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Most Americans are familiar with the role which the militia played in
our Revolution. Less well known is the role played by a group of
soldiers referred to as levies. Individuals were selected from the
ranks of the militia for additional training. These troops were then
used to fill in the ranks of regular troops or as independent units.
Colonel Albert Pawling raised a corps of levies in New York and his
troops served the American cause throughout the war. Pawlings Levies
manned forts along the frontiers of Ulster and Orange Counties from 1779
to 1781. On the frontier the chief task of the levies was to stop raids
carried out by the Indian forces & Loyalists often led by a British
officer.
The members of Pawlings Levies portray the life and times of families
of Colonel Albert Pawlings Independent Corps of Levies. Pawlings
Levies portray the role played by all of the members of a family during
the War for Independence. Ages range from infant to adult.
The clothing, weapons, tents and personal items are the same as they
would have been over 200 years ago. Some are original pieces and some
are modern reproductions, but all are authentic in material and design.
Men are either musicians, men-at-arms or craftsmen. Musicians are
drummers or fifers. A drummer may carry a sword. Men-at-Arms carry any
of several weapons (chiefly the British .75 caliber Brown Bess” musket
or the French .69 caliber Charleville musket. Men-at-arms must be at
least 16 years old to fire a musket. Musicians can be as young as 11
(fifer) or 12 (drummer). These ages reflect the age at which young men
were allowed to join the Continental forces during the years of the war.
Some things never change. Recruits are still needed and welcome. Unit
officers and members will be glad to assist new members in assembling
their wardrobe and equipment. If you would like more information, feel free to contact our unit adjutant. He can be reached at: