larger until nightfall, preventing the British from destroying the entire American army.

Although Washington's Army had been outmaneuvered at Brandywine, they had fought a larger British force and managed to hold them off until dark. The American's spirits were high and Washington was anxious for another chance to engage the enemy. The British continued their march to Philadelphia, with Washington looking for an opportunity to make a stand against them.

On September 15, he marched his army into battle formation before the British but a severe storm rendered the American's ammunition useless and drove them from the field. The British entered Philadelphia unopposed on September 26.

Continuing to look for a favorable opportunity to engage the British, Washington decided to attack a large British force garrisoned at Germantown, Pennsylvania. Washington devised a plan that included dividing his force into several divisions that would march separately through the night and attack from different directions simultaneously at dawn on October 4.

As part of Muhlenberg's Brigade, the First Virginia arrived an hour after Sullivan's troops began the attack on the main British camp. A heavy fog made the complex plan even more confusing and some of the American troops even began to fire on one another.

When the fighting started, a small British force retreated into the Chew House, a heavy stone manor that proved almost impervious to canon attack. A large part of the American force was delayed trying to force the British inside the house to surrender. In the mean time Sullivan and Greene's troops managed to attack the main British force, with Greene's Virginians driving through the British line in a bayonet charge that carried to the enemy's camp. Prisoners were taken by the First Virginia, but with the rest of the American attack still in confusion or stalled at the Chew House, the Virginians found themselves surrounded by the enemy and forced to fight their way out. The Virginians lost 100 prisoners they had taken, and in the process, nearly all of the Ninth Virginia Regiment was captured. The battle ended with the Americans withdrawing and Greene's division holding off a determined British attack as the Americans fell back.

Over the next two months, both Washington and Howe looked for favorable opportunities to renew the fighting but neither found one to his liking.

The winter of 1777-78 saw the 1st Virginia Regiment with Washington's Army at Valley Forge. The troops built log huts and many of the officers of the Virginia Regiments were sent home during the winter to recruit for their vastly under-strength units. The Continental Army at Valley Forge, including the men of the First Virginia, were taught the new American Drill under the command of Maj. Gen. Baron von Steuben. During the winter, Howe returned to England, and Gen. Henry Clinton took command of the British in Philadelphia.

By June, Clinton decided to move his army back to New York City, and Washington saw an opportunity to take on the British with his newly trained Army.

On June 28, Washington ordered Maj. Gen. Charles Lee with 2,000 men to attack the rear of the marching British column. Lee's force joined by 1,500 Americans under Brig. Gen. Charles Scott, soon found themselves facing the entire British Army. General Lee retreated while the Americans under Scott held until surrounded and then they too retreated in good order. Falling back about two miles, the retreating Americans ran into General Washington riding ahead of the main American Army.

Washington managed to halt the retreat and form the Americans into a line of battle while more troops arrived to extend the line on high ground. When the British arrived they made several attacks but without coordination each was repulsed. In Sterling's Brigade, the 1st Virginia, alongside the 1st and 3rd New Hampshire Regiments, attacked the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment. Both sides exchanged volleys at short range with the Highlanders forced to retreat from the field. Several men of the First Virginia were killed, including Maj. Edmund Dickinson, while the Highlanders sustained heavy casualties.

By the end of the afternoon, heat had also taken the lives of men on both sides of the field. Both armies rested overnight and Clinton moved the British on toward New York early the next morning. With the Americans standing up to and repulsing the British the battle was considered a great victory for Washington and his Army.

By September 1778, the entire Virginia Continental Line was reduced in strength due to the hardships of campaign and disease and the 3-year enlistments of many of the soldiers was about to expire. A board of officers met at White Plains, New York to consolidate the 15 Virginia regiments to 11 regiments. The remains of the 9th Virginia, which had suffered the capture of many of it's men at Germantown, was absorbed into the First, but this only filled six of the prescribed eight companies.

In May of 1779, and again in September 1779, the Virginia Regiments were consolidated to create regiments of acceptable strength. The 1st Virginia was consolidated with the 10th and later the 5th, 7th, 11th Regiments. On May 7, Washington ordered Col. Richard Parker, commander of the 1st Virginia to return to the state to recruit new troops to reinforce Brig. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln in Charleston, South Carolina. At the same time, the men of the 1st Virginia were placed under the temporary command of Col. William Davies in Parker's absence.

