Stephenson's Rifles
In 1776, survivors of the 1775 independent rifle companies (famous for the Bee Line March) joined six new companies to create the Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment. It's commander, Hugh Stephenson, died of illness a month into service and six of the regiment's companies were captured at the fall of Fort Washington. Those who evaded capture were attached to the 11th Virginia, Morgan's Rifles, and the 4th Maryland. After a prisoner exchange in 1778, the regiment struggled on in western service until 1781.
“Unit History of the Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment (1776–1781): Insights from the Service Record of Capt. Adamson Tannehill" (Tucker F. Hentz, VMHC) A good analysis of the rifle companies from Maryland and Virginia from their origins as independent units through their later service in the Maryland & Virginia Rifle Regiment and Daniel Morgan's Provisional Rifle Corps.
"Vanishing Ranks: Rawling's Rifle Regiment and the Struggle to Recruit for the Frontier" (Tucker F. Hentz, JAR)
"Lt. Elijah Evans of Maryland: Unresolved Promotion in an Extra Continental Regiment" (Tucker F. Hentz, JAR) Though mostly about a Virginia officer, this article complements Hentz's earlier essay on Rawling's Regiment, and the fate of the early Independent rifle companies.
New & Notable
"Where Are the Virginia Regimental Buttons?" (Gabriel Neville, RV) Revolutionary War uniform buttons survive from most of the 13 colonies, but not from Virginia. We know they existed and a lost one is probably just waiting to be found.
"The Battle of Harlem Heights" (Mark Maloy, ERW) The Virginia Line's first engagement under General Washington's command was at Harlem Heights on Manhattan Island. It was a small American victory, but also featured the Commonwealth's first officer-level casualties.
"The 1st Virginia at Fort Lee, September 1776" (Gabriel Neville, RV) When the 1st Virginia first joined the main army at Fort Lee, many of its officers and men were already dying.
"'This a Belt as Curious:' Hunting Shirt Belts" (Jim Mullins, Of Sorts for Provincials) Riflemen and longhunters often wore belts with their hunting shirts, made of wampum, rattlesnake skins, or simply braided. They were evidently always tied in the back.
"Religion and Rhetoric: The Significance of Religion to the Patriot Cause in the American Revolution" (Ben Powers, ERW) It wasn't all Locke, Montesque, and Wilkes. Dissenting was a significant inspiration powering the revolutionary cause.
"Philip Mazzei and the American Revolution—An Italian in Virginia" (Matteo Giuliani, JAR) An Italian merchant who came to Virginia to grow olives and make wine bought a farm near Monticello and soon found himself joining the Revolutionary cause.
"American Revolution on the Potomac" (National Park Service) An overview of Revolutionary Events along the Potomac River recently posted on the Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail website.
"Fort Watauga and the 1776 Cherokee Siege" (James Angel, JAR) The attack on Virginia settlers in what is now East Tennesee that began the Cherokee War of 1776.
Fauquier County in the Revolution Leesburg has created a self-guided Revolutionary War walking tour.
