What would a desperately poor man claim to guarantee financial relief? A Return of officers of the Third Regiment of Light Dragoons with the dates of their WebMuster Roll of Capt. The warriors of these two tribes were among the last of Lafayettes forces to retreat across the Schuylkill River that day. Politics and Public Culture: The Revolutionary War Pension Act of 1818. Journal of the Early Republic 8, no. WebLoyalist Muster Rolls During the American Revolution, muster rolls were prepared by the commanding officer of each company of a regiment for the express purpose of paying the officers and soldiers. Leavened by Retrieved 29 May 2006. Transportation problems made large-scale winter operations infeasible. Archive.org. [25] Following this attack, Nixon's regiment retreated to the "Highlands" in New Jersey on June 12, and Conant is still listed on pay rolls and clothing receipts through September. The main military force, which coalesced under General George Washington as the Continental Army, was not an integrated army until 1776. Royal Army - under the command of the Earl of If Fortune Freeman is Fortune Conant, it is possible that he returned to Boston after his first discharge. NARA M804, page 13, via Fold3.com. Though we do not know Freeman's exact journey, he claimed to have fought next in the June 1778 Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. [16] Hazen, History of Billerica, Massachusetts, with a Genealogical register, 238. ", Born sometime between 1747 and 1760,[9] Fortune Freeman lived in Massachusetts until at least the start of the American Revolution. Order of Battle. Additionally, no recorded Massachusetts regiments participated at Brandywine during the battle. Perhaps in his old age, he believed he fought alongside those men, or maybe he embellished his service in the hopes of his pension application being accepted. /Artifact <>BDC Bounty receipts: Suffolk, Essex, and Middlesex counties 1781-1782, Muster/Payrolls and Various Papers (1763-1808) of the Revolutionary War, Vol. State Board of Charities," Social Networks and Archival Context, https://snaccooperative.org/ark:/99166/w6129qv4. WebThe abstracts were so carefully prepared that it is rarely necessary to consult the original muster rolls and other records from which they were made. The Valley Forge Park Alliance maintains the Muster Roll Project and helps to inspire appreciation of and support for Valley Forge National Historical Park. In the Continental Army, bound individuals yearning for liberty and wages served alongside freemen in search of a better life. Yet, they were present at every engagement and shivered through every winter. ET However, no records indicate that a Fortune with the surname "Freeman" ever served under Danforth. Military Officers Recorded in the Office of the Secretary of State, They were prepared by the commanding officer of each "It required all claimants to submit documentation of their poverty to a court of record. Another Native American tribe, the Catawba, assisted South Carolina militia commander, Colonel Thomas Sumter during the Second Battle of Hanging Rock on August 6, 1780. 1, Image 114, via FamilySearch.org. Motivation for enlistment varied, but many who joined in the fight sought to secure their own blessings of liberty while they fought to gain their countrys independence from Britain. By 6:00 P.M., however, the British felt they had enough. His cause of death or later whereabouts remain unknown. Complete: 100 % Content Source The National Archives Publication Number M246 Record Group 93 Published on Fold3 04 Apr 2007 Last Updated 23 Jul 2007 Description NARA M246. John Ward Dean, A.M. (Boston: New England Historic and Genealogical Society, 1896), 474. [2] A preliminary study of pension records from 1981 found that of 13,500 Revolutionary War veterans, more than half (54 percent) had moved from their home state after the war. Ten thousand more veterans applied the following year. Included in their ranksof2,400were approximately 120 Black militiamen, including Peter Salem. He is currently a Supervisory Park Our FREE Virtual Teacher Institute is the can't miss online educator event of the summer. WebBattle of Monmouth (1778) Unit History The Regiment was authorized on April 27, 1775 in the Connecticut State Troops as the 4th Connecticut Regiment. It is also worth noting that the dollars were paid in Continental dollars which were quickly depreciating in value. EMC [34], In 1781, Washington ordered the formation of a light infantry regiment commanded by Scammell, "with a view of having a Corps ready to execute a project of the kind which I shall propose to you, which is to endeavour [sic] to strike, by surprise, [enemies establishing themselves at or near Fort Lee]. [13] The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. Was he freeborn? Hazen, History of Billerica, Massachusetts, with a Genealogical register, 239. (NJDARM: Collection Guide -)Tj Donations to the Trust are tax deductible to the full extent allowable under the law. By summer, Washington could claim that the war effort was going well. Women followed the army to be with their husbands and contributed actively to the cause. Was there hope for financial independence following the war? ). Each applicant had to disclose his age, occupation, health, and ability to support his household, and an inventory of his real and personal property."