Joseph Benedict Explained

Joseph Benedict (1730–1785) was an American patriot in the American Revolutionary War.^[1]

He served as the Captain for the 2nd division of the 4th New York Regiment from July 27, 1775 until March 8, 1776.^{[2] [3]} On March 8, 1776, Benedict was promoted to Major of the 1st New York Regiment and served in this capacity until April 27, 1776.^{[3] [1]} After leaving the Continental Army, Benedict served as a lieutenant colonel in the New York militia.^[1] While in the militia, Benedict worked to stabilize the Neutral Zone in Westchester County, NY, an area plagued by militant Loyalists, known as the Cowboys, and slave rebellions.^{[4] [5] [6] [7] [8]}

From October 13, 1778 to March 17, 1779, Benedict served an Assemblyman in the 2nd New York State Legislature for Westchester County. Benedict died in 1785.^[1]

Notes and References

1. Hancock, John. Letter to George Washington. May 10, 1776.The Papers of George Washington. Ed. Founders Online. National Historical Publications and Records Commission. Web. December 14, 2014.
2. State of the Four Regiments raised in the Colony of New-York. 1775.American Archives. Northern Illinois University Libraries. Web. December 14, 2014.
3. Captain Steinrod promised a Commission, if, within fourteen days, he shall enlist a full and complete Company. 1776. American Archives. Northern Illinois University Libraries. Web. December 14, 2014.
4. Hawley, Ezekiel and Joseph Benedict. Letter to the Provincial Congress. 24 Jun. 1776. Ed. American Archives. Northern Illinois University Libraries. Web. December 14, 2014.
5. Crane, Thaddeus. Letter to Joseph Benedict. 17 Sept. 1776. Ed. American Archives Northern Illinois University Libraries. Web. December 14, 2014.
6. Benedict, Joseph. Letter to Colonel Drake. September 18, 1776. Ed. American Archives. Northern Illinois University Libraries. Web. December 14, 2014.
7. Gray, Edward G. and Jane Kamensky, ed. The Oxford Handbook of the American Revolution. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2013. Web. December 14, 2014.
8. Flick, Alexander, Ed. History of the State of New York. Vol. 4 New York: Columbia UP, 1933. Print 10 vols.