Scope and Content: As the northernmost settlement in Maine during the Revolutionary War, Machias was judged by the Massachusetts General Court to be a vital military installation. Accordingly, troops were called out on several occasions to defend the post from real or perceived British threats.  Initially local militia companies defended the settlement for short periods, but other troops also served at Machias at various times until the end of the war.  In 1777, Massachusetts authorized the creation of an expedition to Nova Scotia (Resolves 1777-78, c 20, June 7, 1777), and these companies were formed in and around Machias.  When the Nova Scotia enterprise  was discontinued (Resolves 1777-78, c 219, Aug. 8, 1777), some troops remained there. Shortly thereafter, the Massachusetts legislature provided for the permanent defense of Machias (Resolves 1777-78, c 277, Sept. 16, 1777), initially in the form of three infantry companies, eventually reduced to one company of artillery (Resolves 1777-78, c 967, Apr. 17, 1778), which served until 1783.
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