Allen McLane Esqr. was appointed a Captain in one of the Sixteen additional Continental Regiments of Foot commanded by Colonel Patton, in the beginning of the year 1777, and by his activity and industry soon joined to the Regiment with a full Company.

Upon the dissolution of the Sixteen Battalions, and the incorporation of the Officers and Men into other Corps—Capt. McLane was, in July 1779, appointed to the command of the Infantry of Major Lees partizan Legion.

In February 1781, upon the new arrangement of the Army, he retired upon Half pay for life. From the Certificates of which Captain McLane is possessed, it appears that he was very early active in the cause of his Country: And from the time of his joining the Continental Army, I can testify that he distinguished himself highly as a brave and enterprizing partiz[an].

During the Seige of York, he was intrusted by the Board of War with the delivery of dispatches of importance to His Excellency the Count de Grasse, which Commission he executed with great celerity; and was afterwards very servicable in reconnoitering and bringing intelligence of the strength and disposition of the British Fleet off the Chesapeak. Given under my Hand and Seal at Philadelphia the 31st day of December 1781.