The Regiment was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Mansfield’s Regiment. Organized in spring 1775 at Cambridge to consist of 10 companies from southeastern Essex County. Adopted on June 14, 1775 into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army. It was assigned on July 22, 1775 to Sullivan’s Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized and re-designated on January 1, 1776 as the 27th Continental Regiment, to consist of 8 companies; concurrently relieved from Sullivan’s Brigade and assigned to the Vacant Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reassigned on June 15, 1777 from the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 1st Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department. 1st Massachusetts Brigade relieved on July 1, 1777 from the Highland’s Department and assigned to the Northern Department. Reassigned on January 1, 1781 from the 1st Massachusetts Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Massachusetts Brigade, an element of the Highland’s Department. Furloughed on June 12, 1783 at West Point, New York.