Stony Point

By the summer of 1779, the war in the north had become a stalemate, with Clinton and the main British Army quartered in New York and Washington's main army at various points outside the city. Washington decided to have his newly formed light infantry attack a British fort at Stony Point, New York. Under the command of Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 1,500 Americans, including men from the 1st Virginia and other Virginia Regiments, attacked the fort in the early morning hours of July 16. Using only their bayonets, the Americans captured the fort and 400 British troops in just fifteen minutes. Fifteen Americans were killed in the attack, including a private from the First Virginia.

In August, members of the 1st Virginia took part in another raid on a small British fort at Paulus Hook, New Jersey. Major Henry Lee and his cavalry, supported by handpicked infantry, including 21 men from the 1st and 10th Virginia, captured 158 British at the fort during the daring raid. The rest of the 1st Virginia was called on to support Lee as his force made their return through enemy territory.

In December, under the command of Brig. Gen. William Woodford, the First Virginia, along with most of the Virginia troops in the north, began the long march south to join Lincoln's army in the Carolinas.

Woodford arrived in Charleston on April 7, 1780 with the remains of his Virginia troops. With Woodford were only 700 of the 2,000 men that had started the march in December. Many of the troops had their terms of enlistment expire during the four-month march; others had fallen ill or deserted. Woodford's men were organized into a brigade made up of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Continental Regiments. Col. William Russell was commander of the 1st Virginia at this time.

Colonel Richard Parker had arrived with his newly raised regiment on March 31, now referred to as the 1st Virginia Detachment and separate from the 1st Virginia Continental Regiment. Parker was joined by the 2nd Virginia Detachment under the command of Col. William Heath.

The British under General Clinton arrived by sea and began the siege of Charleston on April 14. By April 21, the Americans in the city were cut off on the landside as well. On April 24, Parker was killed during a British assault. Henry Lee described his death: "Always beloved and respected, late in the siege he received a ball in the forehead, and fell dead in the trenches, embalmed in the tears of his faithful soldiers, and honored by the regret of the whole army."

By May 7, provisions were low with casualties mounting daily. After conferring with his officers, Lincoln agreed to surrender terms on May 12, 1780. Over 5,000 American troops were captured, including almost all of the Virginia Continental Line. The terms of surrender stipulated that the militia would be allowed to go home, while the regulars would be imprisoned within the town. The officers were soon moved to quarters outside the city, awaiting exchange. Some months later, many of the captured were moved to harsher conditions aboard British prison ships where many perished or remained until the end of the war.

Some men of the 1st Virginia managed to escape capture, perhaps by posing as militia when they were allowed to leave. In addition, several lieutenants were not in Charleston with their companies and were not captured. Some of these men found service with other units in the months after the fall of Charleston. The "new" 9th Virginia Regiment, in garrison at Fort Pitt was the only Virginia Continental Regiment to remain in the field.

Many individuals who served with the 1st Virginia and were not in captivity participated in the battles that followed, including the victories at the Battles of Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse and Yorktown. These included men whose enlistments in the First Virginia expired and who later reenlisted with other units, as well as officers who were promoted to higher ranks in other units.

On February 12, 1781, a board of officers met at Chesterfield Court House, Virginia and created the 1st Virginia Regiment as a "paper" organization. With over 1,300 Virginia Continentals still held prisoner at Charleston, South Carolina, the reorganization was largely designed to establish relative seniority of the officers. The personnel who had managed to escape capture were formed into a temporary battalion under Lt. Col. Thomas Posey.

In May 1782, with most of the fighting over, another board of officers met and created new First and Second Regiments from new recruits and veterans. On January 1, 1783, the various Virginia troops still in service were consolidated into one large battalion, designated the 1st Virginia Regiment, and a small battalion of two companies, designated the 2nd Virginia Regiment. Most of Virginia's Continental's were mustered out of service in June 1783, with the final three companies of the first being discharged in July or August.

