Date Posted: Friday, February 27th, 2026

During the Revolutionary War, the Delaware Militia played a vital role in defending the state, but their responsibilities went far beyond service on the battlefield. Many officers shouldered the burden of logistics and administration in addition to leading their troops. One such officer documented in our collections is Captain Isaac Carty of Kent County, who later rose to the rank of Major.

Handwritten 18th-century muster roll. The document lists soldiers’ names in columns, with dates of enlistment and absence, and notes on absences, all written in brown ink on aged paper.
Muster Roll for the Dover Troop of Light Horse, 1777. 1800-000-099, Delaware Military Archives, Volume 3.

As an officer of the Kent County Militia, Carty commanded a troop of light cavalry in Dover. On September 2nd, 1777, the day before the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge, Caesar Rodney ordered Captain Carty’s cavalry into the field. They rode north to scout the route the British Army was expected to take, with orders to take prisoners if possible.

Handwritten military orders signed by Caesar Rodney, directing Captain Isaac Carty and his cavalry troop to scout British movements. The document is written in flowing script on aged paper.
Orders from Caesar Rodney to Captain Isaac Carty, September 2nd, 1777. 1800-000-099, Delaware Military Archives, Volume 3.

Captain Carty was also appointed to manage military buildings and stables in Duck Creek Crossroads (present-day Smyrna) and served as Receiver of Supply for Kent County. In this role, Carty contributed to the tremendous task of feeding and equipping the Delaware Militia and the Continental Army. His accounts record the purchase of large quantities of food, horses, and supplies from Delaware citizens, many of whom are listed by name.

Handwritten ledger page recording supply transactions for Kent County. Columns include the date, the person to whom a certificate was issued, items or quantities supplied, and the corresponding price, all written in neat ink script.
Accounts, Kent County Receiver of Supply, 1780. 1300-000-000, Executive Papers.

Whether on the battlefield or the home front, Isaac Carty and others like him worked tirelessly to protect their communities and sustain the struggle for independence.

These records, preserved in the Military Records, Delaware Archives – Military and Executive Papers collections, offer a detailed glimpse into the everyday work of sustaining a revolution.