History

This is a brief history of the regiment as submitted for the Freedom Foundation Awards for Outstanding Achievements in bringing about a better understanding of the American way of life and the cause of freedom:

"...despite the hardships the men reported (many) of them promptly reenlisted, joining the 3rd Pa. Reg't. which was then organized and recruited up to strength.  It joined the army in the New Jersey in 1777.  It was assigned to the brigade formerly commanded by Big. Gen Thomas Mifflin now under Brig.Gen . Thomas Conway.  In the spring and summer of 1777, the regiment took part in engagements at Bound Brook, April 12 and 13 as well as Short Hills, June 26."

Other later engagements fought by the 3rd Pa. included Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth.  During the battle of Brandywine, Sept 11, 1777, the regiment was on the right flank and sustained the initial surprise attack of the main body of the British army.  Fighting steadfastly, the American defense crumbed and troops began to leave the field.  At this point, Capt. Thomas Butler performed exceptional service in rallying the fleeing troops to delay the onslaught of the British attack.  He later received a personal commendation from General Washington.

After marching with Washington's army to Hartford, Conn. Sept. 21, 1780, the 3rd Pa. was removed to Tappan, New York on the 25th.  It became part of the force which was rushed to West Point to guard against a possible British thrust after Arnold's treachery there.  In December, it moved to Morristown, New Jersey where its men took part in the mutiny that began on January 1, 1781.

The Pennsylvania line was then reorganized as a whole as the result of the mutiny.  There was a 3rd Pa, among the six regiments which were retained in the new structure.  Many of the original 3rd Pa. men were discharged or transferred upon re-enlistments to the three provisional battalions of Pa. Continentals and then redeployed to the southern theater of operations.