It’s nice paint something else that’s not in desert yellow.
This months focus is AWI and the backlog of 10mm items amassed over the past few months.
First up 4 units representing Maryland Regiments for Rebels and Patriots.
Short on time this week, I thought I would ask ChatGTP to write this blog, lets see if AI is any good 🙂
It feels like it might have some way to go…..
Here you go…..
Now for the regimental history.
The 1st Maryland Regiment: Smallwood’s Brave Soldiers The 1st Maryland Regiment, also known as Smallwood’s Regiment, was formed in early 1776 under the command of Colonel William Smallwood. This regiment played a crucial role in several key battles, including the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of White Plains. Their distinctive dark blue coats with red facings, white waistcoats, and tricorn hats symbolize their unity and discipline. Painting these soldiers allows me to honour their courage and the pivotal role they played in the fight for independence.Â
The 2nd Maryland Regiment: Resilient Warriors The 2nd Maryland Regiment, authorized in January 1776, was known for its resilience and effectiveness in battle. Commanded by Colonel Thomas Price and later Colonel John Gunby, this regiment fought valiantly in major engagements such as the Battle of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, and Germantown. Their contributions to the Continental Army’s efforts are a testament to their unwavering dedication. Capturing their spirit on canvas is my way of preserving their legacy and sharing their story with future generations.
The 3rd Maryland Regiment, formed in September 1776, participated in significant battles like Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and the Southern Campaigns, including Camden and Guilford Court House. Commanded by Colonel Mordecai Gist and Lieutenant-Colonel Nathaniel Ramsey, these soldiers demonstrated remarkable bravery and resilience. Painting the 3rd Maryland Regiment allows me to highlight their contributions to the war effort and honour their sacrifices.Â
Why I Paint These Regiments
Although no major battles of the American Revolutionary War occurred in Maryland, this did not prevent the state’s soldiers from distinguishing themselves through their service. General George Washington was impressed with the Maryland regulars (the „Maryland Line“) who fought in the Continental Army and, according to one tradition, this led him to bestow the name „Old Line State“ on Maryland.Â
Under the assumption that paid soldiers furnished with rations and suits of clothes would be better soldiers, on January 18, 1776, the Maryland Provincial Convention established the Maryland Line as a regiment of uniformed regulars. What distinguished the Maryland troops from other colonial levies was the time they spent drilling before joining the ranks of the Continental Army. This resulted in a disciplined, cohesive unit.
Not all Continental infantry regiments raised in a state were part of a state quota.Â
On December 27, 1776, the Second Continental Congress gave commanding General George Washington the authority to recruit and raise sixteen additional Continental infantry regiments at large. Forman’s, Gist’s, Grayson’s, and Hartley’s Regiments were partially drawn from Maryland. Other Continental infantry regiments and smaller units, also unrelated to a state quota, were raised as needed for special or temporary service.
The „Maryland Line“ was assigned a quota of eight regiments in 1777, which was reduced to five in 1781. The regiments of the line were:
1st Maryland Regiment
2nd Maryland Regiment
3rd Maryland Regiment
4th Maryland Regiment
5th Maryland Regiment
6th Maryland Regiment
7th Maryland Regiment
German Battalion (counted as half a regiment against the quota)
Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment (counted as half a regiment against the quota)
2nd Independent Maryland Company
The Maryland Line protected the evacuation of Washington’s troops across the East River to Manhattan at the Battle of Long Island.Â
On August 27, 1776, members of the 1st Maryland Regiment under the command of Major Mordecai Gist repeatedly charged a numerically superior British force, allowing General Washington to successfully evacuate the bulk of his troops to Manhattan. Of the approximately 270 men of the so-called Maryland 400, fewer than a dozen made it back to the American lines.
Two months later, at the Battle of White Plains, William Smallwood’s 1st Maryland Regiment, along with regiments from New York and Delaware, reinforced Chatterton’s Hill, covering the retreat of other troops across the Bronx River.
According to popular tradition, Washington expressed his high esteem for the Maryland Line after their heroic stand at the Battle of Long Island.Â
Because of the long service of the high-quality regiments, General Washington referred to the Maryland units as his „Old Line,“ giving the State of Maryland one of its nicknames as „The Old Line State.“Â
Next up buildings for Lexington and Concorde all written by myself….. Honest.
