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"That two Battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors & Officers as usual in other regiments, that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken that no person be appointed to office or enlisted into said Battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea, when required. That they be enlisted and commissioned for and during the present war with Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress. That they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered a part of the number, which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consists of."

(Resolution of the Continental Congress, 10 November 1775)