Authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Read's Regiment. The regiment was organized in spring 1775 at Roxbury to consist of 10 companies from southwestern Suffolk County, southeastern Worcester County and Bristol. Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army. It was assigned to the on July 22, 1775 to Spencer's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Consolidated on January 1, 1776 with Walker's Regiment and David Brewer's Regiment and consolidated unit redesignated as the 13th Continental Regiment, an element of Spencer's Brigade to consist of 8 companies. Reassigned on January 24, 1776 from Spencer's Brigade and assigned to Thomas' Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reassigned on April 24, 1776 from Thomas' Brigade and assigned to Heath's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reassigned on August 12, 1776 from Heath's Brigade and assigned to Clinton's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reassigned on November 5, 1776 from Clinton's Brigade and assigned to McDougall's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reassigned on December 11, 1776 from McDougall's Brigade and assigned to Sargent's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Disbanded (less Peter' and Walbridge's Companies) in January 1777 at Morristown, New Jersey; Peters' Company re-organized and redesignated on January 1, 1777 as Warren's Company, Bailey's Regiment and Walbridge's Company re-organized and redesignated 1 January 1777 as Goodale's Company, Putnam's Regiment.