The regiment was made up of 12 artillery companies from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including some companies that had served in Henry Knox's Continental Artillery Regiment.

The regiment served with George Washington's main army.

[1] Washington's artillery chief, Henry Knox wanted to have four 3-pound or 6-pound cannons attached to each infantry brigade.

Knox preferred the handier French 4-pound cannon, he had to give up his plan to adopt it because too much ammunition and equipment for the 3- and 6-pound guns were still available.

Knox's tactical doctrine required his gunners to direct their fire on infantry targets and avoid artillery duels.