Francis Mentges was appointed from Lancaster County a lieutenant in Col. Atlee's Musketry Battalion, March 20, 1776, and on the 22d, adjutant. He was promoted to major of Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Line, October 25, 1776 to rank from October 7, 1776; promoted lieutenant-colonel Fifth Pennsylvania October 9, 1778; and retired January 1, 1783. Col. Mentges was the first inspector-general of the U. S. army; and one of the original members of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati.