Board of War facts for kids
 |
|
| Committee overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | January 24, 1776 |
| Dissolved | February 7, 1781 |
| Superseding agency | |
The Board of War was a special group created during the American Revolutionary War. Its main job was to help manage the Continental Army. This was the army that fought for American independence. The Board also gave advice to the Second Continental Congress, which was like the government at the time.
Contents
Why Was the Board of War Created?
In early 1776, General George Washington and others felt that the army needed better organization. They thought a special office, like the one in Great Britain, would be helpful. This would make it easier to handle all the army's needs.
How It Started
Because of this need, the Continental Congress decided to create the Board of War and Ordnance. This happened on June 12, 1776.
First Members and Their Jobs
The first Board had five members from Congress. These were John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Harrison, James Wilson, and Edward Rutledge. They also had a permanent secretary named Richard Peters.
Their jobs included:
- Keeping a list of all army officers.
- Tracking soldiers, weapons, and equipment.
- Managing letters and important documents.
- Taking care of prisoners of war.
The Board officially started its work on June 21, 1776.
Changes Over Time
The Board of War changed a few times to work better. At first, the original members found it hard to keep up with all the tasks.
New Structure and Duties
In October 1777, Congress approved a new plan. The Board would now have three permanent members who were not part of Congress. They also got more staff.
The new Board's duties grew. Besides managing records, they also:
- Oversaw finding new soldiers.
- Were in charge of making weapons.
- Became the main link between Congress, the Army, and the states for military matters.
Key People in the New Board
On November 7, 1777, Thomas Mifflin, Timothy Pickering, and Robert Hanson Harrison were chosen as members. Harrison, however, decided not to join.
Later, the Board expanded to five members. Richard Peters and Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates joined. Joseph Trumbull replaced Harrison. General Gates was named the president of the Board. Robert Troup served as the Board's secretary from 1778 until it ended.
More Changes to the Board
The Board of War continued to change throughout the war. For example, in October 1778, Congress changed its members again. It now had two members from Congress and three permanent commissioners. Also, important departments like the Quartermaster General (who supplied the army) were placed under the Board's control in November 1779.
