1775-1783
Guide to the Microfilm Edition
Sponsored by the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.
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| Title: | Revolutionary War orderly books at
the Massachusetts Historical Society |
| Dates: | 1775-1783 |
| Physical Description: | 6
microfilm reels |
| Microfilm Call Number: | P-394 |
| Repository: | Massachusetts Historical Society
1154 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
library@masshist.org |
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Abstract:
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This guide describes a microfilm edition of
Revolutionary War orderly books taken from manuscript collections at the Mass.
Historical Society. The microfilm contains approx. 45 books, including orders
for the Continental Army, most by Mass. regiments, state militias, and a few by
the British army. Individual persons, regiments, and locations represented on
the microfilm are listed in the guide to the collection.
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This microfilm edition contains Revolutionary War orderly books selected
from manuscript collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society. It does
not contain books from collections that previously have been microfilmed,
including the Artemas Ward, William Heath, and Winthrop Sargent papers. Loose
orders found in manuscript collections at the Society also are not
included.
This guide contains full descriptions of each orderly book including the
name or number of each regiment, who the book was kept for, the dates of the
book, where the book was kept, the engagements the regiment was involved in,
the manuscript collection in which the book is found, and a description of its
contents. Appendices to this guide index the books by year, geographic
location/engagement, and names of record keepers, issuers of orders, and
regiments.
The orderly books are arranged by regimental name or number. Regimental
names were taken from lineages contained in The
Continental Army by Robert K. Wright, Jr. (Washington, D.C.: Center of
Military History, U.S. Army, 1983: hereafter referred to as Wright) and this
reference book should be consulted for explanations of name changes. Regimental
names are those for the period during which the orderly book was kept. Only
name changes which occurred during the term of the book are noted as "later the
[ ] regiment."
Due to fading and staining, several books contain faint handwriting and,
therefore, produce faint images on the microfilm. Because of the large number
of these cases, each instance has not been noted on the film.
Where possible, the books have been filmed in a chronological sequence.
Books with pages out of order were filmed in one chronological sequence, if
possible.
The orderly books are arranged on the film in the following order:
When a unit name change occurs in books following in succession, the books
were not separated according to the name change, but rather filmed together in
sequence. "See" references in the Detailed Description have been included to
direct the user from the book's proper place in the arrangement to its place
under its former name. See Ebenezer Francis' regiment (I.4) as an example.
Each item on the microfilm has been given a unique number that includes a
roman numeral identifying the number of the reel and an arabic number
indicating its placement on that reel. Further subdivisions by letter (i.e.
I.4.A) have been included when several books from one collection follow in
succession. Different arabic numbers have been given when the book is from the
same regiment but from a different collection.
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| Reel | Volume | Contents |
| | Massachusetts regiments |
| | | Massachusetts Continental Army, named regiments |
| | | | John Bailey's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
(Later part of the 23rd Continental Regiment, Mass.)
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| Reel I | Vol. 1 | | | | I.1. Orderly book, Roxbury,
12 December 1775-5 January 1776
Unit name/number: John Bailey's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)(later part of the 23rd Continental Regiment, Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 25
Call Number: Ms. S-789General, division? (General Artemas Ward), and regimental (Colonel John
Bailey) orders kept at Roxbury, 12 December 1775-5 January 1776 during the
siege of Boston. December orders from Washington's headquarters in Cambridge
concern enlistment of new troops (since most enlistments ran out December 1775)
or resigning of the present troops. January orders establish the Continental
Army (superseding militia regiments from individual colonies) and publish new
rules and regulations. Division orders emphasize better discipline for sentries
and guards. Two regimental orders concern a court-martial and an inspection of
Col. Bailey's regiment, now partly made up of recruits.
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| | | | Jonathan Brewer's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.) |
| Reel I | Vol. 2 | | | | I.2. Orderly book, Cambridge,
19 June-4 September 1775
Unit name/number: Jonathan Brewer's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Peter Bishop?
No. of frames: Approx. 60
Call Number: Ms. SBd-209 General, division (General Charles Lee), brigade (General Nathaniel Green),
and regimental (Colonel Jonathan Brewer) orders, for Captain John Russell at
Prospect Hill, Cambridge, 19 June-4 September 1775 during the Siege of Boston.
The book opens with general and other orders of 29-31 July. It then reverts to
general orders of 19-24 June (closely following the Battle of Bunker Hill on
the 17th) concerning the state of alert at Prospect Hill and other
fortifications, return of military gear picked up at Bunker Hill, and
Washington's thanks to all who fought gallantly at Charlestown. Another order
from Washington commends Major Benjamin Tupper for a raid destroying the
assignments for Prospect Hill and Winter Hill (Somerville). A brigade order
directs Brewer's regiment to serve picket duty at Plowed Hill in the designated
area. The form for a return on Captain Harvey's company of the regiment is also
included.
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| | | | Theophilus Cotton's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.) |
| Reel I | Vol. 3 | | | | I.3. Orderly book, Roxbury,
21 June-22 November 1775
Unit name/number: Theophilus Cotton's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Josiah Tomson
No. of frames: Approx. 25
Call Number: Ms. S-220A regimental orderly book (Colonel Theophilus Cotton) kept by Sergeant
Josiah Tomson of Captain John Bradford's Company during the Siege of Boston at
Roxbury, 21 June-22 November 1775. Detailed orders for the regiment (barracked
at a waterside farm) concern daily routine of the regiment from reveille to
tattoos, orders for the sentries and the Colonel's guard, and attendance at
prayer and exercise for the troops. Instructions forbid gaming, discharge of
firearms within the camp, and eating of green corn. Also included in the book
are lists of the officers, non-commissioned personnel, and privates of
Bradford's company.
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| | | | I.4. Ebenezer Francis' Regiment, Continental Army
[4 Books]
No. of frames: 450 frames(Formerly Francis' Regiment, Mass. State Troops; later Benjamin Tupper's
Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.) and 11th Mass. Regiment, Continental
Army)
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| Reel I | Vol. 4.A | | | | I.4.A. Orderly book, Dorchester Point, Boston,
16 August-7 September 1776
Unit name/number: Ebenezer Francis' Regiment, Mass. State
Troops
Recordkeeper: Benjamin Shaw
Call Number: Ms. N-1333District (General Artemas Ward) and regimental orders for Colonel Ebenezer
Francis' Regiment kept by Sergeant-Major Benjamin Shaw, Regimental Adjutant, at
Dorchester Point, Boston, kept for Lieutenant Moses Greenleaf 16 August-7
September 1776 following the evacuation of Boston by the British in March of
that year. General orders from General Artemas Ward, commander of the Eastern
District, cover rules and regulations for newly raised regiments, and specific
orders covering daily inspection of quarters, unauthorized absence from camp,
and transgressions against civilians. Francis' regimental orders reinforce
these orders and cover appearance and proper drilling of guards, and reports by
sergeants of the guard.
The book also contains a biography of Moses Greenleaf, a list of officers
in the regiment 1 August-1 December 1776, and returns on the regiment and
Captain Peabody's company. It is the first of four orderly books in a volume of
Greenleaf's military papers, 1776-1780.
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| Reel I | Vol. 4.B | | | | I.4.B. Orderly book, Fort Ticonderoga (N.Y.),
23 March-4 April 1777
Unit name/number: Ebenezer Francis' Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
Call Number: Ms. N-1333General orders (General Arthur St. Clair, Commander on Lake Champlain?) kept
for Captain Moses Greenleaf of Colonel Ebenezer Francis' Regiment at Fort
Ticonderoga (N.Y.), 23 March-4 April 1777 prior to its capture by the British
in July. These orders list court-martial, warn the garrison against venturing
forth, recruit men for repair of guns and service in boats, assign scouting and
fatigue parties, give instructions for sentinels and guards, and order the
gates and sally ports at Ticonderoga and Fort Miller to be closed each evening.
Also included are accounts for clothing ordered for Capt. Greenleaf's company,
and lists of deaths and desertions, deliveries of guns, and men sent to
hospitals.
