With the commencement of open hostilities in 1754 between Britain and France in America (the French & Indian War), an increase in manpower was required to sustain an all out war.In response to this Massachusetts authorised the formation of six Provincial regiments of 500 men under Colonels Bagley, Dwight, Grindley, Plaisted, Ruggle and Tacher, primarily for the more menial tasks of garrison duty, convoy guards, boat builders etc. around the Lake George area. By 1758 Massachusetts’ contribution had expanded to 6800 men, with Ruggle’s, Bagley’s, Prebble’s, Joseph William’s, Partridge’s and Doty’s regiments present at Ticonderoga, taking part in General Abercromby’s failed attack on Fort Carillon.

The following year Ruggle’s and Willard’s regiments served with General Amhurst and then, in 1760, with General Haviland’s army. The remaining Provincial units served as garrisons in New York Colony while Bagley’s manned the former French fortress at Louisbourg.

During the French and Indian War the colonies began to uniform their troops for recognition and generally selected blue coats although some fought in their civilian clothes. The colony’s contribution to the British success was substantial, supplying, according to estimates, well over a third of total British manpower, who served as fighting troops, battoemen and labourers etc.

In NFOE we do not represent any particular Massachusetts regiment but prefer instead to illustrate the life and times of all those who served as Provincial soldiers.