The 1st North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Army was raised on September 1, 1775, at Wilmington, North Carolina (originally authorized by the North Carolina Provincial Congress as state troops but on November 28, 1775, it became part of the Continental Army per direction of the Continental Congress). In January 1776 the organization contained eight companies. Francis Nash was appointed colonel in April 1776. The regiment was present at the defense of Charleston in 1776. It transferred from the Southern Department to George Washington's main army in February 1777. At that time, Thomas Clark became colonel of the 1st Regiment. The regiment became part of General Francis Nash's North Carolina Brigade in July. Commanders The commanders were full colonels and included: Col. James Moore: He was commissioned as colonel/commandant on August 21, 1775, and served until April 10, 1776, when he was commissioned as Brigadier General of the 1st Brigade of the North Carolina line. This brigade included the 4th, 5th and 6th Regiments. Col. Francis Nash: He was commissioned as colonel/commandant on April 10, 1776. He served until February 5, 1777, when he was promoted to Brigadier General of the 3rd North Carolina Brigade commanded by General James Moore until his death. Col. Thomas Clark: The Continental Congress promoted him to colonel/commandant of the 1st North Carolina Regiment on February 5, 1777, upon General Nash's promotion. He was promoted to brigadier general of the North Carolina Brigade on May 15, 1778. In early 1780, he was again given command of the 1st North Carolina Regiment. He was captured at the siege of Charleston on May 12, 1780, and was not released until November 26, 1782. He retired on January 1, 1783. Lt. Col. William Lee Davidson: He served as the colonel/commandant of the 1st North Carolina Regiment from January 9, 1779, until 1780. Known lieutenant colonels included Lt. Col. Francis Nash Lt. Col. Thomas Clark Lt. Col. William Davis Lt. Col. Robert Mebane Lt. Col. John Baptista Ashe Lt. William Lee Davidson Known majors included Maj. Thomas Clark Maj. William Davis Maj. Caleb Granger Maj. John Walker Maj. John Baptiste Ashe Maj. John Nelson Engagements In 1777 the 1st North Carolina saw action at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown and it was present at White Marsh. Still led by Clark, it fought at Monmouth in June 1778. The North Carolina Brigade marched south under the command of James