• The Regiment was authorized on August 21, 1775 in the Virginia State Troops as the 2nd Virginia Regiment
• Organized on October 21, 1775 at Williamsburg to consist of 7 companies
• Adopted on November 1, 1775 into the Continental Army
• Reorganized on January 11, 1776 to consist of 10 companies
• It was assigned on February 27, 1776 to the Southern Department
• Relieved on December 27, 1776 from the Southern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army
• It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the 2nd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies
• Consolidated on May 12, 1779 with the 6th Virginia Regiment (see 6th Virginia Regiment) and consolidated unit designated as the 2nd Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies
• Relieved on December 4, 1779 from assignment to the 1st Virginia Brigade and assigned to the Southern Department
• Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina
• Disbanded on November 15, 1783

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
• Battle of Charleston

Unit History

Also designated at various times: 2nd Battalion, Virginia Forces on Provisional Establishment; 2nd Virginia Battalion of Foot in the Service of the United States; 2nd Virginia Regiment on Continental Establishment; 2nd Virginia Detachment; 2nd Virginia Battalion

The 2nd Virginia Regiment was authorized by the Virginia Convention, July 17, 1775, as a force of regular troops for the Commonwealth's defense. It consisted of seven companies, 476 privates and the usual regimental officers. This regiment saw considerable service in the Norfolk area against British forces and loyalists under Dunmore. Colonel William Woodford, of Caroline County, because the de facto commander in chief of Virginia's forces from October through December 1775, after which time he turned over his command to Gen. Robert Howe, of North Carolina.

Companies, September 1775-1776

• 1st Company - Capt. George Johns(t)on, September 21, 1775. Raised in Fairfax.
• 2d Company - Capt. George Nicholas, September 28, 1775. Raised in Hanover.
• 3d Company - Capt. Richard Parker, September 28, 1775. Raised in Westmoreland.
• 4rd Company - Capt. William Taliaferro, September 29, 1775. Raised in Caroline.
• 5th Company - Capt. William Fontaine, October 21, 1775. Raised in Amelia.
• 6th Company - Capt. Richard Kidder Meade, October 24, 1775. Raised in Southhampton
• 7th Company - Capt. Morgan Alexander, November 27, 1775. Raised in Frederick. (Riflemen)

On December 1, 1775 three companies of 60 men each were added to the regiment.

• 8th Company - Capt. Buller Claiborne, January 31, 1776. Raised in Prince George and Petersburg.
• 9th Company - Capt. Samuel Hawes, February 19, 1776. Raised in Caroline.
• 10th Company - Capt. Wood Jones, March 8, 1776. Raised in Amelia and Williamsburg

Originally raised for one year's state service, the 2nd Virginia was accepted by Congress for Continental service on February 13, 1776, and reorganized at Suffolk.

In the fall, the 2nd was dispatched to engage Lord Dunmore's land and naval forces in the campaigns around Norfolk. Shortly before the Regiment departed in December 1776 to join Gen. George Washington and the Main Army in New Jersey. By the time the 2d was ordered to Maryland's Eastern Shore to suppress local Loyalists, the Regimental tailors were busy in Philadelphia equipping the Regiment with new regimental clothing.

Orginially attached to Weedon's Brigade in 1777, the 2nd Virginia Regiment became part of Woodford's Brigade from 1779 to 1780. From March 1776 through the White Plains arrangement of September 1778, the following officers commanded companies in the regiment:

• Capt. Everard Meade, commissioned March 8, 1776
• Capt. Francis Taliaferro, March 1776
• Capt. Francis Taylor, May 8, 1776
• Capt. John Willis, June 15, 1776
• Capt. William Stanford, December 25, 1776
• Capt. William Taylor, Decemeber 28, 1776
• Capt. Marquis Calmes, January 17, 1777
• Capt. Peyton Harrison, March 11, 1777
• Capt. John Peyton Harrison, May 4, 1777
• Capt. Alexander Parker, June 1, 1777
• Capt. Philip Taliaferro, September 23, 1777
• Capt. Thomas Tebbs, 1777
• Capt. Benjamin Holmes (Hoomes), April 24, 1778
• Capt. James Upshaw, 1778

In late 1777, the British sailed landed on the Chesapeake Bay to march on Philadelphia, and the 2nd Virginia Regiment was involved in the defense of the capital in the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown, both were defeats for Washington's army.

