Historian's Report - March 2026

Brother Samuel Nicholas and the U. S. Marine Corps

Worshipful Master, Officers, and Brethren,

As we meet tonight in this tyled lodge, let us first spare a thought for our U.S. troops currently in harm's way around the world—particularly those engaged in our joint military actions with Israel against Iran—wishing them safety and a swift return home.

Exactly 250 years after the events I'll describe, let us reflect on a pivotal moment in American history that highlights the leadership and resolve of one of our own: Brother Samuel Nicholas. Born in Philadelphia in 1744 to Quaker parents, Nicholas was raised in the pacifist traditions of the Society of Friends, emphasizing peace, equality, and moral integrity—values that resonated deeply with Masonic teachings. Yet, when the call to defend liberty arose, he chose to bear arms, leading to his disownment by the Quakers in 1775 for violating their principles against military service. This difficult decision underscored his commitment to a greater cause, much like the tough choices we sometimes face in upholding our duties as Masons. Undeterred, Nicholas, a tavern owner and dedicated Freemason affiliated with Lodge No. 2 in Philadelphia,[1] received the first commission in the Continental Marines on November 28, 1775, becoming the inaugural Commandant of what would evolve into the United States Marine Corps. Under his command, the Marines undertook their very first combat operation and amphibious landing during the Revolutionary War.

It began on March 3, 1776, when a Continental Navy fleet of eight ships, commanded by Commodore Esek Hopkins, arrived off New Providence Island in the Bahamas. The mission was to raid British-held supplies desperately needed by General Washington's army. Brother Nicholas led a force of about 234 Marines and 50 sailors ashore, landing roughly two miles east of Fort Montagu under the cover of the fleet's guns. Dressed in a mix of uniforms and civilian attire, the men waded through the surf and advanced on the fort. The British defenders fired a few warning shots from three cannons but soon abandoned the position, allowing the Americans to seize it without casualties—a bloodless capture that marked the Marines' first victory on hostile ground.

That night, Nicholas and his men held Fort Montagu, consulting on their next steps while a local resident delivered a message from the British governor demanding surrender. Undeterred, they pressed forward the following day, March 4, marching toward the town of Nassau and Fort Nassau. Again, resistance was minimal; the governor had already spirited away most of the island's gunpowder to Florida aboard a sloop. Still, the raiders captured the forts, the town, and vital armaments: 88 cannons, 15 brass mortars, and over 16,000 shells and shot. They occupied the island for two weeks, loading the prizes onto their ships before departing on March 17, evading British pursuit. Though not all objectives were met, the raid provided essential munitions for the Continental Army and boosted morale in the early days of the Revolution.

Yes, Brethren, this was indeed the first action of the Continental Marines—the forerunners of today's U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Nicholas exemplified the Masonic principles of courage, discipline, and fraternity, recruiting many of his men from Tun Tavern, a hub of Masonic activity in Philadelphia.[2] But his service did not end there. Later in the war, he commanded Marines in key land battles, including the daring crossing of the Delaware River and the surprise victory at Trenton on December 26, 1776, where his forces helped capture nearly 1,000 Hessian soldiers with minimal American losses. Just days later, on January 3, 1777, at the Battle of Princeton, Nicholas and his Marines fought valiantly in the thick of the action, contributing to another crucial win that revitalized the Patriot cause during a desperate winter. These engagements showcased his strategic acumen and unwavering resolve, proving that the spirit of brotherhood forged in our lodges can sustain men through the harshest trials.

His leadership showed how our craft's emphasis on unity and moral strength can inspire great deeds beyond these walls. Let this story remind us that Freemasonry calls us to act with purpose and integrity in service to our communities and nation.

May we carry forward that legacy.

Thank you.

[1] Barratt, Norris S., and Julius F. Sachse. *Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, 1727-1907, as shown by the records of Lodge No. 2, F. and A. M. of Philadelphia from the year A.L. 5757, A. D. 1757*. Compiled from original sources. Philadelphia: New Era Printing Company, 1908.

[2] Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Pennsylvania, 1896. (Includes records and historical accounts of early Masonic lodges and meetings at Tun Tavern, documenting its role as a Masonic hub.)