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| Reel I | Vol. 4.C | | | | I.4.C. Orderly book, West Point and Peekskill (N.Y.),
1 January-27 June 1779
Unit name/number: Benjamin Tupper's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
Call Number: Ms. N-1333General and departmental (General Alexander McDougall, Commander of the
Highlands) orders dept for Captain Moses Greenleaf of Colonel Benjamin Tupper's
Regiment at West Point and Peekskill (N.Y.), 1 January-27 June 1779.
Washington's orders from his headquarters at Middle Brook, New Jersey, enjoined
officers to prepare quickly for the field, and also set up a Conductor of
Military Stores for each regiment. McDougall's departmental orders concern
cleaning up barracks, buying stores, issuing permits for boats traveling up or
down the Hudson, bounties for soldiers enlisting for the duration, recruiting
travel, and precautions against enemy attack. Also included is an "Alphabit"
(index) of the orders contained in the book.
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| Reel I | Vol. 4.D | | | | I.4.D. Orderly book, Moors House and Robinson House (West Point
area, N.Y.),
19 November-23 December 1779
Unit name/number: 11th Massachusetts Regiment, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
Call Number: Ms. N-1333General, Highlands District and garrison (General William Heath), brigade
(General John Paterson) and regimental orders kept for Captain Moses Greenleaf
of Colonel Benjamin Tupper's 11th Massachusetts Regiment at Moors House and
Robinson House (West Point area, N.Y.), 19 November-23 December 1779. Orders
from Washington's headquarters in Morristown (N.J.) concern officers absent
without or overstaying leave, and a general inspection of the Army in 1780.
District and garrison orders concern removal of Maryland and Pennsylvania
troops to Morristown, completing barracks, checking the Hudson for enemy
activity, and re-enlistment of Massachusetts soldiers. Brigade and regimental
orders concern reports on personnel and furnishing the troops with
bayonets.
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| | | | John Glover's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.) |
| Reel I | Vol. 5 | | | | I.5. Orderly book, Cambridge,
23 June-8 August 1775
Unit name/number: John Glover's Regiment, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: [William R. Lee?]
No. of frames: Approx. 90
Call Number: Ms. N-635General and one division order (General Israel Putnam) kept for Captain
William R. Lee of Glover's regiment in Cambridge during the Siege of Boston 23
June-8 August 1775. Orders from Washington's headquarters in Cambridge list his
requirements for cleanliness, health, discipline, and state of alert for the
troops; prescribe specific measures for strengthening the army's lines and
redoubts; set forth the organizational plan for the besieging army; and even
give the protocol for receiving a general officer into a camp, or receiving
enemy envoys under a flag of truce. Other general orders emphasize regular
reports on the status of troops ands supplies, the importance of good
recruiting, and various logistical problems. Gen. Putnam's order recruits men
experienced in handling whaleboats. The book includes a chart of the
organization of the besieging army, and a number of accounts for officers of
Lee's Additional Continental Regiment purchasing uniforms for themselves and
their troops in 1777 and 1778.
Note: Although the cover page of this volume says
that Lee was of the 23rd regiment, it is unclear what regiment is being
referred to. Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the
War of the Revolution and a brief description in the
Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical
Society, Vol. IV, p. 152 refer additionally to Glover's Regiment as the
21st regiment. It is unknown whether the reference to the 23rd regiment
reflects an earlier or temporary name for Glover's regiment or is another name
for Lee's Additional Continental Regiment, formed in 1777.
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| | | | Henry Jackson's Additional Continental Regiment (Mass.)
(Later 16th Massachusetts Regiment, Continental Army)
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| Reel I | Vol. 6 | | | | I.6. Orderly book, Morristown (N.J.) and Peekskill (N.Y.),
23 May-1 August 1780
Unit name/number: Henry Jackson's Additional Continental Regiment
(Mass.) (later 16th Massachusetts Regiment, Continental Army)
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 75
Call Number: Ms. SBd-244General, division [General Friedrich von Steuben?], brigade [General John
Stark?] and regimental [Colonel Henry Jackson?] orders kept at Morristown
(N.J.) and Peekskill (N.Y.), 23 May-1 August 1780. Washington's orders include
a commendation to Gen. Greene's troops for opposing an enemy advance on
Springfield (N.J.), and a general order to all officers to require exact
compliance in sentries' attention to soldierly deportment and to preserving
good security. Division orders concern courts-martial, deployment and
provisioning of troops, re-assignment of units, and preparations for battle.
Brigade and regimental orders concern mainly duty assignments.
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| | | | II.1. Michael Jackson's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
[6 books]
No. of frames: Approx. 500(Later the 8th Mass. Regiment, Continental Army)
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| Reel II | Vol. 1.A | | | | II.1.A. Orderly book, Saratoga (N.Y.) and later the Valley Forge
area,
5 September-4 December 1777
Unit name/number: Michael Jackson's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Francis Tufts
Call Number: Ms. N-1687General, brigade and regimental orders kept by Sergeant-Major Francis Tufts
of the regiment near Saratoga (N.Y.) and later the Valley Forge area, 5
September-4 December 1777. A September 6th entry refers to a large force under
Generals Lincoln and Ward about to march to the engagements of Saratoga. Much
of the following text up to November 9th is faded. The brigade is preparing to
march to the Valley Forge area (White Marsh, Pa.). Orders from November 23rd to
December 4th concern the suppressing of "tippling houses" near the camp and
issuing new uniforms daily.
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| Reel II | Vol. 1.B | | | | II.1.B. Orderly book, Valley Forge,
30 April-18 May 1778
Unit name/number: Michael Jackson's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Francis Tufts
Call Number: Ms. N-1687General (George Washington), brigade (General Ebenezer Learned), and
regimental (Colonel Michael Jackson) orders as kept by Lieutenant Francis
Tufts, adjutant for the regiment at Valley Forge, 30 April-18 May 1778. General
orders concern daily returns on the muster roll, weekly divine service, strict
uniformity in practicing maneuvers, a new oath of allegiance required by the
Congress, and a bonus pension program for all officers and men serving for the
duration. Brigade and regimental orders concern guard and duty details, care of
the sick, and appointment of brigade inspectors.
Other items include a three-page fragment from a brigade order, a brief
account of Tufts' military service by his son, two poems, and his son's account
of his conversation from a career as a liquor distiller.
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| Reel II | Vol. 1.C | | | | II.1.C. Orderly book, West Point (N.Y.),
13 September 1779-31 January 1780
Unit name/number: 8th Massachusetts Regiment, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: Francis Tufts
Call Number: Ms. N-1687General, departmental and garrison (Generals Alexander McDougall and William
Heath), brigade (4th Massachusetts) and regimental (Colonel Michael Jackson)
orders kept at West Point (N.Y.) by Francis Tufts, 13 September 1779-31 January
1780. General orders from Washington's headquarters in Morristown (N.J.)
concern exact returns of non-commissioned officers and privates who signed on
for the duration or other periods, winter furloughs, and an inspection of the
entire army in December 1779. Department and garrison orders concern housing
and defense of West Point and the surrounding forts, watch boats to detect
enemy activities and weighing the chain boom across the river in winter.
Brigade and regimental orders involve maneuver drills for the troops, forage
details, and courts-martial. On December 2nd, General Heath takes over as
commanding officer of the Highlands deportment. In November, the Maryland,
North Carolina and Pennsylvania brigades march to Morristown for winter
quarters.
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| Reel II | Vol. 1.D | | | | II.1.D. Orderly book, West Point and later Tappan (N.Y.),
1 June-9 August 1780
Unit name/number: 8th Mass. Regiment, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: Francis Tufts
Call Number: Ms. N-1687General department and garrison (Generals Robert Howe, Alexander McDougall,
and Benedict Arnold), Brigade (4th Mass. And later the 1st Mass.) and
regimental (Colonel Michael Jackson) orders kept at West Point and later Tappan
(N.Y.) from 1 June-9 August 1780. General orders from Washington in New Jersey
concern uniform details for officers and non-commissioned officers and then for
a corps of Light Infantry. Department and garrison orders deal with
strengthening the fortifications around West Point, and, beginning in July, a
shift of troops to the lower Hudson to exploit a possible move by the British
inn New York City to attack Rhode Island. Brigade and regiment orders concern
chiefly promotions, courts-martial, and detail of equipping the troops for
their move south.
