"The Continental Army" directs us to the basic military organization used during the Revolutionary War and to the forming of the Army's traditions and first tactical doctrine. This book traces the birth of the Army and its gradual transformation into a competent group of professionals and emphasizes for the first time the major influences of eighteenth century military theorists on that transformation. It also includes the lineages of the 177 individual units that comprised the Army, and 14 charts depicting regimental organization. "The Continental Army" provides a background for historians to better evaluate campaigns through understanding how the Continentals and their adversaries organized and deployed their troops.

Foreword / James L. Collins -- Preface -- The Army of Observation: New England in arms -- The Continental Army: Washington and the Continental Congress -- The Continental Regiments of 1776: Boston and Quebec -- An army truly continental: expanding participation -- An army for the war: 1777 -- Professionalism: new influences from Europe -- Perseverance to victory -- Lineages -- Appendix A: U.S. Army units dating from the revolution -- Appendix B: department commanders -- Appendix C: principal staff officers -- Appendix D: engagements -- Glossary.