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Archiver > MDSTMARY > 2003-07 > 1058451598
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Subject: Re: [MDSTMARY-L] Revolutionary War Rank
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2003 10:19:58 EDT
List,
There was an established Colonial Army. So to some degree rank and protocol
had been established by the time of the Revolution. Colonial militia's and
required service in those militia's had been protocol since the establishment of
Maryland. Uniformed English troops didn't arrive on Colonial Soil until the
French & Indian War [in N.Y. i think] along with Bradock. The intention of that
militia was to march to Pittsburgh [Bradocks Road] and defeat the French at
what is now Pittsburgh. Colonial Service was done under State funding but Britain
did call the shots in general. The State militia's were joined for "national"
service when instructed. Units from Virginia, Maryland and Pa. for instance,
served under Washington when he was the head of the Colonial Army. Part of
what drove Washington to revolt was the treatment of Colonial Soldiers as
inferiors of the British. A British soldier who was a sergeant, for instance, out
ranked a Colonial sergeant. No doubt the private status of the individual did
come into paly regarding his rank. Colonial's, esp. those from SMC, were expect
to serve in the English Navy also. It became evident very quickly that the
English didn't value the life and safety of the Colonials. Your chances of
survival in the Navy as a Colonial were exponentially reduced. This treatment was a
part of the fuel of revolt. I'm not sure what the duration required service
was but would be interested if anyone knows.
Greg
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