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| Reel II | Vol. 1.D | | | | II.1.E. Orderly book, West Point, (N.Y.),
30 May-19 July 1782
Unit name/number: 8th Mass. Regiment, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: Francis Tufts
Call Number: Ms. N-1687General, department, garrison (General William Heath), brigade (General John
Paterson) and regimental (Colonel Michael Jackson) kept by the regimental
adjutant, Francis Tufts, 30 May-19 July 1782 in the West Point, (N.Y.) area.
The book opens with a description of an elaborate plan for rejoicing on May
30th (with toasts, salutes, fireworks, etc.) honoring the birth of the Dauphin
and Washington later circulates his letter of congratulations to the king of
France. Orders at all levels stress drilling the troops. On June 18 Washington
expresses satisfaction at the review of the Army by the brigades and thanks
Major General von Steuben for the discipline he has instilled. Washington also
reports that Congress has recommended discharge and pensions for men no longer
able to serve in the field or in garrison. He later calls for inspection of all
arms for possible defects and reminds the troops that further inspections of
the army will view their maneuvers. This book also contains a two-page index
and four pages of duty rosters for May through June for captains and subalterns
of the regiment.
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| Reel II | Vol. 1.F | | | | II.1.F. Orderly book, near Newburgh (N.Y.),
9 December 1782-5 January 1783
Unit name/number: 8th Mass. Regiment, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: Francis Tufts
Call Number: Ms. N-1687General, department, garrison (General Henry Knox), brigade (2nd
Massachusetts), and regimental (Colonel Michael Jackson) orders for the
regiment as kept by the adjutant, Francis Tufts, 9 December 1782-5 January 1783
near Newburgh (N.Y.). Washington's orders from Newburgh concerned furloughs for
officers and actions by Congress in re-organizing the offices of Adjutant
General, Paymaster General, the Quartermaster General and the Post Office (as
it affects Army mail). Department, brigade and regimental orders concerned
building housing for the troops, uniforms for the Mass. Regiments of the line,
courts-martial, and various guard and fatigue details. Included are a number of
sample forms for returns on rations and other expenses, and watch schedules for
commissioned and non-commissioned officers of the regiment.
Note: Because this book was previously filmed,
the target information is slightly different from other targets on the
film.
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| | | | II. 2-3. Moses Little's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
[3 books]
No. of frames: Approx. 105(Later the 12th Continental Regiment, Mass.)
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| Reel II | Vol. 2.A | | | | II.2.A. Orderly book, Prospect Hill, Cambridge,
26 June-20 October 1775
Unit name/number: Moses Little's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
Call Number: Ms. N-829 (Tall)General, division (Generals Israel Putnam and Charles Lee), brigade (General
Nathaniel Greene), and regimental (Colonel Moses Little) orders kept at
Prospect Hill, Cambridge during the Siege of Boston, 26 June-20 October 1775.
Includes orders from Washington's headquarters in Cambridge calling for regular
reports on the status of troops and their ammunition, and stressing the need to
keep them clean, well-drilled, disciplined, and on the alert. Division orders
concern deployment of troops, furloughs, and the use of pickets; and brigade
and regimental orders cover specific assignments for fatigue, picket and guard
duty.
The book also includes a list of field officers established in November
1775, muster lists of companies in Little's regiment, lists of furloughs,
desertions, and discharges, and regimental receipts for clothing, guns, and
pay.
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| Reel II | Vol. 2.B | | | | II.2.B. Orderly book, Boston and at New York City,
20 October 1775-31 May 1776
Unit name/number: Moses Little's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.) (later the 12th Continental Regiment, Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
Call Number: Ms. N-829 (Tall)General, brigade (General Nathaniel Greene) and regimental (Colonel Moses
Little) orders kept for Colonel Little from 20 October 1775-31 May 1776 at the
Siege of Boston and at New York City. Orders from General Washington's
headquarters concerning the state of alert, the establishment of the
Continental Army on January 1, 1776, entrance into Boston in March 1776,
removal to New York City in April, and the details of establishing a new camp
with a new alarm system and deployment arrangements in New York City and
environs.
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| Reel II | Vol. 3 | | | | II.3. Orderly book, Prospect Hill (?), Cambridge,
29 June-9 July 1775
Unit name/number: Moses Little's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: [Benjamin Whipple?]
No. of frames: Approx. 10
Call Number: Ms. S-240General and regimental orders kept for Colonel Little at Prospect Hill (?),
Cambridge, 29 June-9 July 1775 immediately after the Battle of Bunker Hill.
General orders from the headquarters of General Artemas Ward, and later (July
3) George Washington, in Cambridge concern state of alert of sentries,
unauthorized absences from camp, the importance of responding immediately to
any alarm and of good communications with headquarters. A regimental order from
Colonel Little calls for tightened security in his unit, and proper cleanliness
for each company's parade.
Note: Because II.3 is in a different collection
than II.2.A-B., it has been given a different number and the dates are not in
one chronological sequence.
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| | | | III.1. John Mansfield's Regiment, Continental Army
[2 books]
No. of frames: Approx. 190(Formerly Mansfield's Regiment, Mass. State Troops and later 27th
Continental Regiment, Mass.)
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| Reel III | Vol. 1.A | | | | III.1.A. Orderly book, Winter Hill (Cambridge), Dorchester (Mass.),
and New York City,
19 May 1775-12 September 1776
Unit name/number: John Mansfield's Regiment, Mass. State Troops
(later Mansfield's Regiment, Continental Army, Mass., and 27th Continental
Regiment, Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
Call Number: Ms. N-1459A brigade order (General John Sullivan) and regimental orders kept for John
Mansfield and (after 15 September 1775) Colonel Israel Hutchinson's Regiment at
Winter Hill (Cambridge) and Dorchester (Mass.), and New York City during sieges
of Boston and New York 19 May 1775-12 September 1776. Gen. Sullivan's order
concerns deployment of his regiments. Col. Hutchinson's orders concern
courts-martial; returns on personnel, their clothing and arms; neglect of duty,
discharging arms, or gaming; cleanliness; and prohibiting traffic with Boston
for fear of small pox. Gaps exist between 2 June-16 August 1775, 16 August-28
September 1775, and 22 July-12 September 1776 (the only New York order).
The book contains a roster of officers and sergeants of the regiment and a
list of men discharged July 1776; a list of colonels, lieutenant colonels, and
majors in the Continental Army during the Siege of Boston; also various lists
of deserters and prisoners taken by the British at the capture of Fort
Washington November 16th.
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| Reel III | Vol. 1.B | | | | III.1.B. Orderly book, Winter Hill, Cambridge,
13 August 1775-8 July 1776
Unit name/number: John Mansfield's Regiment, Continental Army,
(Mass.) (later 27th Continental Regiment, Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
Call Number: Ms. N-1459General, division (General Charles R. Lee), and brigade (General John
Sullivan) orders kept for the regiment's commanders, Colonel John Mansfield
(through 15 September 1775) and Colonel Israel Hutchinson, at Winter Hill,
Cambridge during the Siege of Boston, 13 August 1775-8 July 1776. Orders from
Washington's headquarters in Cambridge concern training, discipline, state of
alert of the troops, and enlistments for 1776. Division and brigade orders
concern barracking of troops, construction of fortifications at Prospect Hill,
Plowed Hill, Lechmere's Point, and other points on the left wing of the siege.
Following the British evacuation of Boston in March 1776, Col. Hutchinson's
regiment is stationed in Boston, and later Dorchester Heights. General orders
particularly concern precautions against the small pox in Boston, improvement
of fortifications at Dorchester Heights, and constant vigilance against the
British evacuation fleet, which lingered in Boston Harbor before setting out
for Halifax.
The book also contains a descriptive list of 522 officers and men enlisted
from Essex County, and a roster of carpenters in several regiments, listing
their specific tools.
