New Jersey in the American Revolution
History of New Jersey |
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American Revolution |
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New Jersey played a central role in the American Revolution both politically and militarily. It was the site of more than 90 military engagements, including the pivotal battles of Trenton, Princeton, and Monmouth. George Washington led his army across the state four times and encamped there during three hard winters, enduring some of the greatest's setbacks of the war as well as seminal victories.[1] New Jersey's decisive role in the conflict earned it the title, "Crossroads of the American Revolution".[2]
New Jersey society was deeply polarized in their views and support of the revolution. Many citizens had emigrated from England and maintained a sense of loyalty to the British Crown; others had economic, social, or familial ties to the mother country.[1] Among the most notable loyalists was the state governor, William Franklin, the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin, a leading revolutionary figure. Several Slaves joined sides with the British in return for promises of freedom. For example, Colonel Tye was a slave who escaped and joined the British army, leading constant raids against the people of New Jersey.[3]
Throughout the Revolutionary War, there were many clashes between the Americans and British within the colony of New Jersey. In total, there were 296 engagements that occurred within New Jersey, more clashes than occurred in any other colony during the war.
Prewar tensions
Following the
Declaration of Independence
New Jersey representatives Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, and Abraham Clark were among the men who signed the United States Declaration of Independence. These men, just like all the others, took tremendous risks in order to fight for independence and all went on to serve their newly founded country for the rest of their lives.
Stockton was a New Jersey-born and
Battles
Besides being the location of several important battles, New Jersey was also helpful in disrupting British supply units. Forts on the Delaware River could attack British supply troops as they sailed to Philadelphia. Men in whaleboats crossed the Hudson and raided New York City and Long Island, and captured shipping in the Sandy Hook staging area outside New York Harbor. Ships based in south Jersey ports raided British shipping at sea. New Jersey also had several ironworks that provide iron and iron products, such as cannon, for the war effort, besides its food production. The Ford family in Morristown ran a black powder mill that supplied needed powder for the early war effort. The Continental army encamped three years in New Jersey, in the winters of 1777 at Morristown, 1778–79 at Middlebrook (near Bound Brook), and in 1780 again at Morristown. Large parts of the Continental forces wintered in other years in NJ. Raids from British-held New York City from across the Hudson into New Jersey happened very frequently. The British sent men into New Jersey looking for supplies, firewood, cattle, horses, sheep and pigs, and looking to capture leading patriots.
Battle of Fort Lee
The
On the morning of November 20, 1776, British soldiers under
Washington then led his 2,000 troops from Fort Lee in a retreat through present-day Englewood and Teaneck across the Hackensack River at New Bridge Landing. Washington continued his retreat through early December, passing through Princeton on the way to the Delaware River.
Ten Crucial Days
The "Ten Crucial Days" were the days from December 25, 1776, to January 3, 1777, when several decisive battles, namely the battles of
Battle of Trenton
On the night of December 25–26, 1776, the
Battle of the Assunpink Creek
On January 2, 1777, Cornwallis had hoped to engage Washington's army at Trenton after George Washington recrossed the Delaware River, resulting in the Battle of the Assunpink Creek, also known as the Second Battle of Trenton. Cornwallis's initial results were failures. After recapturing Trenton, he ordered charges on defenses fortified by Washington at Assunpink Creek. The Americans, from their defenses, fired volleys at the advancing troops, striking heavy casualties in the British army. Later that night, Washington moved the majority of his army on a surprise attack upon British troops stationed at Princeton. At the same time, he left a few troops to stall Cornwallis by creating false signals (campfires, loud noises, fortification repair) to give the impression that the Continental Army was still stationed in Trenton.
Battle of Princeton
On January 3, 1777, the Continental Army commanded by Washington defeated the British army under Cornwallis at the
The advancing Militia were also repelled by Mawhood's regiment, although Mawhood was outnumbered 3 or 4 to one, but he and his men stood steadfast. Washington himself lead up more Continentals and encouraged the militia to return to the fight. After a few volleys Mawhood was forced to retreat across the Stoney Brook.
After driving in a detachment of the 55th regiment, Sullivan marched into Princeton. Most of the remaining British forces retreated toward New Brunswick but some took up a defensive position in the stone university building, Nassau Hall.