After surviving the harsh winter at Valley Forge from December 1777 to June 1778 , the Continental Army emerged from their winter quarters with renewed vigor. They had spent the months under the supervision of Frederick "Von" Steuben, training to become a professional army. With the rest of the Main Army, the 2nd Virginia proved they could stand up to the best of the British Army at the battle of Monmouth, were they provoked a rear action and held the field at the end of the day.

Om July 1778 , new 2nd Virginia Regiment reported 26 commissioned officers, 4 staff officers, and 658 rank and file. On September 14, 1778, the 2nd Virginia Regiment was consolidated with the depleted 6th Virginia Regiment at White Plains. At this "re-arrangment", Col. Christian Febiger remained colonel, while Lt. Col. Charles Simms of the 6th Virginia became retained his role.

On January 23, 1779, there were 137 men in the regiment enlisted for the duration of the war, an unusually large proportion.

Companies, September 1778-Spring 1779

• Colonel's Company - Capt. Lieutenant Thomas Catlett
• Lieutenant Colonel's Company - Lt. Colin Cocke(?)
• Major's Company - Lt. Francis Cowherd(?)
• 4rd Company - Capt. William Taylor
• 5th Company - Capt. Marquis Calmes
• 6th Company - Capt. John Peyton Harrison
• 7th Company - Capt. Alexander Parker
• 8th Company - Capt. Benjamin Taliaferro
• 9th Company - Capt. John Stokes

In 1779, Capt. Marquis Calmes was captured by the British. Capts. Valentine Harrison and Colin Cocke joined the regiment toward the end of the year.

In December 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment was temporarily consolidated with the 3d reassigned to the Southern Department to counter a new British threat as part of General William Woodford's brigade. In what could have been a crushing defeat for the Continental Army, the 2nd Virginia Regiment was captured along with the whole Southern Department at Charleston, South Carolina in May 1780. A handful of men under Capt. Alexander Parker escaped capture and returned to Virginia to particpate in the Yorktown Campaign.

The 2nd Virginia Regiment, although in captivity, was arranged on paper by boards of field officers meeting at Chesterfield Court House, at Cumberland Old Court House, and at Winchester, in 1781, 1782, and 1783 respectively.

Companies, 1781-1782

• Capt. Robert Higgins (from the 8th Virginia Regiment)
• Capt. John Smith
• Capt. Alexander Parker
• Capt. Benjamin Taliaferro
• Capt. Henry Moss
• Capt. Isaiah Marks
• Capt. Colin Cocke
• Capt. Robert Porterfield
• Capt. Francis Cowherd
• Capt. John Jordan
• Capt. Beverley Stubblefield
• Capt. James Mabin (Maybone)

Because they were on detached service with Col. Abraham Buford, captains Thomas Calett and John Stokes escaped at Charleston, Catlett only to be killed and Stokes wounded at The Waxhaws later in the month.

The final arrangement of the Virginia Line, which took place at Winchester on January 1, 1783, created a tiny regiment of two companies, which was designated the 2nd Virginia Regiment. One company was composed of veterans, and the other of recruits who were serving out their enlistments "for the war."
Companies, 1781-1782

• Major-Commandant Smith Snead
• Capt. Alexander Parker (Veterans)
• Capt. Samuel Booker (Recruits)
• Brevet-Capt. Thomas Parker, September 30, 1783

• The Regiment was authorized on December 28, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 3rd Virginia Regiment.
  It was assigned on February 27, 1776 to the Southern Department.
• Organized on February 28, 1776 at Alexandria and Dunfies to consist of 10 companies from Price William, Fauquier, Stafford, Louisa, Fairfax, King George, Loundon and Culpepper Counties.
• Relieved on July 20, 1776 from the Southern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
  It was assigned on October 5, 1776 to Weedon's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Relieved on October 1776 from Weedon's Brigade and assigned to Stirling's Brigade
  Reorganized on January 11, 1776 to consist of 10 companies by raising two more musket companies.
  It was assigned on February 27, 1776 to the Southern Department.
• Relieved on July 20, 1776 from the Southern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
  It was assigned on October 5, 1776 to Weedon's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Relieved on October 17, 1776 from Weedon's Brigade and assigned to Stirling's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Relieved on May 11, 1777 from Stirling's Brigade and assigned to the 3rd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Relieved on July 22, 1778 from the 3rd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Consolidated on May 12, 1779 with the 5th Virginia Regiment and redesignated as the 3rd Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies.
• Relieved on December 4, 1779 from the 2nd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1783

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of Princeton
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
• Battle of Charleston

Unit History

The 3rd Virginia Regiment was raised on December 28, 1775 at Alexandria, Virginia for service with the Continental Army.