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| | | | III. 2-3. John Nixon's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.) |
| Reel III | Vol. 2 | | | | III.2. Orderly book, Winter Hill, Cambridge,
27 August-22 September 1775
Unit name/number: John Nixon's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Samuel Frost
No. of frames: Approx. 25
Call Number: Special Colls. Frost (original)
Call Number: Ms. S-413 (photocopy)General, division (General Charles R. Lee), brigade (General John Sullivan),
and regimental (Colonel John Nixon) orders kept by Sergeant-Major Samuel Frost
of Capt. Thomas Drury's Company at Winter Hill, Cambridge, 27 August-22
September 1775 during the Siege of Boston. General orders from Washington's
headquarters in Cambridge prohibit sale of liquor to the troops, detach 800 men
for Benedict Arnold's attack on Quebec, and provide commissions for militia
officers to serve in the Continental Army. A division order requests personnel
returns from both of Lee's brigades. Brigade and regimental orders set duty
assignments and order returns on personnel and equipment.
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| Reel III | Vol. 3 | | | | III.3. Orderly book, Winter Hill, Cambridge,
5 October-30 December 1775
Unit name/number: John Nixon's Regiment, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: [Capt. William R. Lee?]
No. of frames: Approx. 60
Call Number: Ms. N-635General, brigade (General John Sullivan), and regimental (Colonel Nixon)
orders for his regiment kept at Winter Hill, Cambridge, during the Siege of
Boston, 5 October-30 December 1775. The general orders from Washington's
headquarters in Cambridge concern the hygiene, discipline, and state of alert
of the troops. Brigade and regimental orders concern re-enlistment of current
troops for 1776 or recruitment of replacements, completing the fortification of
Winter Hill and other strong points of the siege, and providing barracks and
new regimental uniforms for the troops. Many pages contain calligraphy samples
(with the orders overwritten). A few pages carry quotations (apparently from
the Bible), or lists of names, including an October 1775 roster of Captain
Abisha Brown's company showing round of cartridges needed per man.
Note: It is unclear why William Lee may have kept
an orderly book for John Nixon's Regiment, when he was a member of John
Glover's Regiment (later the 14th Continental Regiment, Mass.)
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| | | | Benjamin Tupper's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
SEE I.4. Ebenezer Francis' Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
|
| | | Massachusetts Continental Army, numbered regiments |
| | | | 1st Massachusetts Regiment of Guards, Continental Army |
| Reel III | Vol. 4 | | | | III.4. Orderly book, Cambridge (Mass.),
4 April-26 June 1778
Unit name/number: 1st Mass. Regiment of Guards, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: Erastus Harris
No. of frames: Approx. 140
Call Number: Ms. N-1365Eastern Department (General William Heath) and regimental (Colonel Jonathan
Reed) orders kept by Sergeant Harris of Captain John Homes' Company from 4
April-26 June 1778 in Cambridge (Mass.). The regiment served as guards for the
Convention Army of British soldiers captured at Saratoga in 1777. General
orders from General Heath in Boston concern alarm stations for the small
departmental garrison, repair of local forts and redoubts, and also a number of
orders regarding the transfer of prisoners from Cambridge to another camp,
limits of parole for both officers and men of the Convention Army, and courts
of inquiry into incidents between the British prisoners and their guards. The
book also contains a roll of Captain Homes' Company, a brief write-up of
Harris's participation in two wars and various personal items.
This book appears at the end of a volume that includes Harris' orderly book
from the French and Indian War.
Note: Serving May 4, 1758 to May 5, 1760 in
Colonel Joseph Frye's Regiment of Massachusetts Militia at Fort Cumberland,
Nova Scotia, this orderly book has been divided for this film to include only
the Revolutionary War material. The colonial orders can be found elsewhere.
|
| | | | 7th Continental Regiment (Mass.) |
| Reel III | Vol. 5 | | | | III.5. Orderly book, Sewall's Point, Brookline and Governor's Island
(N.Y.),
1 January-19 May 1776
Unit name/number: 7th Continental Regiment (Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Johnson Moulton
No. of frames: Approx. 90
Call Number: Ms. N-2180General, brigade (General William Heath), and regimental (Colonel William
Prescott) orders kept for Lieutenant Colonel Moulton of the regiment at
Sewall's Point, Brookline and Governor's Island (N.Y.), 1 January-19 May 1776
during the Siege of Boston and the New York campaign. Orders from Washington's
headquarters in Cambridge hail the establishment of the Continental Army and
its rules and articles (January 1), and deploy his forces for the siege. A
brigade order assigns the 7th Regiment to Sewall's Point. Regimental orders
tighten up routines for guard duty and barracks inspection. Following the
British evacuation of Boston in mid-March, orders to the occupying Continental
Army concern precautions against small pox and strengthening fortifications
against a surprise attack from the British fleet still lingering in the bay.
General orders from Washington's later headquarters in lower Manhattan (April
10-May 19) repeat the process of deploying troops, strengthening fortifications
and guarding against smallpox. Prescott's regiment was initially stationed on
Governor's Island to set up positions there.
|
| | | | 12th Continental Regiment (Mass.)
SEE II.2. Moses Little's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
|
| | | | 14th Continental Regiment (Mass.) |
| Reel III | Vol. 6 | | | | III.6. Orderly book, New York City,
8 September-29 November 1776
Unit name/number: 14th Continental Regiment (Mass.)
Recordkeeper: William R. Lee
No. of frames: Approx. 75
Call Number: Ms. N-635General, division (Generals Nathaniel Greene and Charles R. Lee), and
brigade (General Samuel H. Parsons) orders for the 14th Continental Regiment
(John Glover's as kept for Major William R. Lee during the New York City
Campaign, 8 September-29 November 1776. Includes orders from Washington's
headquarters in New York City and White Plains (N.Y.) and Hackensack (N.J.)
concerning straggling, plundering, care of the wounded, and deployment and
supply of forces to maintain constant readiness against enemy action. Division
orders reinforce these points, and Brigade orders assign daily picket, guard
and fatigue duties.
|
| | | | 23rd Continental Regiment (Mass.)
SEE I.1. John Bailey's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
|
| | | | 27th Continental Regiment (Mass.)
SEE III.1. John Mansfield's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
|
| | | | 8th Massachusetts Regiment, Continental Army
SEE II.1. Michael Jackson's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
|
| | | | 11th Massachusetts Regiment, Continental Army
SEE I.4. Ebenezer Francis' Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
|
| | | | 16th Massachusetts Regiment, Continental Army
SEE I.6. Henry Jackson's Additional Continental Regiment (Mass.)
|
| | | Massachusetts State troops |
| | | | Nicholas Dike's Regiment, Mass. State Troops |
| Reel III | Vol. 7 | | | | III.7. Orderly book, Dorchester Heights,
23 December 1776-30 March 1777
Unit name/number: Nicholas Dike's Regiment, Mass. State
Troops
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 25
Call Number: Ms. N-1314District (General Artemas Ward and after 20 March 1777, General William
Heath) and regimental orders kept for Colonel Dike at Dorchester Heights, 23
December 1776-30 March 1777 nine months after the British evacuation of Boston.
District orders concern state of alert of troops, keeping forts at the Heights
ready for action, and avoiding the smallpox in Boston. Regimental orders cover
guard details and procedures, returns on personnel, payroll sheets, discharge
of men enlisting in the Continental Army, etc. The book also contains a tally
of Americans taken prisoner in the New York City are campaign, a separate tally
of General Howe's British troops, a patriotic war song, and figures on the
Army's monthly pay scales and provision allowances.
|
| | | | Ebenezer Francis' Regiment, Mass. State Troops
SEE I.4. Francis' Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
|
| | | | John Mansfield's Regiment, Mass. State Troops
SEE III.1. Mansfield's Regiment, Continental Army (Mass.)
|
| | | | Nathaniel Wade's Regiment, Mass. State Troops |
| Reel III | Vol. 8 | | | | III.8. Orderly book, West Point (N.Y.),
28 July-28 September 1780
Unit name/number: Nathaniel Wade's Regiment, Mass. State
Troops
Recordkeeper: Ephraim Stearns
No. of frames: Approx. 45
Call Number: Ms. N-958Brigade, garrison and regimental orders kept by Captain Ephraim Stearns at
West Point (N.Y.), 28 July-28 September 1780. Garrison orders concern Benedict
Arnold taking command at West Point on August 3, 1780, an edict against
crossing the Hudson River after dark, and the formation of a detachment of
light infantry. Brigade and regimental orders concern the initial movement of
Colonel Wade's troops from Great Barrington (Mass.) to West Point, daily guard
or fatigue assignments, and courts-martial. On September 25, 1780 Arnold's
treason became known, and deployment orders on September 26 of the garrison to
reinforce forts and redoubts. The book contains a roster and a return of Capt.