The Americans set up cannons facing Nassau Hall of Princeton University, and two cannonballs made contact with the walls of the hall. The British soldiers at Princeton were soon forced to surrender to the Americans, and Nassau Hall was recaptured. Cornwallis immediately moved to bring his army to engage Washington. This attempt failed due to a delaying force which damaged the Stoney Point Bridge and delayed the British. These two victories, and the resulting resurgence of the militias from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Connecticut, forced the British out of most of New Jersey, boosting the morale of the Americans. The British were soon forced into an enclave around New Brunswick, giving up the rest of New Jersey."[6]
Battle of Millstone
Also known as the battle of Van Nest's Mills, the Battle of Millstone occurred on January 20, 1777. Following the battle of Princeton, Washington's soldiers traveled north following the Millstone River to Somerset Court House (now Millstone, New Jersey), then proceeded to Morristown.
From New Brunswick, a British foraging party of a few hundred men also went to Somerset Court House, reaching Van Nest’s Mill (present day Manville, New Jersey). After seizing flour and livestock, the British unit set up defenses on the Millstone River, including 3 cannons. The militia posted in the area managed to surprise the British party by crossing the cold, waist deep, river and capture many men and to seize back the supplies.
General Dickinson Raritan, New Jersey, January 23: "I have the pleasure to inform you that on Monday last with about 450 men chiefly our militia I attacked a foraging party near V. Nest Mills consisting of 500 men with 2 field pieces, which we routed after an engagement of 20 minutes and brought off 107 horses, 49 wagons, 115 cattle, 70 sheep, 40 barrels of flour - 106 bags and many other things, 49 prisoners."[7]
Battle of Bound Brook
The Battle of Bound Brook resulted in a shallow defeat of the Americans stationed at Bound Brook, New Jersey, on April 13, 1777. A four-prong attack by 4,000 British upon Bound Brook ensued, and the Americans, who put up a fierce resistance at first, retreated. Around 60 casualties occurred on the American side, while only a single British soldier was killed. On the same day, Nathanael Greene recaptured Bound Brook, but George Washington realized the difficulty of defending the place.
Battle of Short Hills
After advancing to Millstone, New Jersey, on June 26, 1777, General Howe found that Washington would not move his army out of the strong position on the Watchung Mountains north of Middlebrook. Planning to attack Philadelphia, but unable to go safely through New Jersey with its militia nipping away at his men, he had to move his men back to New Brunswick to board shipping.
As the British forces moved back, Washington had some generals move forward, looking for an opportunity to attack a weakened foe. When General Lord Stirling had moved his men to the area near Scotch Plains and Edison, then known as the Short Hills, suddenly the hunter became the hunted when Howe sent a larger force to attack them.
The Americans, though hard pressed, managed to avoid being mangled or destroyed and fought a delaying battle while most of the American force escaped the trap.
Washington, who had finally moved out of the Watchung Mountains, moved back and ordered his commands around New Brunswick to do the same.
With the Americans moved away from his boarding troops, Howe was able to put his men aboard ships and abandon New Jersey in relative security. The British left New Brunswick and Staten Island to later attack Philadelphia.[8]
Battle of Monmouth
In 1777, the British retreated to
On June 28, 1778, the Continental Army under
After the battle, Charles Lee requested his own court martial to defend against accusations made against his actions in the initial attack. Over 1,000 British casualties were incurred; the Americans lost about 452 men. This battle inspired the legend of Molly Pitcher.[9]
Baylor Massacre
The Baylor Massacre was an attack on September 27, 1778, upon the 3rd Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons under the command of Colonel George Baylor during the American Revolutionary War. It occurred in the present day town of River Vale, New Jersey. During the night, they were betrayed by loyalists, who informed the British of their location. Using bayonets, the British killed, injured, or took as prisoners 67 of the dragoons.
Battle of Paulus Hook
Paulus Hook was a peninsula at what is now Jersey City, and a major landing point for anyone going from New York City into New Jersey. Since it was on the Hudson River, the British fleet was able to protect it. The British used it to send raiders into Bergen County. Militia tried to stand guard to prevent or harass these raiders.
