Scope and Content: The Board of War was a committee created by the Massachusetts Legislature per Resolves 1776-77, c 455 (Oct. 29, 1776).  The board’s main function was to manage the administrative and business transactions of the state’s war effort during the War for Independence.  Changes were made to the enabling legislation for the board in July 1777, increasing its discretionary authority (Resolves 1777-78, c 194 (July 7, 1777)).  After the Board of War was dismantled  following passage of Resolves 1780, Jan 1781 Sess, c 62 (Feb. 8, 1781), its affairs were settled by Caleb Davis, as state agent, who was in turn succeeded in that function per Resolves 1782, Sept Sess, c 34 (Oct. 21, 1782), by the Commissary General. –The board was instructed by the Provincial Congress to procure provisions, cannon, arms, ammunition, clothing, and all other articles necessary to carry on the war by sea and land. The board also was responsible for the provision of garrisons and fitting out of vessels for the use of Massachusetts military commanders.
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically
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