[39]. In fact, there is no record of a "Fortune Freeman" in Danforth's company at all. [21] "The American Revolution Timeline," George Washington Papers, Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/collections/george-washington-papers/articles-and-essays/timeline/the-american-revolution/. 1776, August, Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn, successful, 1776, November, Battle of Fort Washington, commanded by Lord Percy, successful, 1776, September, Battle of Harlem Heights, capture of Fort Lee, flank companies of 38th participate, 1777 New Jersey Campaign, as part of the Brunswick, New Jersey garrison, 1777, September, Battle of Brandywine located west of Philadelphia, successful, 1777, October, after the capture of Philadelphia by the British, the Battle of Germantown, located north of Philadelphia, successful, 1778, June, Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey, under the new commander, General Clinton, who had been given orders to retreat from Philadelphia to New York, flank companies of 38th participate, 1778, July, defence of Newport, Rhode Island, 1778, August, under General Pigot, the Battle of Rhode Island, also known as, the Battle of Quaker Hill, in which the Americans tried unsuccessfully to recapture the Island from the British, now known as Aquidneck Island, 1778, After September, regiment returned to New York, 1779 Clinton moved the main British effort to the South, 1780, June, Battle of Springfield, New Jersey, the last major engagement in the north, British under von Knyphausen attack George Washington's army, unsuccessful, 1781, September, participated in the raid on New London, Connecticut, commanded by Benedict Arnold who had switched sides, this expedition was to be its last of the war. Following the stalemate, Washington established camp at White Plains, just north of New York City.[21]. With that tattered discharge note, we now can follow Fortune Freeman's paper trail, which begins in 1781 in Hingham, Massachusetts. Sign up for our quarterly email series highlighting the environmental benefits of battlefield preservation. In choosing a site for quarters, Washington had to balance the Continental Congresss wish for some type of winter campaign aimed at dislodging the British from the capital against the needs of his weary and poorly supplied army. American Revolution: Battle of Monmouth. For the British, General Sir Henry Clinton commanded 11,000 men under the leadership of Lieutenant General Lord Charles Cornwallis. The weather was extremely hot during the battle, and almost as many soldiers died from heatstroke as from battle. The experience of veteran soldiers such as Freeman would prove crucial in the fall of 1781. The Baron inspired a relish for the trade of soldiering that gave the troops a new sense of purpose and helped sustain them through many trials as they stuck to the task of securing independence. On June 17, 1775, as British redcoats marched up the heights of Bunker Hill outside of Boston, Massachusetts,they were met with a hail of musketry from the defenders of the earthen redoubt. The defenders were a motley collection of colonists, from various New England colonies. When troubles threatened with the Colonies, the 38th was one of the first corps despatched from Ireland to America. NARA M881, page 5, via Fold3.com. One of the most famous units was the1st Rhode Island Regiment. /TT0 1 Tf Civil War and Interregnum soldiers 1642-1660 9.1 General Journals of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts 1776-1777, Vol. [36] "Alexander Scammell," The Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire, https://www.socnh.org/alexander-scammell/. The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 56,000 acres in 25 states! Monmouth has many notable connections but one of its most famous is the connection to the Rolls Family. Recorded in the Monmouth Roll (the Army returns reveal that two-thirds of the nearly 2,000 men who perished died during the warmer months of March, April, and May, when supplies were more abundant. WebWashington rapidly set troops in motion to bring on a general engagement with the enemy. The expected arrival of the French greatly altered British war plans and triggered their evacuation of Philadelphia in June. It is also entirely possible that Freeman felt that mentioning an injury would help his case for a pension, or someone encouraged him to embellish his story. The encampment brought together men, women, and children of nearly all ages, from all walks of life, from different ethnic backgrounds, and from various religions. Paintings courtesy of Don Troiani,www.historicalimagebank.com. [28] Conant also appeared in a bounty note issued by the State of Massachusetts Bay on January 1, 1780. Although they lost two key battles, as well as Philadelphia, to the British, Washingtons soldiers emerged from these experiences with a renewed confidence in their fighting abilities. So far, we have been unable to locate any land records indicating where Freeman settled after the war. John Cochran. The British surrender at Saratoga brought the French into the war as American allies in February 1778. Organized between May 1-20, 1775, to consist of 10 companies from Litchfield and Hartford Counties. [27] Fortune Conant, Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served in the American Army During the Revolutionary War. Taking up positions along Brandywine Creek, Washington mistakenly believed that his army blocked all fords across the Brandywine. Might this be the same Fortune Freeman who later reenlisted, and eventually filed for a pension? [18] Fortune Freeman, Pension No. He then said he