Armed Boat Company
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Armed Boat Company | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1781–1783 |
| Country |  British America |
| Allegiance | Britain |
| Branch | H.M. Provincial Forces |
| Type | Amphibious raiding force |
| Size | Company (50–70) |
| Engagements | American Revolutionary War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Captain William Luce Captain Nathanael Hubbel |
The Armed Boat Company was a seagoing Loyalist military unit, with a strong black presence, operating as an amphibious raiding force out of New York City during the Whaleboat War. It was raised in 1781 and disbanded after the British evacuation of New York in November 1783.
After the British occupation of New York City in 1776, Long Island was used as a supply base. Supplies were brought to the coast of the island and shipped by sea to the city. Patriot amphibious forces in whaleboats attacked supply vessels at sea and supply warehouses on land; but also plundered the local population, who during the war largely consisted of loyalist refugees. The British had organized three battalions for the defense of Long Island, but two of these were sent to Georgia in 1778. In spite of repeated protests in 1780 and 1781, by the British commander-in-chief, Sir Henry Clinton, the Royal Navy allocated far too few ships to be able to effectively prevent the attacks.[1]
Formation
The Armed Boat Company was organized in 1781 under a warrant issued by the Commander in Chief of the British Army in America, authorizing William Luce, a New Jersey loyalist, to raise one company of able bodied men employed in whaleboats and other armed vessels. The term of enlistment was two years or, if required, until the end of the war; with the same pay as marines serving on armed vessels of the Quartermaster-General's Department. The men were to be clothed and armed and serve under the same regulations as His Majesty's Provincial Forces.[2][3] The Company served until British evacuation of New York City in November 1783.[4]