The 3d Virginia's initial commander was Colonel Hugh Mercer, who was quickly promoted to brigadier general. Its second commander was George Weedon, who was also promoted to brigadier general. Weedon was succeeded in command by Colonel Thomas Marshall, the father of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall.

The regiment saw action in the New York Campaign the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth and the Siege of Charleston.

Most of the regiment was captured at Charlestown, South Carolina on May 12, 1780 by the British and the regiment was formally disbanded on November 15, 1783. James Madison and John Marshall served as lieutenants in this regiment.

• The Regiment was authorized on December 28, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 4th Virginia Regiment.
  It was assigned on February 27, 1776 to the Southern Department.
• Organized on February 28, 1776 at Suffolk Court House to consist of 10 companies from Berkley, Charlotte, Prince Edward, Sussex, Southampton, Nansemond, Brunswick, Isle of Wight, Surry and Princess Anne Counties.
• Relieved on September 3, 1776 from the Southern Department and assigned Stephen's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Relieved on May 11, 1777 from Stephen's Brigade and assigned to the 4th Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• 4th Virginia Brigade redesignated 22 July 22, 1778 as the 3rd Virginia Brigade.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Consolidated on May 12, 1779 with the 8th Virginia Regiment and redesignated as the 4th Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies; concurrently relieved from the 3d Virginia Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1783

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of Princeton
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
• Battle of Charleston

Unit History

The 4th Virginia Regiment was raised on December 28, 1775 at Suffolk Court House, Virginia for service with the Continental Army.

The regiment saw action at the Battle of Trenton, Battle of Princeton, Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Siege of Charleston.

Most of the regiment was captured at Charlestown, South Carolina on May 12, 1780 by the British and the regiment was formally disbanded on January 1, 1783.

The 5th Virginia Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on December 28, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 5th Virginia Regiment.
  It was assigned on February 27, 1776 to the Southern Department.
• Organized on February 28, 1776 at Richmond Court House to consist of 10 companies from Lancaster, Richmond, Westmoreland, Spotsylvania, Northampton, Chesterfield, Henrico, Bedford, and Loudoun Counties.
• Relieved on September 3, 1776 from the Southern Department and assigned Stephen's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Relieved on May 22, 1777 from Stephen's Brigade and assigned to the 1st Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Consolidated on May 12, 1779 with the 3rd Virginia Regiment.

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of Princeton
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78

Unit History

The 5th Virginia Regiment was raised on December 28, 1775 at Richmond, Virginia for service with the U.S. Continental Army. The regiment saw action at the Battle of Trenton, Battle of Princeton, Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Siege of Charleston. The regiment was merged into the 3rd Virginia Regiment on May 12, 1779.

The 6th Virginia Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on December 28, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 6th Virginia Regiment.
  It was assigned on February 27, 1776 to the Southern Department.
• Organized on February 28, 1776 at Williamsburg to consist of 10 companies from Pittsylvania, Amherst, Buckingham, Charles City, Lunenburg, New Kent, Mecklenburg, Dinwiddie, Prince George and Spotsylvania Counties.
• Relieved on September 3, 1776 from the Southern Department and assigned Stephen's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Relieved on May 22, 1777 from Stephen's Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Consolidated on May 12, 1779 with the 2nd Virginia Regiment.

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of Princeton
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78

Unit History

The 6th Virginia Regiment was raised on December 28, 1775 at Williamsburg, Virginia for service with the Continental Army. The regiment would see action at the Battle of Trenton, Battle of Princeton, Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Siege of Charleston. The regiment was merged into the 2nd Virginia Regiment on May 12, 1779.

