From 1860-1932 the Connecticut Historical Society published a series of books they called “Collections.” Volume VII of this work was published in 1899 and contains the Orderly Book and Journals kept by Connecticut Men while taking part in the American Revolution 1775-1778. This collection of journals consists of 9 distinct journals and orderly books. An index to this work starts on page 371.
Table of Contents:
Orderly Book of Capt. William Coit’s Company at siege of Boston, 1775, page 1
Journal of Ensign Nathaniel Morgan at siege of Boston, 1775, page 99
Journal of Simeon Lyman of Sharon, 1775, page 111
Benjamin Trumbull’s Journal of the expedition against Canada, 1775, page 137
Benjamin Trumbull’s Journal of the campaign around New York, 1776-77, page 175
Roll of Benjamin Trumbull’s company, 1777, page 219
Journal of Oliver Boardman of Middletown in the Burgoyne campaign, 1777, page 221
Journal of Bayze Wells of Farmington, in the Canada expedition, 1775-77, page 239
Journal of Joseph Joslin, Jr., of South Killingly, a teamster in Western Connecticut, 1777-78, page 297
Orderly Books of the Continental Army
Orderly books are valuable primary sources for genealogy research, particularly for those tracing their ancestry to soldiers of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. These books were used by military officers to record daily orders, instructions, and regulations and can contain a wealth of information about individual soldiers, including their names, ranks, duties, and movements. Orderly books can also provide insight into the overall operations and daily life of the Continental Army, including details on battles, marches, and encampments. Genealogists can use orderly books to supplement information found in other records, such as pension files, to build a more comprehensive picture of their ancestors’ experiences and military service. It is important to note that not all orderly books have survived, and those that have may not contain information on every soldier, but they are still a valuable resource for genealogy research.
Military Journals
Military journals are another valuable resource for genealogists researching their ancestors’ military service. These journals were often kept by individual soldiers or officers and provide a personal account of their experiences and daily life during their time in the military. They can include information such as the soldier’s whereabouts, activities, and encounters with other soldiers and civilians. Military journals can also provide insight into the battles and campaigns in which the soldier participated and the conditions they faced, such as weather, terrain, and the state of their supplies. In addition to supplementing information found in other records, military journals can also add a personal touch to the researcher’s understanding of their ancestor’s experiences. However, as with orderly books, not all military journals have survived, and those that have may not contain information on every soldier. Nevertheless, military journals remain a valuable resource for genealogy research, offering a unique and personal perspective on the soldier’s experiences during their time in the military.