reenlisted in Boston in 1780 into the same company and regiment. Throughout the Revolution,the fightfor independencepermeated intoNative American tribes and alliances. Entered Valley Forge with 325 men assigned and 194 fit for duty. f To oppose them, General George Washington marched his 12,000-man army from New Jersey. Later muster rolls state that Fortune Conant officially enlisted in the Continental Army a few weeks later on June 4, 1777. Was he enticed by the hope for a new nation? WebFour muster masters were appointed to carry out the intent of the Provincial Congress. [8] Might a man named Fortune Conant, possibly enslaved, who may have been freed during service, changed his name, stating for all of posterity his status of being a "free man" prior to reenlisting in 1781? People often picture the Continental Army of 1777 as a ragtag bunch of inexperienced fighters, but Washingtons men fought with skill and were often on the offensive while campaigning against superior numbers of professional soldiers. Freemans story is just one of the thousands of patriots of color that we can attempt to unravel by searching existing pension records, though thousands more did not get recorded. "[42] Was Freeman previously married, and if so, did his wife die? Joseph Marsh's Company, 1794 387 Capt. WebOn September 11, 1777, General George Washington was determined to prevent the British from capturing the American seat of government, Philadelphia. APPENDIX 1 5 for the period Nov. 1779 through Feb. 1780 with the notation, Discharged Jan[uary] 19, 1780. 30 The successful conclusion of the Revolution marked only the beginning of the struggle for some individuals for personal liberty. [24], At the end of May and beginning of June, the British returned to King's Ferry. John Armstrong. Only one of these precious few records remained in his possession when he approached the court: a discharge paper from the 4th Massachusetts, issued to him at the close of the Revolutionary War in 1783. Frederick was listed as "present" on company muster rolls from his enrollment through June 1863. [6] Congress estimated wrong. If Freeman was Conant, was he promised freedom to join or was he merely hopeful that freedom could be a possibility? Washington rapidly set troops in motion to bring on a general engagement with the enemy. Index card abstracts of accounts, muster and pay rolls, descriptive lists and accounts, etc. Throughout his pension testimony, Freeman only names one company captain that he served under Captain Danforth. If Freeman declared or received his freedom during the war, he most likely did not have a home of his own to return to. [6] Warren Jr., America's First Veterans, 97. WebUnder Dearborn the 3rd regiment was at the Battle of Monmouth, where some of its most soldierly men participated. /Artifact <>BDC Militia, United States -- History Revolution, This is attested to by an anonymous observer who recounted his visit to Valley Forge in the New Jersey Gazette on December 25: I have just returned from spending a few days with the army. After the war, many Blacksgave their pensions and enlistment bounties to their former masters as a payment for their freedom. Peter Salem was a freed slave from Massachusetts who is known for mortally wounding British Major John Pitcairn during the fighting at Bunker Hill. An integrated military force representing the colonies was not exclusive to Washingtons main army. 2 . By mid-December he had decided to encamp at Valley Forge. WebThe Marylanders also fought at the Battle of Monmouth (June 1778). A lack of records is not unusual for revolutionary soldiers, particularly soldiers of color, but Freeman's claims are illustrative of the experiences many soldiers of color experienced during the American Revolution. Elnathan Haskell's Company in the 4th Massachusetts Regt. 48, Image 88, via FamilySearch.org. 2 (1988): 13958. V)gB0iW8#8w8_QQj@&A)/g>'K t;\ $FZUn(4T%)0C&Zi8bxEB;PAom?W= Others, born free, joined and fought for home, country, and a hope to get any financial footing in life. By 1820, Congress amended the 1818 Pension Act. With the American colonists' Declaration of Independence, General Howe affected the landing of his troops on Long Island which included the 38th and attacked Washington's army successfully before Brooklyn Heights. Every Scottish regiment present at the battle has been recorded and the following are detailed: Stewarts of Appin, Atholl Brigade, Bannerman of Elsick's, Cameron of Locheil's, Chisholm of Payment records indicate payment through September 1824, but they end with no explanation. NARA M804, pages 4 and 9, via Fold3.com. EMC As the sound of combat grew fainter, the battle for individual rights began. Colonel William Prescott's militiaheld their own until ammunition ran low, repulsing the British from Bunker Hill. On December 31, 1783, Freeman received his honorable discharge from the 4th Massachusetts Regiment, having been enlisted for three years. WebColonel Daniel Morgan was the commander of the 11th and 15th Virginia in 1778 when he wrote this letter to General George Washington during the Revolutionary "[18] But he also said he witnessed the surrender of General John Burgoyne following combat at the Battle of Saratoga, which took place in October 1777 in upstate New York. [2] Freeman did not have a unique experience as a veteran in poverty. Within two months, however, Washington reversed this decision, and despite many attempts to block Blacks from serving their country, hundreds of Blacks enlisted nonetheless. Certainly, hardship