The 3rd Connecticut Regiment was orignially the 2nd Connecticut Regiment. The 2nd Connecticut was raised from Connecticut recruits in 1777 for the Army of the "Continental Line." The 2nd Connecticut was at Valley Forge, for the harsh winter of 1777-1778 and at the Battle of Monmouth, NJ in June 1778 to what would become "the most scorching summer day ever known in America." The legend of Molly Pitcher occurred at Monmouth, as it is said she took over the cannon manned by her fallen husband, during the battle.
In December 1781 the 2nd Connecticut was reorganized into the 3rd Connecticut Regiment, commanded by Colonel Samuel B. Webb. The soldiers under Webb were extremely well disciplined, trained and dressed. It was always uniformed and even had a band.
Between 1778 and 1780 there were several references to the red coats with yellow facings worn by this regiment. The use of captured British regimental coats was not uncommon. It is known that uniform coats of the British 20th, 21st and 31st Regiments in addition to others were used by some Continental Army troops. |