The 7th Virginia Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on January 11, 1776 in the Virginia State Troops as the 7th Virginia Regiment.
• Organized between February 7- May 8, 1776 at Gloucester Court House to consist of 10 companies from Halifax, Albemarle, Botetourt, Gloucester, King William, Essex, Middlesex, Cumberland, King and Queen, Orange and Fincastle Counties.
• Adopted on June 17, 1776 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Relieved on December 27, 1776 from the Southern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
  It was assigned on May 11, 1777 from Stirling's Brigade and assigned to the 3rd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Relieved on July 22, 1778 from the 3rd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Virginia , an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized and redesignated on May 12, 1779 as the 5th Virginia to consist of 9 companies.
• Relieved on December 4, 1779 from the 2nd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1783

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
• Battle of Charleston

Unit History

In September 1778, the Virginia Line was rearranged, by reducing the fifteen regiments to eleven. The reorganization saw the 5th Virginia Regiment (of 1775) redesignated the 3rd Virginia and the 7th Virginia regiments becoming the "new" Fifth Regiment. The Commander of the "new" Fifth was Col. William Russell.

Little is written about the 5th Regiment during the winter of 1778 -79. In the reorganization of the Virginia Line in May 1779, the 5th Regiment became part of Brig. Gen. William Woodford's Brigade. Following operations in the Northern Colonies, the Virginia troops were ordered south to join Brig. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln in defense of the Southern Colonies. These troops under Woodford and Scott entered Charleston, South Carolina on April 7, 1780.

On May 12, 1780, General Lincoln surrendered the city of Charlestown, along with the entire Virginia Line of Continental troops to the British.

8th Virginia Regiment

The 8th Virginia Regiment was raised on January 11, 1776 at Suffolk Court House, Virginia for service with the Continental Army under the command of Peter Muhlenberg. The regiment would see action at the Battle of Brandywine, the Battle of Germantown and the Battle of Monmouth. The regiment was merged into the 4th Virginia Regiment on May 12, 1779.

The 8th Virginia was also sometimes known as the "German Regiment", not to be confused with Colonel Nicholas Haussegger's regiment, also sometimes known as the "German Regiment" (or "German Battalion").

• The Regiment was authorized on January 11, 1776 in the Virginia State Troops as the 8th Virginia Regiment.
• Organized between February 9- April 4, 1776 at Suffolk Court House to consist of 10 companies from Frederick, Dunmore, Berkley, Augusta, Hampshire, Fincastle, and Culpepper Counties.
• Adopted on May 25, 1776 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Relieved on January 21, 1777 from the Southern Department and assigned to the Main Army.
  It was assigned on May 11, 1777 to the 4th Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Army.
• 4th Virginia Brigade redesignated on July 22, 1778 as the 3rd Virginia Brigade.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Consolidated on May 12, 1779 with the 4th Virginia Regiment.

Engagements

• Southern Theater 1775-82
• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78

9th Virginia Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on January 11, 1776 in the Virginia State Troops as the 9th Virginia Regiment.
• Organized on February 5- March 16, 1776 on the Eastern Shore to consist of 7 companies from Accomac, Northampton, Goochland, Albemarle, and Augusta Counties.
• Adopted on May 31, 1776 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Reorganized on June 8, 1776 to consist of 10 companies.
• Relieved on November 23, 1776 from the Southern Department and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
  It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the 1st Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reduced on October 7, 1777 to a cadre in eastern Pennsylvania.
• Consolidated on May 12, 1779 with the 1st Virginia Regiment.

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78

Unit History

The 9th Virginia Regiment was authorized in the Virginia State Troops on 11 January 1776 . It was subsequently organized between 5 February and 16 March 1776 and comprised seven companies of troops from easternmost Virginia.

The unit was adopted into the Continental Army on 31 May 1776. The regiment participated in the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of Germantown. It was consolidated with the 1st Virginia Regiment on 12 May 1779, and the consolidated unit was designated as the 1st Virginia Regiment.

The unit was captured on 12 May 1780 by the British Army at the Siege of Charleston and was disbanded on 15 November 1783.

