Continental Marines
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
The Continental Marines were the colonial Marine force of the American Revolutionary War. The corps was formed by the Continental Congress in November 10, 1775 and was disbanded in 1783. Their mission was multi-purpose, but their most important duty was to serve as on-board security forces, protecting the Captain of a ship and his officers. During naval engagements Marine sharpshooters were stationed in the fighting tops of the ships' masts, and were supposed to shoot the opponent's officers, naval gunners, and helmsmen.
The Marines were used to conduct two amphibious landings during the American Revolution. They landed twice in Nassau, in the Bahamas, to seize naval stores from the British. The first landing, led by a Captain Nicholas, consisted of 250 Marines and sailors who landed in New Providence, in the Bahamas; there they wreaked much damage and seized naval stores. The second landing, led by a Lieutenant Trevet, landed at night and captured several ships along with the naval stores. A Marine battalion also fought alongside the Continental Army in the Battle of Princeton.
The Continental Marines' first and only Commandant was Major Samuel Nicholas and the first Marine Barracks were located in Philadelphia. The first recruiting station was a bar called Tun's Tavern (http://www.lee.army.mil/marines/MCHistory.html). Four additional Marine Security Companies were also raised and helped George Washington defend Philadelphia.
The Continental Marine Act
In accordance with the Continental Marines Act of 1775, the Congress decreed "That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquinted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distuinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines."
