War and Ordnance, Board of

A committee created by Congress in June 1776 to oversee the Continental army and the conduct of the Revolutionary War.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.

On 12 June 1776, the Continental Congress authorized the Board of War and Ordnance to assume administrative control of the army, previously exercised by congressional resolutions. Included among its duties were control of all military supplies and munitions; supervision of the raising, equipping, and dispatching of troops; keeping a register of officers; and recording accounts of the condition and disposition of troops. General Horatio Gates served briefly as president, during which time the board became involved in the Conway Cabal. On 7 February 1781, Congress authorized a department of war, and the Board of War theoretically ceased to exist.

Bibliography

Mintz, Max M. The Generals of Saratoga: John Burgoyne and Horatio Gates. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1990.