Stearns' company.
|
| | | Massachusetts Brigades |
| | | | Nathaniel Green's Brigade, Continental Army (Mass.) |
| Reel IV | Vol. 1 | | | | IV.1. Orderly book, Prospect Hill, Cambridge,
6 February-13 March 1776
Unit name/number: Nathaniel Greene's Regiment, Continental Army,
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 20
Call Number: Ms. N-1532General and brigade orders for General Greene's Brigade kept at Prospect
Hill, Cambridge, during the Siege of Boston, 6 February-13 March 1776. Includes
orders from Washington's headquarters in Cambridge allowing militia to join
Continental Army units and also about recruiting, colors, and equipment, and
duty posts during alarms. Brigade orders include duty detail and assignments
for officer of the day.
|
| | | | John Sullivan's Brigade, Continental Army (Mass.) |
| Reel IV | Vol. 2 | | | | IV.2. Orderly book, Winter Hill, Cambridge,
18 July 1775-27 March 1776
Unit name/number: John Sullivan's Brigade, Continental Army
(Mass.)
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 215
Call Number: Ms. N-839 (Tall)General, division (General Charles R. Lee), and brigade orders for General
Sullivan's brigade kept at Winter Hill, Cambridge, 18 July 1775-27 March 1776
during the siege and occupation of Boston. General orders from Washington's
headquarters in Cambridge concern training, discipline, and state of alert of
the troops, and the occupation of Boston in March 1776. The few division
concern deployment of troops and arrangements of camps. Sullivan's orders to
his unit cover in more detail the housing, drilling, and disposition of his
regiments, The include regular reports of the Officer of the Day and the
Captain of the Main Guard.
The book also contains a ranked list of field officers in the American
army, a list of field officers in Canada, daily returns for each regiment, and
very detailed charts of the activities and status of officers and
non-commissioned soldiers through June 1776.
|
|
|
| | New Hampshire Continental Army regiment |
| | | 2nd New Hampshire Regiment, Continental Army |
| Reel IV | Vol. 3 | | | IV.3. Orderly book, Wyoming and Easton, Pennsylvania,
27 May-25 July 1779
Unit name/number: 2nd New Hampshire Regiment, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: William Mordaunt Bell
No. of frames: Approx. 80
Call Number: Ms. N-1828General, division (General John Sullivan), brigade (General Enoch Poor), and
regimental (Colonel George Reid) orders kept by Regimental Adjutant Bell, at
Wyoming and Easton, Pennsylvania, 27 May-25 July 1779 when General Sullivan was
organizing an expedition against the Iroquois. General orders from Washington
in New Windsor, New York, establish a uniform system of maneuvers and
discipline, and announce appointments to his staff. Division orders concern
provisioning, discipline, and deployment of troops. Brigade and regimental
orders amplify these orders and make specific assignments. The book also
includes a report of the guard on a brief skirmish with the enemy 20 July
(bound after orders of 20 June), and the complement of guards for Fort Cass,
Fort Chase, and other guard posts at the Wyoming camp.
|
|
|
| | Connecticut regiments |
| | | Connecticut Continental Army regiments |
| | | | 1st Connecticut Regiment, Continental Army |
| Reel IV | Vol. 4 | | | | IV.4. Orderly book, West Point,
4 January-10 February 1782
Unit name/number: 1st Connecticut Regiment, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 25
Call Number: Ms. S-785General extracts, district (General William Heath) and division orders for
the 1st Connecticut Regiment (made up of the former 3rd and 4th Connecticut
Regiments) kept at West Point, 4 January-10 February 1782. General orders
(extracted by General Edward Hand, Adjutant General) from Washington's
headquarters in Philadelphia concern officers' furloughs and servants.
Highlands District and division orders concern monthly returns, administrative
reports, and courts-martial. The book also contains lists of men furloughed by
the 3rd and 4th Connecticut, and counts of French and American troops killed or
wounded in the siege of Yorktown. Unrelated material includes genealogical
records of Joseph R. Fay (born 1778) and other members of the Fay family of
Bennington, Swanton, and Cornwall, Vermont. Also included are sheet music for
two songs, a poem, and commonplace-like jottings.
Note: The spine of this volume identifies this as
the 3rd Continental Regiment. It is thought that a 3rd Con. Regiment
(Connecticut) marking was mistaken for a Continental regiment. The 3rd refers
to the 3rd Connecticut, a part of what later became the 1st Connecticut
Regiment, the name of this regiment at the time the orderly book was kept.
|
| | | | 3rd Connecticut Regiment of 1775, Continental Army |
| Reel IV | Vol. 5 | | | | IV.5. Orderly book, Boston,
14 June-11 September 1775
Unit name/number: 3rd Connecticut Regiment of 1775, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: Daniel Tyler
No. of frames: Approx. 70
Call Number: Ms. SBd-210 General, brigade (General Israel Putnam) and regimental (General Israel
Putnam and later Colonel Experience Storrs) kept for Daniel Tyler, Adjutant,
1st Company of the Regiment 14 June-11 September 1775 during the Siege of
Boston. In this period immediately after the Battle of Bunker Hill, general
orders from Artemas Ward post guards on the road to Bunker Hill and ordered
detailed returns on all regiments. Later orders from General Washington
announced the organization of the besieging army into brigades and the "grand
divisions" and call for courts-martial of several officers accused of
dereliction of duty at Bunker Hill. Brigade orders send troops to Prospect Hill
(Cambridge) and to Sewall's Point (Brookline). Regimental orders assign duty
stations and prescribe daily exercise for the troops. The book also contains
returns on Captain Waterman's company (the 1st company of the regiment) and
lists of personnel.
Note: This regiment was not identified in Wright, The
Continental Army. The name was taken from Berg, Encyclopedia of Continental Army Units, p. 19.
|
| | | Connecticut State troops |
| | | | Comfort Sage's Regiment, Conn. State Troops |
| Reel IV | Vol. 6 | | | | IV.6. Orderly book, Harlem Heights, White Plains (N.Y.), and
Hackensack (N.J.),
17 September-22 November 1776
Unit name/number: Comfort Sage's Regiment, Connecticut State
Troops
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 60
Call Number: Ms. SBd-243General orders and a few brief division orders (General Joseph Spencer) for
this regiment during the New York City campaign 17 September-22 November 1776.
General orders-presumably from Washington's headquarters at Harlem Heights,
White Plains (N.Y.), and later Hackensack (N.J.)-commend two officers killed at
Harlem Heights, and also concern straggling, plundering, and deployment and
supply of his forces to maintain constant readiness against enemy action.
Division orders reinforce these orders and assign daily duty officers. A
partial set of weekly returns on the status of personnel of the regiment
(between September 20 and December 13, 1776) is included.
|
|
|
| | Rhode Island regiments |
| | | Rhode Island Continental Army regiment |
| | | | Daniel Hitchcock's Regiment, Continental Army (R.I.)
(Formerly Hitchcock's Regiment, R.I. State Troops)
|
| Reel IV | | | | | IV.7. Orderly book, Boston,
5 June 1775-18 November 1775
Unit name/number: Daniel Hitchcock's Regiment, Continental Army
(R.I.) (formerly briefly Hitchcock's Regiment, Rhode Island State
Troops)
Recordkeeper: Bella Whipple
No. of frames: Approx. 130
Call Number: Ms. N-255General, division (General Charles Lee) and brigade (General Nathaniel
Greene) orders for the regiment as kept by Adjutant Bella [erroneously listed
on spine label as Benjamin] Whipple at the Siege of Boston, 5 June 1775-18
November 1775. General orders from Washington concern drilling and organizing
troops under three grand divisions make up of six brigades. Gen. Lee deploys
his two brigades and issues lengthy warnings against lack of discipline and
dereliction of duty. Greene also deploys his regiments, makes duty assignment,
and oversees details of building strong lines and redoubts.
