Major Samuel Nicholas

Major Samuel Nicholas             

The first officer commissioned in the United States Continental Marines was Officer Samuel Nicholas.  Today we know this as the United States Marine Corps (USMC).  The Marine Corps was established in 1775 to provide a security force to fend off the naval ships of Great Britain. They were asked to “conduct ship-to-ship fighting, provide shipboard security and discipline enforcement, and assist in landing forces.” (1)

Nicholas was born in Philadelphia in 1744; his father was Andrew Nicholas who was a prosperous Quaker blacksmith.  His mother was Mary Shute Nicholas, whose sister, Attwood Shute, was the Mayor of Philadelphia 1756–1758.  At the young age of 22 he was one of the organizers of the “Gloucester Fox Hunting Club” which was America’s first hunting club.    

On November 5, 1775 Samuel Nicholas was appointed the rank of captain of Marines by the Continental Congress.  The Second Continental Congress finally confirmed that in writing on November 28, 1775, which was 18 days later.  This document was signed by John Hancock.    Samuel Nicholas was also considered the first Marine Corps Recruiter.  “In December of 1775, to aid in drafting plans in expanding the Continental Navy and to supervise the construction of vessels and procurement of naval equipment, the Continental Congress established a permanent committee for the Marine Corps”(1) 

It has been debated whether he used his family bar, Conestoga Waggon, or Tun Tavern as the first recruiting station. Wherever it was, Nicholas was rapidly recruiting as many people as possible because Congress stated “the Marines will not only be used for the Nova Scotia expedition but for subsequent service thereafter.” (1)  The Marine Committee was formed and had 13 members, one for each continent.  It had important figure heads, such as John Hancock, Robert Morris, and Samuel Chase. 

The Marine Committee initially asked Washington, the then United States Capital, to give them members from Washington’s Army to help them build 13 “frigates,” to help them in the Nova Scotia Expedition.  Washington didn’t approve of the idea and told the Marine Committee to hire unemployed Seaman from New York and Philadelphia.  The Marines who “adapt and overcome,” did just that and were able to recruit enough people to fill all the frigates, which consisted of 24-36 guns each.  Nicholas also appointed 10 more Captains.

Nicholas fought in three wars: the Battle of Nassau, the Battle of Trenton and the battle of Princeton.  He was ultimately promoted to the rank of Major and held the rank of Commandant of the Marine Corps, which is the highest and most prestigious rank.   

The Continental Marines were established to aid in a time of battle.  A strong military was a necessity to fight off Great Britain, who had more people, more ships, and more guns.  Americans came together with the aide of allies and were able to defend this great land that we call America. 

(1) wikipedia, History of the United States Marine Corps

(2) wikipedia, Samuel Nicholas

(3) uss nicholas, dd 449; dde 449             

(4) D.W. McComb, 6 August 2001, Marine Corps Museum, Washington Navy Yard