10th Virginia Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 10th Virginia Regiment.
  It was assigned on December 27, 1776 to the Southern Department.
• Organized on February 12, 1777 to consist of 10 companies from Augusta, Amherst, Caroline, Culpepper, Cumberland, Fairfax, Fauquier, Orange, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and King George Counties.
  It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the 2nd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Reorganized and redesignated on May 12, 1779 as the 6th Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies.
• Relieved on December 4, 1779 from the 2nd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1783

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
• Battle of Charleston

Unit History

The 10th Virginia Regiment was raised on December 28, 1775 in western Virginia for service with the Continental Army. The regiment would see action at the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Siege of Charleston. Most of the regiment was captured at Charlestown, South Carolina on May 12, 1780 by the British and the regiment was formally disbanded on November 15, 1783.

11th Virginia Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 11th Virginia Regiment.
  It was assigned on December 27, 1776 to the Southern Department.
• Organized on February 3, 1777 to consist of 4 companies from Loudoun, Frederick, Prince William and Amelia Counties, Daniel Morgan's Independent Rifle Company and 5 companies comprising of the Virginia portion of the Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiments.
• Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment element reorganized to consist of 4 companies and Capt. George Rice's company (organized on January 18, 1777 in the Virginia State Troops in Frederick and Augusta Counties) transferred on April 15, 1777 to the regiment.
  It was assigned on May 11, 1777 to the 3rd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Relieved on July 22, 1778 from the 3rd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized and redesignated on May 12, 1779 as the 7th Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies.
• Relieved on December 4, 1779 from the 2nd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1781

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of Princeton
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
• Battle of Charleston

Unit History

The 12th Virginia Regiment was raised on September 16, 1776 at Williamsburg, Virginia for service with the (U.S.) Continental Army. The regiment saw action in the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Siege of Charleston. Most of the regiment was captured at Charlestown, South Carolina on May 12, 1780 by the British and the regiment was formally disbanded on January 1, 1783.

12th Virginia Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 12th Virginia Regiment.
  It was assigned on December 27, 1776 to the Main Continental Army.
• Organized on February 12, 1777 to consist of 5 companies from Hampshire, Berkley, Botetourt, Dunmore and Prince Edward Counties and 4 existing companies of State Troops (organized August 1775 - September 1776 from Botetourt, Augusta, Hampshire and Frederick Counties and the West Augusta District) in garrison at Fort Pitt, Point Pleasant, Tyger's Valley and Wheeling.
  It was assigned on May 11, 1777 to the 4th Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• 4th Virginia Brigade redesignated 22 July 22, 1778 as the 3rd Virginia Brigade.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Reorganized and redesignated on May 12, 1779 as the 8th Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies; concurrently relieved from the 3rd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Virginia Brigade.
• Relieved on December 4, 1779 from the 2nd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1783

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
• Battle of Charleston

Unit History

The 12th Virginia Regiment was raised on September 16, 1776 at Williamsburg, Virginia for service with the (U.S.) Continental Army.

The regiment saw action in the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Siege of Charleston.

Most of the regiment was captured at Charlestown, South Carolina on May 12, 1780 by the British and the regiment was formally disbanded on January 1, 1783.

13th Virginia Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 13th Virginia Regiment.
  It was assigned on December 27, 1776 to the Main Continental Army.
• Organized on February 12, 1777 at Fort Pitt to consist of 9 companies from Yohogania, Monongalia, and Ohio Counties (comprising of the former West Augusta District).
  It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the 1st Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Relieved on May 24, 1778 from the Main Continental Army and assigned to the Western Department.
• Reorganized and redesignated on May 12, 1779 as the 9th Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies.
• Reorganized and redesignated on January 1, 1781 as the 7th Virginia Regiment, to consist of 2 companies.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1783 at Fort Pitt Pennsylvania.

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78

Unit History

The 13th Virginia Regiment was authorized on 16 September 1776 by the Continental Congress for service with the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

The unit was organized on 12 February 1777 at Fort Pitt in present-day western Pennsylvania to consist of nine companies of troops from the far-western Virginia counties (now parts of West Virginia and western Pennsylvania).

The regiment saw action in the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, and the Battle of Monmouth.

