Civilian and Non-Military

Women, children, sutlers, and other non-military personnel commonly accompanied 18th-century armies on campaign. Without the efforts of these trades people and camp-followers the war machines of both sides would have quickly ground to a halt.

During the American Revolution, it was common for women and children from both sides to follow their husbands into war. This was done by all classes of women from the very wealthy - who just visited their husbands in the field from time to time - to the common, everyday women who had no other means of support and no place else to go.

The British army officially allowed one woman for every six men, or one per tent. The Continental army had similar ratios, but in both armies this quota was often exceeded. They were known as "women on the ration" and received one-half of what ever the army gave her husband. Useful children received a one-quarter ration. They had jobs in the army, such as mending clothes, taking care of the sick men, doing laundry, and cooking. They even followed the army out on the battle field to bring water and ammunition to the men.

There are a wide variety of civilian and other impressions in the NWTA. The following are just a few examples of the many non-military personnel that may have accompanied an army on campaign.  For more information about civilians in the NWTA contact Beth Eagan

Illustrations by Mark Tully, 55th Foot.


Sandridge Settlers of Albany-Town, New York - November, 1777

The residents of Albany Almshouse display the diversity of their ethnic origins. Although Albany was still predominantly Dutch, by the late 18th century it had become a center of international trade, attracting immigrants from most European nations, including the British Isles, France, Poland, Germany and Denmark.

Sandridge members may demonstrate in camp any of a variety of civilian skills, many influenced by their Old World traditions.

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Baldwin's Rgt. of Continental Quartermaster Artificers - September, 1780

Civilians and military personnel with skills in manufacturing or procurement were contracted or drafted into various quartermaster companies. Their responsibility was to provide goods and services that the army could not provide for itself. These might include tinware, pottery, tailoring, carpentry, gunsmithing, ironwork, leatherwork, etc.

Many of these same skills and products may be found among the sutlers and demonstrators in our camps.

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Army Surgeon

All 18th century armies had regimental surgeons. In the Continental army, a surgeon's manual was distributed to each regiment, and the volunteer was expected to begin his practice within two weeks of reading it.

There were no antiseptics or anesthesia at the time of the Revolution, and because of unsterile instruments a wounded man in the surgeon's care stood only a 55% chance of survival. Unsanitary camp conditions also contributed to the high death tolls, and over the course of the war, many more men died of disease than from wounds received in battle.


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NWTA Field Guide ©1995-2002 Northwest Territory Alliance - Page revised 11/11/2005