First Canadian Regiment
1775-1780
Although the name, Canadian Regiment, appears to sound as if it was a British Loyalist endeavor, it was actually authorized by the Congress on November 19, 1775 into the Continental Army as the "Canadian Regiment" and assigned to the New York Department. It was also authorized to fill it by recruiting in any of the thirteen states. This led to the dubbing of both 1st and 2nd Canadian Regiments as C.O.R., "Congress' Own Regiment".
Its leaders, Colonel and Lt. Colonel, were brothers James and Richard Livingston. Their father had moved the family from down state New York to the Montreal of Quebec after the French and Indian War. After the Revolutionary War, both brothers became prominent residents of Johnstown and left a family legacy in the early 19th century.
War Service
- Canadian expedition under General Montgomery, 1775.
- With Major Brown (killed at Stone Arabia in 1780) in capturing Forts Chambly and St. Johns, and the first American regiment to capture enemy colours, Oct. 1775.
- Siege of Quebec, 1775-1776.
- Marched to the relief of Ft. Stanwix under General Arnold, August 1777.
- Saratoga (both battles), General Learned's Brigade, Neilson Farm, Sept. 19.
- Attacked Breyman Redoubt, General Arnold's Division, Left Wing, Oct. 7, 1777.
- Fort Johnstown and Fort Dayton (Herkimer, NY), 1777-1778.
- Rhode Island Campaign, Gen. Sullivan, Gen. Gates Division, 1778-1779.
- Livingston commanded garrison at Stony Point and King's Ferry, 1780.
- Commanded garrison at Verplancks Point at date of Arnold's treason – a shot from his four pounder caused the British sloop-of-war Vulture to slip her berth, which led to Major André having to return by land, and thus, to his capture, Sept. 1780.
- Regiment disbanded Jan. 1, 1781 at King's Ferry, NY. All the Canadians in this regiment were assigned to the 2nd Canadian; all the New Englanders were assigned to a New England Brigade; all the New Yorkers were assigned to form the 1st Company of the 2nd New York Regiment.
- Colonel James Livingston resigned his commission Jan. 1, 1781.
After the war, the Livingston brothers set up residence in Johnstown, NY.
James Livingston became very active in local politics and was a delegate to the N.Y. Constitutional Convention. In 1784 he became a member of the first Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and continued to be a member after the reorganization of 1787. On and off from 1786 to 1791 he was a member of the N.Y. Assembly from Montgomery County. He married Elizabeth Simpson of Montreal around 1771. They had nine children; of these the first was Elizabeth, the mother of Gerrit Smith, and the sixth was Margaret, the wife of Judge Daniel Cady and mother of Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
James and his wife are buried in the Colonial Cemetery along with Lt. William Wallace of his regiment. Another famous figure of his regiment was Nicholas Stover; he is buried in Gloversville, NY.
The recreated 1st Canadian Regiment is under the direction of Noel Levee and attend events both nationally and internationally. For more information write to the address below:
Noel Levee
One Green Street
Johnstown, NY 12095
(518) 762-7419
Email: 
Home | About the BVMA | Mission & Goals | Members
Membership Information | Behind the Lines | 2009 Schedule
The Burning Issues | Annual Awards | Safety Guidelines
Photo Gallery | Contact Information | Links & Resources | Search
Copyright © 2000-2009 Burning of the Valleys Military Association
|
|
