Massachusetts. Truckhouse and Commissary (Machias, Me.)

The defense of the eastern Maine coast the British during the Revolutionary War was a concern of the Massachusetts General Court and the Continental Congress, addressed by two ventures: (1) establishment at Machias of a truckhouse for regional Indian tribes (see: Truckhouse books, 1776-1780 ((M-Ar)2408X)) to encourage their participation in the war effort under the Continental Army agent (later superintendent) for Indian affairs in the Eastern Department, Col. John Allan (see: Massachusetts. Council. Correspondence relating to Indian and military affairs at Machias, 1776-1783 ((M-Ar)2402X)) (2) stationing of troops and naval forces in the area, serviced by a commissary whose functions were closely tied to those of the truckhouse.

Militia, state troops, and a Continental artillery company (Continental Congress Journals, Jan. 15, 1781), were served by Stephen Smith as commissary official from 1777 (Resolves 1780, Oct Sess, c 45, Nov. 15, 1780), until 1783 (Resolves 1783, Sept Sess, c 6, Sept. 30, 1783), during which time Smith also held the posts of truckmaster and naval officer. Supplies were furnished by the Board of War until its discontinuance in 1781, at which time, per Resolves 1780, Apr 1781 Sess, c 80 (Apr. 25, 1781), responsibility for providing supplies and accounting for them to the General Court was placed with the state commissary general.

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