The Light Infantry Division at Yorktown (1781) facts for kids

The Light Infantry Division was a special group of soldiers in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. It was created in September 1781 by bringing together light infantry companies from different army groups. These soldiers were considered the best and most skilled in the army. They played a very important part in the Siege of Yorktown in October 1781.

The Light Infantry Division's Role

Major General Lafayette led the Light Infantry Division during the Siege of Yorktown. This division was made up of two main groups called brigades. These brigades were formed on September 24, 1781, following orders from General George Washington. The division fought on the right side of the American army's battle line.

How the Brigades Were Formed

The 1st Brigade was led by Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg. This group had been formed earlier, in February 1781. At first, each company in this brigade had 25 soldiers. But Washington later ordered that each company should have 50 soldiers. This made the size of the companies consistent with other army units. The companies in this brigade were the special light infantry groups from their own regiments.

Important Actions at Yorktown

The Light Infantry Division did two very important things during the Siege of Yorktown.

Helping Build Up Yorktown's Defenses

First, they helped build and protect the American lines around Yorktown. This work started on September 30, 1781. They helped with "fatigues," which means hard work like digging trenches. They also served as "pickets," which were guards placed to watch for the enemy.

Capturing Redoubt 10

Second, they helped capture a British fort called Redoubt #10. This happened on the night of October 14, 1781. A redoubt was a small, enclosed fort or outpost. Capturing Redoubt 10 was a key moment in the siege.

How the Division Was Organized

The Light Infantry Division was organized into two brigades, each with several battalions. A battalion is a large group of soldiers.

1st Brigade Battalions

The 1st Brigade had three temporary battalions:

• Vose's Battalion: Led by Colonel Joseph Vose. This group included light infantry companies from the 1st through 8th Massachusetts Regiments.
• Gimat's Battalion: Led by Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Joseph Sourbader de Gimat. This group included light infantry companies from the 9th and 10th Massachusetts, the Rhode Island Regiment, and the 1st through 5th Connecticut Regiments. Captain Stephen Olney's Rhode Island Light Company, made up of experienced white soldiers, was part of this battalion and led the charge at Redoubt 10.
• Barber's Battalion: Led by Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber. This group included light infantry companies from the 1st and 2nd New Hampshire Regiments, the Canadian Regiment, and the 1st and 2nd New Jersey Regiments.

2nd Brigade Battalions

The 2nd Brigade was led by Brigadier General Moses Hazen. It included:

• The Canadian Regiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Antill.
• Scammell's light infantry corps, led by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Scammell. This group was formed in May 1781 and had light infantry companies from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
• Hamilton's Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton. This group was formed in July 1781 and had light infantry companies from the 1st and 2nd New York Regiments and two companies from Connecticut.

Changes in the 2nd Brigade

Lieutenant Colonel Scammell was injured and captured on September 29, 1781, and he died a few days later. Because of this, the light infantry companies of the 2nd Brigade were reorganized on October 8. They were split into three new battalions. One was led by Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, another by Lieutenant Colonel Ebenezer Huntington, and the third by Alexander Hamilton.