Note: Entries between 28 June and 19 July are
interspersed with the entries for later July in a confusing order. A few
brigade orders by General John Thomas of another division also appear.
|
| | | Rhode Island State regiments |
| | | | Daniel Hitchcock's Regiment, R.I. State Troops
SEE IV.7. Hitchcock's Regiment, Continental Army (R.I.)
|
|
|
| | Artillery, Continental Army |
| | | V.1. Crane's Continental Artillery Regiment (later the 3rd
Continental Artillery Regiment)
[2 books]
No. of frames: Approx. 220 |
| Reel V | Vol. 1.A | | | V.1.A. Orderly book, Morristown (N.J.) and en route to Brandy wine
(Pa.),
25 March-7 September 1777
Unit name/number: 1st Connecticut Regiment, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
Call Number: Ms. N-198General, division (General Nathaniel Greene), and brigade (General Henry
Knox) orders as recorded for Captain Benjamin Frothingham's company 25 March-22
April, 24 May-29 July, 6 August-19 August, and 27 August-7 September 1777 at
Morristown (N.J.) and en route to Brandy wine (Pa.). General orders concern
regular drill of troops, preparations for battle, and the army's march to
Brandywine amid increasing intelligence regarding the British plan to take
Philadelphia. Division orders request regular returns from their brigades.
Brigade orders cover deployment of artillery throughout the camp, and duty
officers in case of action. The book also contains brief returns on ammunition
and personnel of Frothingham's company in January 1777.
Note: Orders for the 40th regiment, British (VI.1.) appear both before and
after the above orders in this book, but have been filmed separately with other
British units.
|
| Reel V | Vol. 1.B | | | V.1.B. Orderly books, West Point (N.Y.) and Morristown (N.J.),
9 August 1779-31 March 1780
Unit name/number: 3rd Continental Artillery Regiment
(Crane's)
Recordkeeper: Samuel Shaw
Call Number: Ms. N-198General, Highlands Department (General Alexander McDougall) and brigade
(General Henry Knox) orders, kept mainly by Samuel Shaw, First Lieutenant of
the regiment, 9 August 1779-31 March 1780 at West Point (N.Y.) and Morristown
(N.J.). General orders (George Washington) concern officers' commissions and
pensions, announcements of American victories, marching orders for regiments
moving to winter quarters in Morristown, and inspection of the Army. Department
orders cover improvement of fortifications and deployment of guard boats at
West Point. Brigade orders concern courts-martial, assignment of artillery
units and examination and repair of canon ammunition.
|
| | | 3rd Continental Artillery Regiment |
| Reel V | Vol. 2 | | | V.2. Orderly book, West Point and Albany (N.Y.),
5 August-25 November 1782
Unit name/number: 3rd Continental Artillery Regiment
(Crane's)
Recordkeeper: Thomas Seward
No. of frames: Approx. 90
Call Number: Ms. SBd-215General, department (General William Heath, and later General Henry Knox),
garrison (General Knox), and regimental (Colonel John Crane) orders kept at
West Point and Albany (N.Y.), 5 August-25 November 1782 for Captain Seward of
the regiment during the next-to-last year of the war. General orders from
Washington's headquarters in Newburgh concern awards to soldiers for long or
meritorious service, pillaging by troops, a reorganization of regiments in late
1782, organization of the light infantry, and assignment of commands for the
different forts and other units on the Hudson. District orders stress the
importance of perfecting the troops in maneuvers. Garrison and regimental
orders concern mainly duty lists, work on the barracks, and courts-martial.
Note: Sections of this book are not in
chronological order. Included are returns for Seward's company on food,
clothes, personnel, and weapons and accoutrements. Also a few personal accounts
from 1783.
|
| | | Corps of Artillery, Continental Army |
| Reel V | Vol. 3 | | | V.3. Orderly book, Dobbs Ferry (N.Y.),
1 January-8 August 1781
Unit name/number: Corps of Artillery, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 60
Call Number: Ms. N-198General orders, two brigade orders to the Corps (General Henry Knox) and two
orders by Major General Lord Stirling (to the left wing of the Army) kept at
West Point and Dobbs Ferry (N.Y.), 1 January-8August 1781. General Washington's
orders concern reorganization of the Corps of Artillery and the deployment of
brigades into divisions, recruitment and training of new troops and
preparations both for a new campaign by the British from New York and for a
linking up with Rochambeau's troops in July. General Knox's orders call for new
items for returns by the Corps and for assignment of his artillery by
divisions. Lord Stirling orders a sharp watch from Dobbs Ferry on enemy
shipping and a fatigue party to help embark cannon from that port.
|
|
|
| | Miscellaneous Continental Artillery Regiments |
| | | Quartermaster Artificer Regiment (Baldwin's) |
| Reel V | Vol. 4 | | | V.4. Orderly book, Morristown (N.J.),
2 January-13 February 1780
Unit name/number: Quartermaster Artificer Regiment
(Baldwin's)
Recordkeeper: Phineas Parker
No. of frames: Approx. 25
Call Number: Ms. SBd-48General orders issued from Morristown (N.J.) as kept by Captain Parker,
orderly to Colonel Jeduthan Baldwin's Quartermaster Artificers Regiment 2
January-13 February 1780. These orders provide full pay for soldiers being
discharged, set forth the daily ration for the troops, and prescribe that all
soldiers be equipped with bayonets. Washington orders severe punishment for
soldiers plundering civilians, and warns that officers absent without leave who
are captured by the British will be exchanged as late as possible. He also
decries the shortage of arms caused by sloppy practices in discharging
soldiers.
|
|
|
| | Headquarters, Continental Army |
| | | Headquarters, Highlands Department, Continental Army |
| Reel V | Vol. 5 | | | V.5. Orderly book, Robinson House, Fishkill, and West Point (N.Y.),
8 February -24 June 1780
Unit name/number: Headquarters, Highlands Department, Continental
Army
Recordkeeper: John Brooks
No. of frames: Approx. 135
Call Number: Ms. N-167General, district and garrison orders (Generals William Heath and Robert
Howe), kept at Robinson House, Fishkill, and West Point (N.Y.), 8 February -24
June 1780 by Lieutenant Colonel Brooks of the Inspector-General's staff.
General orders from Washington's headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey,
request status reports on the troops and announce appointments to his staff.
District orders cover movement of troops, confirming their alarm posts,
completing and provisioning forts and redoubts around West Point, and readying
the boom across the Hudson to block any British attack. Garrison orders concern
enlistments and discharges, fatigue details, courts-martial and logistics. Col.
Brooks was later appointed Brigadier General, and later served as Governor of
Massachusetts from 1816 to 1823. There is also a typescript transcription of
this book that follows the original on the microfilm.
|
| | | Washington's Headquarters, Main Army, Continental Army |
| Reel V | Vol. 6 | | | V.6. Orderly book, Newburgh (N.Y.),
28 April-17 August 1783
Unit name/number: Washington's Headquarters, Main Army,
Continental Army
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 45
Call Number: Ms. SBd-245General and special orders from Washington's headquarters at Newburgh
(N.Y.), 28 April-17 August 1783 during the period of inactivity prior to the
formal Peace Treaty. These orders enjoin vendors from selling rum to the
troops, and urge the troops not to sell their pay chits at a discount to
speculators. They also provide for furloughs to soldiers enlisted for the
duration, and authorize a Badge of Merit award for important services. Numerous
courts-martial and desertions reflect the restlessness of the troops.
|
|
|
| | British Army |
| | | 40th Regiment, British |
| Reel VI | Vol. 1 | | | VI.1. Orderly book, New York City,
6 October-27 December, 1776
Unit name/number: 40th Regiment, British
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 55
Call Number: Ms. N-198General, division, brigade (General James Grant?), and regimental orders
kept for the 40th Regiment, British, 6 October-24 November 1776 in New York
City and environs during the New York City campaign. Also included are orders
for 23-27 December 1776, kept apparently also for the 40th Regiment at
Hillsboro (N.J.). General orders from Commander-in-Chief William Howe concern
organization and deployment of his troops for engagements on Long Island, at
Forts Independence and Washington, and at White Plains. Division, brigade, and
regimental orders cover courts-martial and duty assignments. Brigade and
regimental orders at Hillsboro concern discipline and provisioning of the
regiments stationed there.
