RootsChat.Com

The minimum age at that time was fourteen to join as a 'boy' and eighteen to join as a man. Earlier during the American War of Independence there are instances of 'boys' being aged ten and twelve. Often under eighteens would lie about their ages in order to obtain a 'man's pay', but consequently if they did anything wrong they would either keep quiet and take a man's punishment or confess and have to pay back their pay and perhaps be discharged. Two of my ancestors lied about their ages and one was flogged aged just seventeen.

Boys would work as an apprentice does, but learning how to soldier. Some would be drummers and buglers, some would do other work and your ancestor was chosen to be a tailor. Each Regiment had its own Sergeant Master Tailor assisted by several lower ranks. As adults they would also be part of the Regiment's fighting force, but as a boy your ancestor would not. In battle they would if possible be kept in camp assisting with various jobs, except for buglers who would be with an officer on the firing line.

Enrolled or enlisted is simply a choice of words and there is no distinction between them.

So, your ancestor would have probably continued to be a Regimental tailor.

I hope this helps.

Hi,

As you say, his name simply appears in amongst a list of other names. Contrary to popular belief, it does not follow that every military person mentioned in despatches did something in particular, on a certain day and which was worthy of note or explanation, especially with private soldiers. When someone is mentioned in despatches and their name is recorded in this way, it simply means that they were outstanding in their role, in this case, your ancestor came to the attention of his company commander (An officer) who thought so much of him that he recommended that the Regiment's Commanding Officer include him in a list of men worthy of being mentioned in a General's Despatches for outstanding work.

Be confident that your ancestor was an outstanding soldier.

Thank you very much everyone

As I said, I only have his name, so I'm trying to establish a regiment and go from there.