Explore the English and European basis of New England's early militias.   Begin with the two basic military divisions : infantry (including both pikemen and musketeers) and cavalry, and continue with the trained bands and military leaders of the New World.

Sword, ownership attributed to John Thompson Steel, iron and silver (grip missing) Made in England, 1630-1650

John Thompson (1616-1696) was born in Wales or in England and had settled in Plymouth by the early 1640s.  He served as Town Selectman, juror and constable.   He later moved to Middleboro.  He also served the Colony in a military capacity.  In 1673, Thompson was named sergeant and sent on an expedition to New York to stop the Dutch from harassing Plymouth ships.  He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in King Philip's War.  The probate inventory of his possessions at the time of his death lists "arms and ammunition" worth £13, 7 shillings.