Call Number:

C1537

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 2.0 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); 1st Canadian Regiment, Continental Army, payrolls and muster rolls, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1776-1780 (bulk) and 1776-1854 (inclusive)

Creator:

United States. Continental Army. Canadian Regiment, 1st

Abstract:

Consists of forty-three payroll sheets and fifteen muster rolls, dating from 1776 to 1780, of the 1st Canadian Regiment, which supported colonial efforts during the American Revolution. Also included is a copy of Senate Bill S. 186 submitted to the 33rd Congress by the Committee on Revolutionary Claims in 1854.

Having raised a local militia to assist with the initial American invasion of Quebec in September, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized Colonel James Livingston (1747-1832), an emigrant from New York, to raise a regiment to continue to support the colonies' efforts on the Canadian front. The 1st Canadian Regiment, one of a small number of Continental Army regiments that was the direct responsibility of Congress, received formal regimental designation by Richard Montgomery on November 20, 1775, with recognition by Congress following on January 8, 1776. Placed under the command of General Benedict Arnold, the regiment included a mix of Canadian, American, and foreign-born soldiers, including two of Livingston's brothers, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Livingston and Captain Abraham Livingston. The regiment saw action primarily in the Canadian theater and New York, participating in the failed American assault on Quebec and the Battle of Trois-Rivières, before fleeing with the Continental Army to Fort Ticonderoga, New York. In August 1777, it took part in the expedition to relieve Fort Stanwix, in September and October of that year participated in both Battles of Saratoga, and in 1778, the Battle of Rhode Island. For the remainder of the war, the regiment had garrison duty in New York. It was during this time when Colonel Livingston, in command of Verplanck's Point on the Hudson River, played a crucial role in exposing Benedict Arnold. The regiment was disbanded as part of a major reorganization on January 1, 1781, at King's Ferry, New York. Members that remained in service were assigned to the 2nd Canadian Regiment.

Consists of forty-three payroll sheets and fifteen muster rolls, dating from 1776 to 1780, of several companies from the 1st Canadian Regiment. Payrolls contain the names and ranks of each soldier, his wage per month, his amount of subsistence, length of time for which the soldier is receiving pay, and the total amount of subsistence and wage. Some also contain information about debt owed and whether the soldier is listed as a casualty. Two payrolls from 1780 also contain soldiers' time of service. Muster rolls list personnel of the company, both officers and enlisted men, including their appointment date, duration of service, casualties, and remarks. On the verso of each is found a "Proof of Effectives," or a roll call of personnel "Present, Absent, and Total," with a signed oath verifying that the totals are correct. The documents also reveal the passing of several of the regiment's captains, including John Baptist Allen, Augustin Loseaux, and Timothy Hughes, as the men are identified as the "late" captains of their respective companies.

Also included in the collection is a copy of Senate Bill S. 186 submitted to the 33rd Congress by the Committee on Revolutionary Claims in 1854.

Arranged by company.