3rd New York regiment 1776

   The original 3rd New York regiment is raised by Colonel James Clinton for five month'sservice.   They were assigned to Major General Philip Schuyler's Northern Army and toke part in the Invasion of Canada.  Arriving at Quebec they join the forces under Benedict Arnold.

 With enlistment expiring General Montgomery and Colonel Benedict Arnold attack in a desperate attempt to capture the city on 31 December during a blizzard. The attack fails, but the siege is maintained into spring.  Enlistment expired and the regiment is disbanded.

The 3rd New York is re-raised, re-officered and rearmed for nine month's service in the spring of 1776.  It is commanded by Colonel Rudolphus Ritzema (who had commanded the First New York in Canada  in 1775). This version of the Regiment is composed of companies raised in the New York city area. 

   In New York city the regiment  is assigned to  Brigadier General Alexander McDougall's brigade.  Uniforms, based on deserter reports are either gray or blue coats faced green as well as the usual mixture of civilian clothing.  The regiment misses the battle on Long Island And takes part in the retreat northward.  They  form part of Washington's lines around White Plains New York in late October.

   on 28 October The 1st and  3rd New York Regiments, Smallwood's Maryland Regiment, 19th Continental Regiment from Connecticut (all of McDougall's Brigade),  Haslet's Delaware Regiment and Alexander Hamilton's battery reinforce two Massachusetts militia regiments on  Chatterton's Hill.  This is to protect Washington's right flank at White Plains.  During the Battle there they repel the main British assault, but are outflanked by Rall's Hessian brigade and forced to retreat. This is the 3rd New York's first fight.

    The regiment takes part in the retreat across New Jersey.  On December 26 the 3rd New York takes part in the Battle at Trenton.  Afterwards, enlistment up they are either discharged or recruited for the third (and final time) as the 3rd New York is again reorganized.  This term to extend for three years, or the duration of the war.

  I have painted the 3rd New York in it's blue coats faced and lined green.  Matching waistcoat were typical of many regiments in 1776.  Figures are from Fife and Drum minuatures.  Flags are  from GMB. As no documentation is available for this regiment At this rate I have followed Washington's advice of a regimental and national type color.  These are the New York colors carried later in the War and a liberty flag which is mentioned in several Crown Forces accounts as captured during the battles around New York city.