 Complete the following phrase:  On 6 July 1776, the Maryland Battalion was assigned to the main Continental Army. On 12 August 1776, it was assigned to Stirlings Brigade and five days later 17 August 1776 adopted into the main Continental Army. On 31 August, the Maryland Battalion was reassigned from Stirlings Brigade to McDougalls Brigade. On 19 September 1776 the Maryland Independent Companies were assigned to the Maryland Battalion. This element was relieved from McDougalls Brigade on 10 November 1776. From 10 December 1776 to January 1777, the element was assigned to Mercers Brigade. In January 1777 this element was re-organized to eight companies and was re-designated as the 1st Maryland Regiment and assigned to the 1st Maryland Brigade on 22 May 1777 of the main continental Army. On 12 May 1779, the regiment was re-organized to nine companies. On 5 April 1780, the 1st Maryland Brigade was reassigned to the Southern Department. On 1 January 1781, it was reassigned to the Maryland Brigade of the 