12 - 18 August 1775

1^st Quartermaster General

As the new Continental Army lay siege to British troops occupying Boston in the summer of 1775, General Washington, from his field headquarters at Cambridge made several key appointments — including that of Quartermaster General.

The post of Quartermaster General, a position that combined military skill and business acumen, was inherited directly from the British Army. He served as “senior logistician” on the Commander’s staff, responsible for the acquisition and distribution of most supplies in the field. A Commissary General and a Clothier General handled food and clothing, respectively; while a Director General oversaw hospital support and medical stores.

But it was to the Quartermaster General that the Commander looked to provide the overwhelming mass of supplies and equipment (tents, blankets, shoes, leather, paper, desks, shovels, etc.) for the patriot Army. And the transportation needs as well — the boats, wagons, horses, mules, oxen, and the forage needed to feed the animals. The QM General enjoyed the Commander’s utmost confidence, helped plan the route of march, and in many ways functioned as a twentieth century Chief of Staff.

For more information on this topic, go to: MG Thomas Mifflin

On 14 August 1775, General Washington appointed a 31-year-old Philadelphia merchant — Thomas Mifflin — to serve as his first Quartermaster General

Compiled by Dr. Steven Anders, former Quartermaster School historian.