On 24 May 1778 the unit was assigned to the Western Department, and on 12 May 1779 it was reorganized and redesignated as the 9th Virginia Regiment. It was again reorganized and redesignated as the 7th Virginia Regiment on 1 January 1781 to consist of two companies. The regiment was disbanded at Fort Pitt on 1 January 1783.

14th Virginia Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 14th Virginia Regiment.
  It was assigned on December 27, 1776 to the Main Continental Army.
• Organized on February 12, 1777 to consist of 10 companies from Halifax, Bedford, Pittsylvania, Hanover, Albemarle, Fincastle, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Goochland, Louisa, Charlotte, and Lunenburg Counties
  It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the 2nd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Relieved on December 4, 1779 from the 2d Brigade and assigned to the 1st Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized and redesignated September 14, 1778 as the 10th Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies
• Relieved on December 4, 1779 from the 1st Virginia Brigade and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Most of the regiment was on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1781

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
• Battle of Charleston

Unit History

The 14th Virginia Regiment was raised on September 16, 1776 in western Virginia for service with the Continental Army.

The regiment would see action at the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth, and Siege of Charleston. Most of the regiment was captured at Charlestown, South Carolina on May 12, 1780, by the British Army.

The regiment was formally disbanded on November 15, 1783.

15th Virginia Regiment

• The Regiment was authorized on September 16, 1776 in the Continental Army as the 15th Virginia Regiment.
  It was assigned on December 27, 1776 to the Main Continental Army.
• Organized on February 12, 1777 to consist of 9 companies from Chesterfield, Brunswick, Southampton, King William, Mansemond, Princess Anne, Isle of Wight, Surry, Sussex, Westmoreland, Northumberland, and Richmond Counties and the Borough of Norfolk.
  It was assigned on May 11, 1777 to the 3rd Virginia Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized on November 1, 1777 to consist of 8 companies.
• Relieved on July 22, 1778 from the 3rd Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army.
• Reorganized and redesignated on May 12, 1779 as the 11th Virginia Regiment, to consist of 9 companies
  Relieved on December 4, 1779 from the 2nd Virginia Brigade and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Captured on May 12, 1780 by the British Army at Charleston, South Carolina.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1781

Engagements

• New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
• Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
• Battle of Charleston

Unit History

The 15th Virginia Regiment was raised on December 28, 1775 in eastern, Virginia for service with the Continental Army.

The regiment would see action at the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth and the Siege of Charleston.

Most of the regiment was captured at Charlestown, South Carolina on May 12, 1780 by the British and the regiment was formally disbanded on November 15, 1783.

Virginia Independent Rifle Company

• The Regiment was authorized on January 8, 1777 in the Continental Army as 2 independent Virginia Companies to garrison Fort Pitt and Fort Randolph, Pennsylvania.
• Organized between February 12- April 4, 1777 in Yohogania and Botetourt Counties., respectively.
  It was assigned on April 9, 1777 to the Western Department.
• Consolidated on November 21, 1779 and redesignated as Heth's Independent Company.
• Disbanded on January 1, 1781 at Fort Pitt.

Engagements

• Delaware 1778
• Delaware 1779

Virginia Regiment of Guards

• The Regiment was authorized on December 23, 1778 in the Virginia State Troops as the Regiment of Guards.
• Adopted on January 9, 1779 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Southern Department.
• Organized in January 1779 at Albemarle Barracks (Charlottesville), Virginia, to consist of 9 companies from Amherst, Buckingham, Louisa, Orange, Culpepper, and Goochland Counties.
• Reorganized on December 10, 1779 to consist of 7 companies.
• Disbanded between April 10- June 9, 1781 at Winchester and Watkin's Ferry.

Morgan's Virginia Independent Rifle Company

• The Regiment was authorized on June 14, 1775 in the Continental Army as the Virginia Independent Rifle Company and assigned to the Main Continental Army.
• Organized on June 22, 1775 at Winchester, Captain Daniel Morgan commanding.
• Relieved on September 8, 1775 from the Main Continental Army and assigned to the Northern Department.
• Captured on December 31, 1775 by the British Army at Quebec, Canada.
• Reorganized on February 3, 1777 at Winchester, Captain Charles Porterfield commanding and consolidated with the 11th Virginia Regiment.

Engagements

• Siege of Boston
• Invasion of Quebec 1775-1776