3rd Continental Regiment 1776

  The 3rd Continental Regiment was raised  in January 1776 by consolidating Colonel Learned's, Danielson's and Wood's  1775 regiments .  It was enlisted until January 1777 and  served during the seige of Boston and later in the campaigns around New York city.  It was Commanded by Colonel Ebenezer Learned until his retirement in May 1776 due to illness.  Learned later returned to military service and commanded a brigade during the Saratoga campaign.

  During the siege of Boston Colonel Learned and the 3rd Continental regiment manned the important Dorchester heights position which forced the British evacuation of Boston.  When the Americans marched into Boston the 3rd led the march into the city and was assigned the duty of removing obstacles like abatis and caltrops.  Afterwards they marched south to New York city.  Although they did not participate in the fight on Long Island they did see service later in the campaign.  They were assigned to the Brigade commanded by General John Glover with the 13th, 14th and 26th Continental regiments.  At Kip's Bay September 5 they formed the defensive line at Kingsbridge  that Washington's forces retreated past.  At Pell's Point  on October 14 they fought a delaying action against advancing British light forces.  Remnants of the Regiment fought at Trenton before being disbanded with the expiration of enlistments.  Many of the men later enlisted into the 4th Massachusetts regiment of 1777.

  Little is known of the uniform of the 3rd Continental Regiment.  Massachusetts had large supplies of brown wool.  These included captured and re dyed British coats.  Usually coats were supplied with red linings and a waistcoat or vest matching the coat color.  There were a variety of wool for facing colors avalible.  Since none are listed for the 3rd I have assigned them white.

  The figures are from The RSM line of miniatures.  Most know about their Seven Years War line, but few know they have a small but very nice line of American Rev War figures.  A bulk pack of 36 figures cost $30.   Very reasonably priced.  The regimental colors are from The Flag Dude and is typical of existing colors of the time period.  I will be adding a Bunker Hill or Grand Union color if he comes through with his order.