Mar 11

Mar 11 Jonathan Ward Competes For His Own Regiment

Jonathan Ward was a Colonel in the Continental Army who led his own Regiment for two years.

Ward was part of a competition for the position, which when to the Provincial Assembly to be decided.

Jonathan Ward was a request from one of my subscribers, TJ. If you’d like me to research one of your ancestors please let me know.

Jonathan Ward

When news of the Battle of Lexington and Concord began to spread around New England, minutemen from around the countryside dropped their shovels and picked up their guns.

These militia units mustered under their local commanders and made for Boston in an effort to defend their homeland.

One of these commanders was Jonathan Ward of Massachusetts.

Operational Changes

Upon arriving for the Siege of Boston, Ward made a name for himself as a respected leader among his men.

Jonathan began serving under Artemas Ward, who was a very distant relation.

When George Washington took over the Continental Army, he instructed that no Major General could control their own regiment.

Artemas Ward, therefore, was forced to cede his authority to one of his Colonels.

Jonathan Ward was just one of many great candidates.

Competing with Joseph Henshaw

Jonathan Ward’s major opponent for control of the regiment was Joseph Henshaw.

Henshaw was from a large family who had several siblings serving in the Revolutionary War.

Oddly, the quickly developing rival between Ward and Henshaw was taken out of the hands of the military and decided by the Massachusetts Provincial Congress.

They ruled in favor of Ward who took command of the regiment.

Col. Ward’s Regiment

Jonathan’s men were technically named the 21st Continental Regiment, but they were more commonly referred to as Col. Ward’s Regiment.

Ward’s Regiment served through the Siege of Boston and the Battle of Brooklyn.

While in New York, Ward was one of several officers who signed a letter to George Washington pledging their undying support for the General. This was in the aftermath of a discovered assassination plot on Washington’s life and just days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Expired Enlistments

Ward’s Regiment crossed the Delaware with Washington and fought in the Battle of Trenton.

When the Main Army began camping at Morristown, Jonathan’s men joined it.

Ward, who always struggled to keep his contingent fully staffed with soldiers, had his Regiment disbanded at the beginning of 1777 when all their enlistments expired.

Jonathan resigned with them at this time, having served for two years and ready to return to private life.

If you’d like to read about other Founders with their own CONTINENTAL REGIMENT, check out this article:

Nathaniel Gist’s Additional Continental Regiment

Want to read about life on the Kentucky frontier during the American Revolution?

‘The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer’ is about Daniel Boone, not Nathaniel Gist. However, it gives a great perspective on what life was like during this special time in history.

If you’d like a copy for your very own you can through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).