Who was the Senior Officer in the Continental Marines?

The Senior Officer in the Continental Marines was Captain Samuel Nicholas. He is significant for being the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines after their establishment in 1775, and he played a crucial role in organizing and leading the early naval infantry units of what would become the United States Marine Corps. Under his command, the Continental Marines participated in several key operations during the American Revolutionary War, helping to lay the groundwork for the growth and traditions of the Marine Corps. His leadership and contributions to the formation and early actions of these forces solidified his place in military history as the first commandant.