CANADA HISTORY - DOCUMENTS UNITED STATES

1983 The Continental Army by Wright, Robert K., Jr., US Army CMH Pub 60-4

Analysis of the Document - (The Document follows below the Analysis)

The Continental Army by Robert K. Wright, Jr., published by the U.S. Army's Center of Military History, provides a detailed history of the army formed during the American Revolutionary War. While its focus is primarily on American military development, the influence on Canadian history is noteworthy, as it highlights the strategic decisions and campaigns that took place in Canada, particularly the ill-fated invasion of Quebec in 1775-76. This invasion—led by General Richard Montgomery and supported by figures like Benedict Arnold—was a pivotal moment in early Revolutionary efforts to win Canadian support for the American cause.

Montgomery's expedition, combined with the Continental Army's broader war efforts, brought the fledgling American forces into direct contact with British-controlled Canada. Although the mission ended in failure with Montgomery’s death and the retreat of American forces, it set the stage for future interactions between the U.S. and Canada during and after the war. The failed invasion was a critical moment for Canadian history, as it reinforced British control of the northern colonies, contributing to the foundation of Canada as a distinct entity, separate from its southern neighbor.

The book also addresses broader implications regarding the British Empire’s response to American military actions, impacting British-Canadian defense strategy and relations between the colonies. The defeat at Quebec, combined with later American successes in the war, ensured that Canada would remain a British stronghold, shaping the future political and economic relationships between the U.S. and Canada.

Wright's account provides insights into the military organization and discipline of the Continental Army, but from a Canadian perspective, it is equally important for understanding how early American ambitions toward Canada were thwarted, leading to divergent paths for the two nations.

Lineages: Canada

1st Canadian Regiment

Authorized 19 November 1775 in the Continental Army as the Canadian Regiment and assigned to the New York Department; concurrently organized at Pointe Olivier, Canada, to consist of eight companies. Relieved 8 January 1776 from the New York Department and assigned to the Canadian Department. Redesignated 20 January 1776 as the 1st Canadian Regiment. Relieved 2 July 1776 from the Canadian Department and assigned to the Northern Department.

Reorganized 18 December 1776 to consist of eight companies from Canada and New York. Assigned 28 December 1777 to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Northern Department. Relieved 4 April 1778 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the Highlands Department. Relieved 22 July 1778 from the Highlands Department and assigned to the Rhode Island Brigade, an element of the Eastern Department.

Reorganized in June 1779 to consist of five companies. Relieved 17 November 1779 from the Rhode Island Brigade and assigned to Stark's Brigade, an element of the Main Army. Relieved 17 December 1779 from Stark's Brigade and assigned to Hands Brigade, an element of the Main Army. Relieved 31 July 1780 from Hand's Brigade. Assigned 1 August 1780 to the New Jersey Brigade, an element of the Main Army. Relieved 4 August 1780 from the New Jersey Brigade and assigned to the Highlands Department. Disbanded 1 January 1781 at King's Ferry, New York.

ENGAGEMENTS

Invasion of Canada

Defense of Canada

Lake Champlain

Mohawk Valley

Rhode Island

2d Canadian Regiment (Congress' Own)

Authorized 20 January 1776 in the Continental Army as the 2d Canadian Regiment and assigned to the Canadian Department. Organized 10 February 1776 at Montreal, Canada, to consist of four battalions (twenty companies) from the Richelieu and St. Lawrence Valleys. Relieved 2 July 1776 from the Canadian Department and assigned to the Northern Department. Relieved 12 November 1776 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highlands Department.

Reorganized 1 January 1777 to consist of four battalions (twenty companies) recruited at large. Relieved 8 January 1777 from the Highlands Department and assigned to the Main Army. Assigned 22 May 1777 to the 2d Maryland Brigade, an element of the Main Army.

Relieved 28 January 1778 from the 2d Maryland Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department. Relieved 4 April 1778 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Highlands Department. Relieved 22 July 1778 from the Highlands Department and assigned to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Main Army. Relieved 6 March 1779 from the New Hampshire Brigade and assigned to the Northern Department. Relieved 28 August 1779 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Army. Assigned 25 November 1779 to Hand's Brigade, an element of the Main Army. Relieved 1 August 1780 from Hand's Brigade and assigned to the New Hampshire Brigade, an element of the Main Army.

Reorganized and redesignated 1 January 1781 as the Canadian Regiment; concurrently relieved from the New Hampshire Brigade and assigned to the Highlands Department. Relieved 5 June 1781 from the Highlands Department and assigned to the Northern Department. Relieved 10 August 1781 from the Northern Department and assigned to the Main Army. Assigned 24 September 1781 to Hazen's Brigade, an element of the Main Army.

Relieved 6 December 1781 from Hazen's Brigade and assigned to the Middle Department. Relieved 9 June 1783 from the Middle Department and assigned to the Highland's Department. Reorganized 30 June 1783 to consist of two companies. Disbanded 15 November 1783 at West Point, New York.

ENGAGEMENTS

Defense of Canada

Northern New Jersey

Defense of Philadelphia

New Jersey 1780

New York 1781

Yorktown