The Battle of Paulus Hook was fought on August 19, 1779, between Colonial and British forces. The patriots were led by Light Horse Harry Lee, and launched a night attack on the British-controlled fort. They surprised the British, taking several prisoners, but had to withdraw before daylight when the British navy could react. The fort continued to be used as a base of operations against Bergen County patriots.
Battle of Connecticut Farms
On June 6, 1780, British troops boarded boats on Staten Island bound for Elizabeth, New Jersey. At midnight, 5,000 troops started to land. They expected the Continental Army to give little resistance, believing that they were tired of the war and were poorly fed and paid. They also expected the citizens of New Jersey to welcome them. They were wrong on both counts.
Once they began to march into Elizabeth, they were attacked by Lt. Ogden, who was stationed to give an alarm outside of town with a small group of men. Ogden had orders to fire one volley and retreat. That volley wounded British General Stirling in the thigh, and delayed the advance several hours.
The
When the British did advance, they were attacked by the militia on the flanks. This drew off significant portions of their forces to protect their supply line and route of travel.
General William Maxwell, commanding the New Jersey Brigade, set up a defense at defiles on the road to Connecticut Farms. After a day of hot fighting, the British realized they could not easily breakthrough toward the Hobart Gap leading to Morristown, and, after burning the town, retired back to Elizabeth point.
Battle of Springfield
The last major battle to take place in New Jersey and the rest of the Northern states during the Revolutionary War was the Battle of Springfield.
Final skirmishes
Several small conflicts and skirmishes took place in New Jersey just before and after the
On October 25, 1782, after formal hostilities between the United States and Britain paused, Bacon and his men murdered 19 men in their sleep, including [[Patriot (American Revolution) militia Captain Andrew Steelman, in what is known as the Long Beach Island Massacre.[12]
On December 9, 1782, Lieutenant Nicholas Morgan, age 28, was guarding the shore of
The Affair at Cedar Bridge in Barnegat Township was the last conflict between British allied forces of the American Revolution which took place in December 1782. One Patriot was killed, and four were wounded. Four Loyalists were wounded, including Bacon.[14]
Support and encouragement generated by newspaper
The
New Jersey State Constitution
In 1776, the first
Both sides in elections mocked the other for relying on "petticoat electors" and each accused the other of letting unqualified women (including married women) vote. A
After the war
In the summer of 1783, the
New Jersey played a principal role in creating the structure of the new
See also
- Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area
- History of New Jersey
- Province of New Jersey
References
- ^ a b New Jersey in the American Revolution The Society of Cincinnati.
- ^ "About Crossroads of the American Revolution". Crossroads of the American Revolution.
- ISBN 1-56006-872-8.
- ^ "Greenwich Tea Burning: 1774". Archived from the original on November 24, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
- Crossroads of the American Revolution Association.
- ^ Valis, Glenn. The Battle of Princeton, accessed September 20, 2006
- ^ Valis, Glenn. The Battle of Millstone, accessed March 12, 2006.
- ^ The Battle of Bound Brook by Weldon Monsport, retrieved January 24, 2006
- ^ The different tales that related to Molly Pitcher tales are now regarded by most historians as folklore rather than history, though real women are associated with these stories, (for example, Mary Hays McCauly)
- ^ Salter, Edward. Centennial History of Ocean County. Toms River, NJ, 1878, page 24
- ^ REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITES IN MANAHAWKIN, NEW JERSEY. Revolutionary War New Jersey http://www.revolutionarywarnewjersey.com/new_jersey_revolutionary_war_sites/towns/manahawkin_nj_revolutionary_war_sites.htm. Accessed May 14, 2016
- ^ The Long Beach Island Massacre 25 October 1782. The American War of Independence - at Sea. http://www.awiatsea.com/incidents/1782-10-25%20The%20Long%20Beach%20Island%20Massacre.html. Accessed May 14, 2016
- ^ New Jersey Gazette, December 25, 1782
- ^ Donnelly, Mark and Diehl, Daniel. Pirates of New Jersey: Plunder and High Adventure on the Garden State Coastline 2010, pages 79-80
- ^ Klinghoffer and Elkis. "The Petticoat Electors: Women’s Suffrage in New Jersey, 1776–1807." Journal of the Early Republic, 12, no. 2 (1992): 159–193.