The Virginia Continental Line in the Revolution’s Southern Campaigns

＂They neither need defense nor eulogy but only just recognition.＂ - Nathanael Greene monument plaque

Despite their contributions in the late period of the American Revolution, the Virginia Line did not garner the same publicity as other units. What was written down often contained errors or misunderstandings regarding the nature of the battalions and their service. Consequently, much of that service has been forgotten. Following the disasters of Charleston and Waxhaws, officers such as Peter Muhlenberg, Nathanael Greene and the Baron de Steuben were left with the difficult task of rebuilding the ranks. This proved to be challenging. Uniformed in blue jackets and later called ＂the regiment of Hell-fired-blues of the Virginia Line,＂ the reformed Continentals would reinforce that name in campaigns such as Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse and Yorktown. Using primary sources and firsthand accounts, author John Settle gives a voice to those honorable veterans who many have forgotten.

John C. Settle earned a BA in history from Bridgewater College in 2019. He currently teaches U.S. history at Powhatan Middle School in Powhatan, Virginia. In his spare time, Settle enjoys taking part in living history programs and writing articles for the Journal of the American Revolution. Settle also worked as a military interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg. He has written articles for the Fluvanna Historical Society.