Note: Orders for the 40th Regiment, British
appear both before and after the orders for Crane's Continental Artillery
Regiment (American, V.1.A.), but have been filmed here for placement with other
British units.
|
| | | 74th and 82nd Regiments, British |
| Reel VI | Vol. 2 | | | VI.2. Orderly book, Majabigweduce (Castine, Me.),
11 July 1779-21 February 1780
Unit name/number: 74th and 82nd Regiments, British
Recordkeeper: [William] Lawrence
No. of frames: Approx. 45
Call Number:Ms. N-1597Brigade (General Francis McLean) and regimental orders (Lieutenant Colonel
[John] Campbell of the 74th and Lieutenant Colonel Wilson of the 82nd) kept by
Lawrence (a corporal in the 82nd?), 11 July 1779-21 February 1780 in
Majabigweduce (Castine, Me.) (listed in the orderly book as Majabigweduce,
N.H.). A book among the papers of Brigadier General Solomon Lovell, a commander
of the militia involved in an unsuccessful attempt (July-August 1779) to
capture the strong point the British were establishing at the mouth of
Penobscot Bay. Gen. McLean's orders concern a state of alert for a "rebel"
attack, efforts to complete Fort George as soon as possible, and orders for
regular foraging parties sent out to obtain lumber and presumably food. Gen.
McLean and the 82nd regiment return to Halifax in November, leaving the 74th to
winter in Castine and guard against further attacks by the rebels.
|
| | | St. Andrews Regiment (Grenada Militia), British |
| Reel VI | Vol. 3 | | | VI.3. Orderly book, St. Georges and Port Royal (Grenada),
18 December 1778-5 January 1779
Unit name/number: St. Andrew's Regiment (Grenada Militia),
British
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 30
Call Number: Ms. N-1997General and regimental (Colonel Samuel Williams) orders kept for Captain
Samuel Cary of the First Company of the regiment, 18 December 1778-5 January
1779 in St. Georges and Port Royal (Grenada). The island was apparently
expecting a French attack-perhaps by D'Estaing's fleet. General orders concern
brigading of regiments, guard duties and state of alert of the troops, and the
requisitioning of slaves from the
|
| | | Headquarters, British Army |
| Reel VI | Vol. 4 | | | VI.4. Orderly book, New York City,
7 November 1778-5 August 1779
Unit name/number: Headquarters, British Army
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
No. of frames: Approx. 120
Call Number: Ms. SBd.-238General and garrison orders kept at New York City, 7 November 1778-5 August
1779. General orders from General Henry Clinton, Commander-in-Chief, initiate
troops movements which led to the British raids on the Connecticut coast in
March and July, the capture of Stony Brook and Verplank's Point on the Hudson
in June, and the raid on Poundridge (N.Y.), also in July. Others concern
courts-martial, promotions of officers, and the King's commendation for the
Army's masterful withdrawal from Philadelphia through New Jersey in June-July
1782. A few garrison orders concern duty assignments and garrison routine.
|
|
|
| | British Marines |
| | | VI.5-6. 1st Battalion, Marines, British
[3 books]
No. of frames: Approx. 295 |
| Reel VI | Vol. 5.A | | | VI.5.A. Orderly book, Charlestown (Mass.),
3 July-30 August 1775
Unit name/number: 1st Battalion, Royal Marines,
British
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
Call Number: Ms. SBd-188General, battalion and barracks orders kept for the battalion in Charlestown
(Mass.), 3 July-30 August 1775 immediately after the Battle of Bunker Hill and
during the Siege of Boston. General orders from the Commander-in-Chief (General
Thomas Gage) in Boston concern laxness of sentries, reports of supply of
ammunition, and constant alert against nearby rebel units. Battalion and
barracks orders (by General William Howe?) from Charlestown Heights organize
the regiments encamped there. Set up deployment arrangements in case of alarm,
and also concern promotions and returns of the number of women and children
belonging to the battalion.
|
| Reel VI | Vol. 5.B | | | VI.5.B. Orderly book, Halifax (Nova Scotia),
27 May-9 August 1776
Unit name/number: 1st Battalion, Royal Marines,
British
Recordkeeper: Anonymous
Call Number: Ms. SBd-188General and garrison (General [Eyre] Massey), brigade, and battalion
(Lieutenant Colonel [Arthur Tooker] Collins) orders for an overlapping period
27 May-10 June and 28 May-29 June 1776, and also orders 1 July-9 August 1776,
all of them kept for the battalion in Halifax (Nova Scotia). Orders from
General Massey concern raising additional companies, courts-martial,
preparations for a line of battle and for alarm stations, and such humanitarian
projects as starting a school for children and arranging inoculations for them
against smallpox. Brigade and battalion orders concern excessive drunkenness
among the troops, and assignments for guard picket, and working party
duties.
|
| Reel VI | Vol. 6 | | | VI.6. Orderly book, Charlestown and later Boston,
25 March 1775-26 January 1776
Unit name/number: 1st Battalion, Marines, British
Recordkeeper: John Waller
No. of frames: Approx. 135
Call Number: Ms. N-837 (Tall)General (Generals Thomas Gage and William Howe), division (?) (Generals Howe
and John Burgoyne), brigade (General [Valentine] Jones), and battalion (Colonel
[James] Agnew?) orders kept by Lieutenant Waller, adjutant of the battalion, 25
March 1775-26 January 1776 at Charlestown and later Boston before and after the
Battle of Bunker Hill and during the Siege of Boston. General orders concern
the promotion of Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne as Major-Generals, a new order of
battle with Burgoyne and Clinton commanding the left and right wings, alarm
procedures, the formation of the two Tory companies, and winter orders under
which all regiments patrol specific districts in Boston, and rotate in manning
Charlestown Heights. Division orders concern improvement of fortifications and
deployment of troops in Charles town. Brigade and battalion orders concern
chiefly with courts-martial and duty assignments.
Includes a partial table of contents on the last two pages. Also, order of
March 25 and 29 cover rules and regulations aboard transports heading for
Boston.
|
Names listed below include recordkeeper or individual for whom records were
kept, issuers of orders at every level, and names included in names of units.
Not included are those individuals only mentioned in descriptions, and George
Washington who appears too often to merit indexing.