did occur at Valley Forge, but the encampment experience could be characterized as suffering as usual, for privation was the continental soldiers constant companion. [31] He served in Elnathan Haskell's company, William Shepard's regiment. uuid:3d7d0c57-d1b8-4aa6-b03e-56b0d8f90c70 nQt}MA0alSx k&^>0|>_',G! His aim was to use them as scouts to gather intelligence, harass British patrols, and to confiscate supplies that could be of use to the main army. During the Battle of Brandywine, Washington attempted to prevent the British army from taking Philadelphia, the patriot capital. application/pdf The women present at Valley Forge included hundreds of enlisted mens wives who followed the army year round, and some officers wives on extended visits. Even in Washingtons home ofVirginia, Blacksoldiers fought in Virginia units. Though a few probate records indicate some Conant family members enslaved people of African descent, Fortune's name does not appear in any of these surviving records. [44] Freeman may have died in September, possibly between the ages of 64 and 77. endstream endobj 37 0 obj [/ICCBased 41 0 R] endobj 41 0 obj <>stream Ask someone to think of Valley Forgeand they will nearly always envision an anonymous group of soldiers struggling against winters fury and clothed in nothing but rags. To better understand and appreciate what happened at Valley Forge, it is helpful to know how the encampment fits into the context of the American Revolution (1775-1783). "[23] This possibly means that Conant served on a mission outside of camp raids and skirmishes frequently took place as both the Continental and British forces tested each other's defenses. Of those whose aged are known, the youngest was 23, the oldest 48 and the average 34. [43] "New York (State). Though monetary value depreciated as the war progressed, were bounty payments used to purchase his freedom? )U!$5X3/9 ($5j%V*'&*r" (,!!0b;C2( I8/ These stories, whether of the same man or not, are examples of how little information exists about soldiers, particularly those of color, who played a critical role in the founding of the United States. 32, Image 99, via FamilySearch.org. "Politics and Public Culture: The Revolutionary War Pension Act of 1818." Lets also Army Muster Rolls, 1641-1707. Commanded the Grenadier Company of the Rangers from August 6, 1776 to October 24, 1778. When the French army of General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau headed toward Yorktown in the summer of 1781, one of the commanding officers aides, Baron von Closen left the following observation: A quarter of them [the Continental Army] are Negroes, merry, confident, and sturdy. These African Americansreceived the same pay as their fellow white soldiers but did not see the type of military promotions as their counterparts. The sound that would have reached your ears on approaching the camp was not that of a forlorn howling wind, but rather that of hammers, axes, saws, and shovels at work. One of the most notable contributions came from the Oneida, who sent aid and a contingent of warriors to Valley Forge. In a History of Billerica, Massachusetts, a William Conant is listed as taxed in the town from 1776 to 1779, and his daughter Betsey, is stated as being baptized there in August 1795. [26] Muster roll of Lieut. In his pension, Freeman stated his discharge in 1780, which lines up with Conant's discharge. Hannigan wrote that digging into muster rolls led him to "to believe that Fortune Freeman was originally a slave from Essex County, Massachusetts named Fortune Conant." Mifflins Division|2nd Pennsylvania Brigade| 5th Pennsylvania Regiment. [13] Fortune Conant is listed as joining Elijah Danforth's company the same company Fortune Freeman remembered joining over 40 years later when he applied for his pension in New York City. Samuel Carhart's men, Monmouth County, 1780 and 1781 388 9-months men, Monmouth County 1778; Col. Forman's return, Fourth Regiment [no date]; and 9 While the contributions and sacrifices of these individuals are not as well known,their significance to the new government's creation iscritical. There were 35 warriors as part of the force, led by Generals New River, a Catwaba leader, and Billy Ayers along withMajor Jacob Ayers. Stay up-to-date on our FREE educational resources & professional development opportunities, all designed to support your work teaching American history. Also serving in various theaters of operations were Native American troops. Archive.org. John Cadwalader. Muster Rolls & other Records of Service of Maryland Troops in the American Revolution 1775-1783 ((HTML)) (Reprint ed. Elnathan Haskell's Company in the 4th Massachusetts Regt. NARA M804. Freeman swore to his inability to work and need for government assistance to survive, declaring: I am infirm, and unable to labour, except in doing light work in which I can only obtain casual employment, and for which I can obtain scarcely more than mere nominal wages. endstream endobj 5 0 obj <> endobj 6 0 obj <> endobj 3 0 obj <> endobj 7 0 obj <> endobj 11 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC/ImageI]/XObject<>>>/Type/Page>> endobj 12 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Type/Page>> endobj 13 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Type/Page>> endobj 14 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Type/Page>> endobj 15 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Type/Page>> endobj 36 0 obj <>stream
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