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TheDelaware Line was a formation within theContinental Army during theAmerican Revolutionary War. The term "Delaware Line" referred to the quota of oneinfantryregiment which was assigned toDelaware at various times by theContinental Congress. This, together with similar contingents from the other twelve states, formed the Continental Line. The concept was particularly important in relation to the promotion ofcommissioned officers. Officers of the Continental Army below the rank ofbrigadier general were ordinarily ineligible for promotion except in the line of their own state.
Not all Continental infantry regiments raised in a state were part of a state quota, however. On December 27, 1776, the Continental Congress gaveGeorge Washington temporary control over certain military decisions that the Congress ordinarily regarded as its own prerogative. These "dictatorial powers" included the authority to raise sixteen additional Continental infantry regiments at large.
Early in 1777, Washington offered command of one of these additional regiments toJohn Patton ofPennsylvania, who accepted. McLane's Company, originally in Patton's Regiment, was drawn from Delaware.[1]
Grayson's, Hartley's, and Patton's Regiments were also partially drawn from Delaware.[2]
Still other Continental infantry regiments and smaller units, also unrelated to a state quota, were raised as needed for special or temporary service.
TheDelaware Regiment was a part of theContinental Army.
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