| Name | Reel Location(s) |
| Agnew, Colonel [James] (British) | VI.6 |
| Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801) | II.1.D. |
| Bailey, John (1730-1810) | I.1. |
| Baldwin, Jedutham (1730-1788) | V.4. |
| Bell, William Mordaunt | IV.3. |
| Bishop, Peter | I.2. |
| Bradford, John (1748-1807) | I.3. |
| Brewer, Jonathan (1753-1784) | I.2. |
| Brooks, John (1751-1825) | V.5. |
| Burgoyne, John (1722-1792) (British) | VI.6 |
| Campbell, [John] (British) | VI.2. |
| Cary, Samuel (1742-1812) (British) | VI.3. |
| Clinton, Henry (1739-1812) (British) | VI.4 |
| Collins, [Arthur Tooker] (British) | VI.5.B. |
| Cotton, Theophilus (1716-1782) | I.3. |
| Crane, John (1744-1805) | V.1. |
| Dike, Nicholas (1722-1817) | III.7. |
| Drury, Thomas (11747-1836) | III.2. |
| Fay, Joseph R. (b. 1778) | IV.4. |
| Fay family | IV.4. |
| Francis, Ebenezer (1743-1777) | I.4.A-B. |
| Frost, Samuel (1751-1817) | III.2. |
| Frothingham, Benjamin (1734-1809) | V.1.A. |
| Gage, Thomas (1721-1787) (British) VI.5.A.; VI.6. | VI.5.A.; VI.6. |
| Glover, John (1732-1797) | I.5.; III.6. |
| Grant, Christopher (1743-1818) | III.7. |
| Grant, James (1720-1806) (British) | VI.1. |
| Greene, Nathaniel (1742-1786) | I.2.; II.2.; III.6.; IV.1.; IV.7.; V.1.A. |
| Greenleaf, Moses (1755-1812) | I.4. |
| Hand, Edward (1744-1802) | IV.4. |
| Harris, Erastus (1731-1806) | III.4. |
| Heath, William (1737-1814) | I.4.D.; II.1.C.; II.1.E.; III.4-5.; III.7.; IV.4.; V.2.; V.5. |
| Hitchcock, Daniel | IV.7. |
| Homes, John | III.4. |
| Howe, Robert (1732-1796) | II.1.D.; V.5. |
| Howe, William (1729-1814) (British) | VI.1.; VI.5.A.; VI.6. |
| Hutchinson, Israel (1727-1811) | III.1. |
| Jackson, Henry (1747-1804) | I.6. |
| Jackson, Michael (1734-1801) | II.1. |
| Jones, [Valentine] (British) | VI.6. |
| Knox, Henry (1750-1806) | II.1.F.; V.1-3. |
| Lawrence, [William] (British) | VI.2. |
| Learned, Ebenezer (1728-1801). | II.1.B |
| Lee, Charles R. (1731-1782) | I.2.; II.2.A.; II.1.B.; III.2.; III.6.; IV.2.; IV.7. |
| Lee, William R. (1745-1824) | I.5.; III.3.; III.6. |
| Little, Moses (1724-1798) | II.2-3. |
| Lovell, Solomon (1732-1801) | VI.2. |
| McDougall, Alexander (1732-1786) | I.4.C.; II.1.C-D.; V.1.B. |
| McLean, Francis (British) | VI.2. |
| Mansfield, John (1748-1823) | III.1. |
| Massey, [Eyre] (1719-1804) (British) | VI.5.B. |
| Moulton, Johnson (d. 1793) | III.5. |
| Nixon, John (1727-1815) | III.2-3. |
| Parsons, Samuel H. (1737-1789) | III.6. |
| Parker, Phineas | V.4. |
| Paterson, John (1744-1808) | I.4.D.; II.1.E. |
| Poor, Enoch (1736-1780) | IV.3. |
| Prescott, William (1726-1795) | III.5. |
| Putnam, Israel (1718-1790) | I.5.; II.2.A.; IV.5. |
| Reed, Jonathan (1729-1790) | III.4. |
| Reid, George (1733-1815) | IV.3. |
| Russell, John | I.2. |
| St. Clair, Arthur (1737-1818) | I.4.B. |
| Sage, Comfort (1731-1799) | IV.6. |
| Seward, Thomas (d. 1800) | V.2. |
| Shaw, Benjamin | I.4.A. |
| Shaw, Samuel | V.1.B. |
| Spencer, Joseph (1714-1789) | IV.6. |
| Stark, John (1782-1822) | I.6. |
| Stearns, Ephraim (1739-1808) | III.8. |
| Stirling, Lord | V.3. |
| Storrs, Experience | IV.5. |
| Sullivan, John (1740-1795) | III.1-3.; IV.2-3. |
| Tomson, Josiah | I.3. |
| Tufts, Francis (1756-1823) | II.1. |
| Tupper, Benjamin (1738-1792) | I.4.C-D. |
| Tyler, Daniel (1750-1832) | IV.5 |
| Von Steuben, Friedrich (1730-1794) | I.6. |
| Wade, Nathaniel (1749-1826) | III.8. |
| Waller, John (British) | VI.6. |
| Ward, Artemas (1727-1800) | I.1.; I.4.A.; II.3.; III.7. |
| Whipple, Bella | IV.7. |
| Whipple, Benjamin | II.3. |
| Williams, Samuel (British) | VI.3. |
Engagements listed below were taken from Wright and were expanded upon for
this project. See Wright for a complete list of campaigns with descriptions and
dates. In cases where orderly books were not kept during particular campaigns,
geographic locations were used. Reel location refers to the reel and number
location on the film.
| Engagement/location | Reel location(s) |
| Albany (N.Y.) (location) | V.2. |
| Boston (location) | I.4.A.; II.1.B.; III.4.; III.7. |
| Boston, Siege of | I.1-5.; II.2-3.; III.1-3.; III.5.; IV.1-2.; IV.5.; IV.7.; VI.5.A.;
VI.6. |
| Defense of Philadelphia | SEE Philadelphia, Defense of |
| Grenada (location) | VI.3. |
| Halifax (N.S.) (location) | VI.5.B. |
| Hudson Highlands (location only; includes locations along Hudson River
from Newburgh to Stony Point) (SEE ALSO West Point (N.Y.); Newburgh (N.Y.))
| I.4.C.; I.6.; II.1.D.; V.3.; V.5. |
| Iroquois-1779 (campaign against) | IV.3. |
| New Jersey-1780 | I.6.; V.1.B.; V.4. |
| New York City (location) | VI.4. |
| New York City campaign | II.2.B.;III.1.A.; III.5-6.; IV.6. |
| Newburgh (N.Y.) (location) SEE ALSO Hudson Highlands; West Point
(N.Y.) | II.1.F.; V.6. |
| Northern New Jersey | V.1.A.; VI.1. |
| Penobscot Expedition (Castine, Me.) | VI.2. |
| Philadelphia, Defense of (includes Valley Forge) | II.1.A |
| Philadelphia-Monmouth | II.1.B. |
| Saratoga | II.1.A. |
| Siege of Boston | SEE Boston, Siege of |
| Ticonderoga (N.Y.) (location) | I.4.B. |
| West Point (N.Y.) (location) SEE ALSO Newburgh (N.Y.); Hudson
Highlands | I.4.C-D.; II.1.C-F.; III.8.; IV.4.; V.1.B; V.2-3. V.5.; VI.1. |
Orderly books kept for more than one year are listed under each year.
| 1775 | I.1-3.; I.5.; II.2-3.; III.1-3.; IV.2.; IV.5.; IV.7.; VI.5.A.;
VI.6. |
| 1776 | I.1.; I.4.A.; II.2.B.; III.1.; III.5-7.; IV.1-2.; IV.6.; VI.1.; VI.5.B.;
VI.6. |
| 1777 | I.4.B.; II.1.A.; II.7.; V.1.A. |
| 1778 | II.1.B.; III.4.; VI.3-4. |
| 1779 | I.4.C-D.; II.1.C.; IV.3.; V.1.B.; VI.2-4. |
| 1780 | I.6.; II.1.C-D.; III.8.; V.1.B.; V.4-5.; VI.2. |
| 1781 | V.3. |
| 1782 | II.1.E-F.; IV.4.; V.2. |
| 1783 | II.1.F.; V.6. |
Berg, Fred Anderson. Encyclopedia of Continental
Army Units: Battalions, Regiments and Independent Corps. Harrisburg,
Pa.: Stackpole Books, 1972.
Boatner, Mark Mayo. Encyclopedia of the American
Revolution. New York: David McKay Co., 1975.
Heitman, Francis B. Historical Register of
Officers of the Continental Army during the War of the Revolution April, 1775,
to December, 1783. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1982
Marshall, Douglas W. and Howard H. Peckham. Campaigns of the American Revolution: An Atlas of Manuscript
Maps. Ann Arbor, Mi.: University of Michigan Press and Maplewood, N.J.:
Hammond, 1976.
Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the
Revolutionary War. Boston: Wright and Potter, 1906.
National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution.
DAR Patriot Index. Washington: 1966.
Nevenzahl, Kenneth. Atlas of the American
Revolution. Chicago: Rand McNally, 1974.
Wright, Robert K. The Continental Army.
Army Lineage Series. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Army, Center of Military History,
1983.
Revolutionary War orderly books at the Massachusetts Historical Society.
This collection is indexed under the following headings in
ABIGAIL,
the online catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Researchers
desiring materials about related persons, organizations, or subjects should
search the catalog using these headings.
| | |
| Organizations: |
| | Great Britain.
Army--Order-books. |
| | United States. Continental
Army--Order-books. |
| | |
| Subjects: |
| | Massachusetts--History--Revolution, 1775-1783. |
| | Orderly books. |
| | United
States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--American forces. |
| | United
States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--British forces. |
| | United
States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Campaigns. |
| | United
States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Order-books. |
|
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