Authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Prescott's Regiment. The regiment was organized in spring 1775 at Cambridge to consist of 11 companies from northwestern Middlesex and Hampshire Counties, Massachusetts; and Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. 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 Heath's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Consolidated on January 1, 1776 with Darby's and Nowall's Companies, Scammon's Regiment and Morse's Company, Paterson's Regiment and consolidated unit redesignated as the 7th Continental Regiment, an element of Heath's Brigade to consist of 8 companies. Reassigned on August 12, 1776 from Heath's Brigade and assigned to Nixon's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reassigned on August 31, 1776 from Nixon's Brigade and assigned to Parson's Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Parson's Brigade relieved 12 November 12, 1776 from the Main Continental Army and assigned to the Highland's Department. Consolidated on January 1, 1777 with the 23d Continental Regiment and consolidated unit redesignated as Bailey's Regiment.