Regimental History Of The First NY Regt.

 In June of 1775, four New York infantry regiments were authorized by the New York Provincial Congress. Colonel Alexander McDougall is given command of the 1st NY Regt. In the Fall of 1775, the 1st NY Regt. takes part in the failed Invasion of Canada. Several 1st NY companies were commanded by Gen. Richard Montgomery, during the failed assault on Quebec City December 31st, 1775. The beleaguered American forces withdrew from Canada during the Spring of 1776. Alexander McDougall continued as Colonel following the second establishment of the 1st NY in January of 1776. Men from the first establishments of the New York Line enlistments were only for 6 Months.

   During the Spring of 1776, the 1st NY garrisons the fortifications in New York City. While in New York, the regiment is assembled for the reading of the Declaration Of Independence on July 9, 1776. In August Alexander McDougall is promoted to Brigadier General and given command of the 1st and 3rd NY Regiments, as well as the Connecticut militia.

     On October 28th, 1776 the 1st NY Regt. distinguishes itself at the Battle of White Plains, NY, where it sees action during the defense of Chatterton's Hill. Despite their efforts, the American army retreats from White Plains in November. Soon after, the 1st NY is placed under the command of Colonel Goose Van Schaick, following the third establishment of the New York Line Regiments who's enlistments were now up after one year.

   On November 21st,1776, Capt. Joseph McCracken, a resident of Salem, NY (in present Washington County), is placed in command of the First Company of the First NY Regiment.

   In December of 1776 contingents of the 1st New York Regiment, under Captain John Johnson, participate in Gen. Washington's Crossing of the Delaware and surprise attack on the Hessian troops in Trenton NJ. Resulting in a victory on Christmas day and at a much needed moment for the American Army.

   During 1777, the 1st New York Regiment carries out garrison duty throughout New York, including Albany and Fort Schuyler (Stanwix, Rome NY). During August of that year, the 1st NY under Lt. Colonel Van Dyck accompanies General Benedict Arnold during the relief of Fort Schuyler which was under siege by British forces under Colonel Barry St. Ledger. Knowing of the approaching large force the British and Indian allied forces decamped. With the siege lifted six companies of the 1st NY remained at the fort to reinforce its garrison. That Fall, another detachment of 1st NY, comprised of 24 men, are assigned as Gen. Philip Schuyler's "Guards" and remain so for the remainder of the war (5 years). In November off 1777, the 1st NY is finally reunited into a full regiment of full companies at Schenectady NY where they remain throughout the winter.

    In May of 1778, the 1st NY Regt marches south to join Gen. Washington at Valley Forge. The 1st NY is placed under the command of Brigadier Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne, as part of the 2nd Pennsylvania Brigade, 2nd Division of the Continental Army.

   On June 28th, 1778 American forces meet British Maj. Gen Clinton's army retreating across the Jersey country side to New York City. Soon His rear guard action becomes the Battle of Monmouth NJ. The 1st NY served as part of the American left under Command of Maj Gen Lord Sterling. During the battle, Captain Joseph McCracken has his left arm "Shot Away" by a British cannon ball. McCracken is promoted to Major on May 29th, and transferred to the Fourth NY regiment.

  Gen. Washington moves the Continental Army to the Hudson Highlands in July 1778, during which time the 1st NY Regt. encamps at White Plains. By Fall, the First New York marches North and encamps at Peekskill on the Hudson River.

   In the Spring of 1779, the First New York Marches West along the Mohawk River to Fort Schuyler where they relieve Col. Peter Gansevoort's 3rd NY Regt. Much of 1779 is spent campaigning against (Iroquois) Indian settlements throughout Western NY (Now Central NY and the Finger Lakes), in response to bloody attacks by British-allied Indians on American settlements throughout the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys. On April 18th, 1779 an attack against the British garrison at Oswegatchee, (North Of Ft. Ontario) ends in failure. However, three days later, Goose Van Schaick leads a more successful expedition against the Onondaga settlements, where they destroy homes provisions, and take numerous prisoners. During the Summer, Tory and Indian forces harass the garrison at Fort Schuyler, capturing several soldiers of the 1st NY, including Lieutenant William Scudder, later reported to be a "Prisoner of the Enemy in Canada."

    While American General Sullivan leads an expedition against Loyalist forces and British-allied Indians in Western NY (Near Present day Elmira NY), the 1st NY continues on garrison duty at Fort Schuyler, where they become discontent due to continuous enemy harassment, inactivity, lack of pay, and dwindling supplies, as seen in their reports that "Our rum is all expended..." As a result of this discontent, thirty soldiers of the 1st NY plot to "spike up the cannon & set fire to the magazine." The plot was discovered and the plans of the mutineers thwarted. Throughout the Winter of 1779-1780 the discontent at Fort Schuyler continues, leading to numerous desertions. These desertions, along with expiring enlistments (a Three Year Term), diminish the rank and file of the 1st NY.

   With the coming Spring of 178o, conditions further deteriorate at the fort. On April 14th 1780, the guardhouse at Fort Schuyler catches fire, "destroying snowshoes and arms unfit for use."  The Fort is saved only after adjoining barracks are torn down to contain the fire. Moreover, on May 22nd 1780, private William Conway leads the desertion of 27 1st NY soldiers. The deserters are pursued by American-Allied Oneida Indians who attack them at the Grand River killing 13, and capturing 3. That same month, Sir John Johnson and his Royal Greens, (Kings Royal Regt. or K.R.R.), Rangers and Indians, attack Johnstown and Caughnawaga. Though pursued by troops of the 1st NY, Johnson's troops make their escape to Canada.

   In September of 1780, the 1st NY leave Fort Schuyler and march to Albany under Maj. Graham. By October, they are reunited with the rest of the Brigade at West Point on the Hudson River. A Month later, the 1st NY Regt. returns to Albany in response to British threats on the New York frontier.

    Following the reorganization of the Continental Army in 1781, New York maintains two infantry and one artillery regiments. Moreover, the 3rdNY is consolidated into the 1st NY, and again, the 1st NY is split and sent to various locations in New York. Captain Jansen's company is ordered to Ft. Edward; Lt. Colonel Van Dyck, with four companies is ordered to Saratoga; and the rest of the 1st NY is ordered to remain at Albany. In March, four companies of the 1st NY march from Albany to West Point, where they are assigned under Col. Van Schaick, who is also given command of the 3rd Mass. Brigade. That summer, the 1st NY marches for Albany where they stay briefly in response to a British threat by invasion again from Canada. In August, the 1st NY joins Gen. Washington's Army already encamped at Dobb's Ferry, NY, where they later march with Washington's Army to Trenton NJ.

   On August 7th 1781, an attempt was made by the British to kidnap General Schuyler in his Albany home. While his 1st NY Guards prevented the kidnapping, Private John Cockley and John Tubbs of the 1st NY were taken back to Canada where they were held until the end of the War.

    In September of 1781,on the 28th, Lt. Col Van Dyck commands the 1st NY, in Gen James Clinton's Brigade, of Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln's Division. By October, Americans and their French allies lay siege to Cornwallis' forces at Yorktown VA., where he is forced to surrender on October 19th. By November of 1781, to September of 1782 the 1st NY Regt. encamps at Pompton NJ. By September of 1782 the Regt moves to Verplank's Point NY, and is joined by the rest of the New York Brigade. They later march for the New Windsor Cantonment where they remain until 1783. On April 19th, 1783, at 12:00 Noon, the Proclamation declaring the cessation of hostilities is read  to the troops, and on May 21, the 1st NY Regiment is inspected for the final time. Soldiers of the First New York Regiment are discharged on June 8th, 1783.