Johnson's Regiment of Militia explained

Unit Name:Johnson's Regiment of Militia
Allegiance:State of Massachusetts
Type:Infantry
Dates:1775–1777
Command Structure:Massachusetts militia
Nickname:4th Essex County Miliia Regiment
Battles:Bunker Hill
Saratoga
Notable Commanders:Samual Johnson

Johnson's Regiment of Militia also known as the 4th Essex County Militia Regiment was first called up for the Siege of Boston and Bunker Hill in 1775. Colonel Samuel Johnson was elected leader of the Regiment, his oldest son Samuel, being chosen 2nd Lieutenant.[1]

The regiment was called up a second time at Andover, Massachusetts on August 14, 1777, as reinforcements for the Continental Army during the Saratoga campaign. The regiment marched quickly to join the gathering forces of General Horatio Gates as he faced British General John Burgoyne in northern New York. The regiment served in General Warners' brigade and would capture six British cannon at the Battle of Bemis Heights. With the surrender of Burgoyne's Army on October 17, the regiment was disbanded on November 30, 1777.

Notes and References

  1. http://books.google.com/books?id=b7Y6AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA95#v=onepage&q&f=false "The Massachusetts Magazine: Devoted to Massachusetts History, Genealogy, Biography, Volume 3; Salem Press Company, 1910; Digital Image, Google Books"