Babcock's/Lippitt's Regiment facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Babcock's Regiment Lippitt's Regiment
Active	1776-1777
Countries	United States
Allegiance	Rhode Island
Type	Infantry
Engagements	Battle of Trenton Battle of Princeton
Disbanded	January 18, 1777
Commanders
Notable commanders	Colonel Henry Babcock Colonel Christopher Lippitt

Babcock's/Lippitt's Regiment was a special group of soldiers. They were formed in Rhode Island during the American Revolution. Their main job was to protect Rhode Island from British attacks.

History of the Regiment

This regiment was one of two groups of soldiers. They were created by the state of Rhode Island. This happened between November 1775 and January 1776. Their goal was to stop the British from attacking Rhode Island.

Forming Babcock's Regiment

The Rhode Island government officially approved this regiment. This was on January 8, 1776. It was called Babcock's Regiment. The group was fully set up on January 18, 1776. It had 12 companies of soldiers. Colonel Henry Babcock (1736–1800) was in charge. His father, Major General Joshua Babcock, also led the Rhode Island Militia.

The regiment was first stationed on Aquidneck Island. It worked with another group called Richmond's Regiment. Both regiments together formed a larger military unit. Colonel Babcock was the leader of this bigger group.

Lippitt Takes Command

In May 1776, Colonel Babcock was removed from his position. This was because he was sometimes "deprived of perfect use of his reason." Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Lippitt then took over. He was promoted to colonel. After this, the group became known as "Lippitt's Regiment."

On May 11, 1776, the regiment became part of the Continental Army. This was the main army fighting for American independence. They were first assigned to the Eastern Department. Later, on September 14, 1776, they joined the Main Continental Army.

Fighting in New York

In September 1776, the regiment was sent to New York. They joined Nixon's Brigade. This brigade also included two other Rhode Island regiments. This move happened shortly after the British took over New York City and Manhattan.

On October 14, 1776, the regiment moved to McDougall's Brigade. In October, they fought in the Battle of White Plains. This was an important battle.

Later, on November 10, 1776, they rejoined Nixon's Brigade. This brigade was renamed Hitchcock's Brigade on December 22, 1776.

Volunteering for More Battles

The soldiers had signed up for one year of service. But they chose to stay with the army for four more weeks. This allowed them to fight in two more important battles. They participated in the Second Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton. The regiment officially ended on January 18, 1777. This happened in Morristown, New Jersey.

What Came Next for Rhode Island's Troops

After Lippitt's and Richmond's regiments disbanded, Rhode Island still needed protection. The British were occupying Aquidneck Island. So, the state created new full-time military groups. These were called Rhode Island State Troops. They were different from the militia, who only served in emergencies.

These State Troops signed up for one year at a time. They continued to serve until after the British surrendered at Yorktown in October 1781.

The first new State Troops were formed in December 1776. They included two regiments of infantry (foot soldiers). Each had 750 men. They also had one regiment of artillery (cannon soldiers) with 300 men. These three regiments formed a brigade. Colonel James Mitchell Varnum was the first commander. He was later promoted to Brigadier General.

Notable Members of the Regiment

Some members of this regiment became very important later on.

• Captain William Jones later became a captain in the United States Marine Corps. He also served as Governor of Rhode Island from 1811 to 1817.
• Captain Arthur Fenner served as Governor of Rhode Island from 1790 to 1805.
• Captain Simeon Martin later became Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island.
• Quartermaster Benjamin Bourne was elected as a United States representative. He also served as a federal judge.

Senior Officers of the Regiment

These were the main leaders of the regiment:

• Colonel Henry Babcock (January 18, 1776, to May 1776)
• Colonel Christopher Lippitt (May 1776 to January 18, 1777)
• Lieutenant Colonel Adam Comstock
• Major James Tew, Jr.