USA > New Jersey > The history of New Jersey, from its discovery by Europeans, to the adoption of the federal Constitution > Part 39
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rapid march, with twelve hundred men, to which number his forces had increased; but he could not arrive before the enemy had retired; and there- fore hastily returned to his post at Peck's-kill.
VIII. This enterprise was soon after retaliated by an expedition, under Lieutenant-colonel Meigs, who, on the 23d of May, with two hundred and thirty men, carried and destroyed a large depot of provisions and forage, at Sagg Harbour, on Long Island; eluding the numerous cruizers of the enemy, and making near a hundred prisoners, without the loss of a single man. Such was the celerity of Colonel Meigs's movements, that he transported! his men, between Guilford and Sagg Harbour, ninety miles, by land and water, in twenty-five hours.
IX. In the mean time, the American commander-in-chief, had formed his plan for the disposition of the army, when it should take the field. He way convinced, that while General Burgoyne, now in command of the British northern army, would either endeavour to take Ticonderoga, and penetrate to the Hudson, or join the grand army by sea, General Howe would en- deavour, by moving up the North river, to possess himself of the forts and high grounds, at present occupied by the Americans, or would attempt Phila- delphia. Yet uncertain as to which of those courses would be adopted, he determined to keep the high grounds of New Jersey, somewhat north of the road leading from Brunswick to Trenton. Encamped here, the army would cover New Jersey, and be at a convenient point to move, either for the pro- tection of Philadelphia, on the west, or the Highlands, on the east. In the , uncertainty with which the first movements of the enemy were enveloped, and the equal necessity of defending the three great points, Ticonderoga, the Highlands of New York. and Philadelphia, against two powerful armies, superior to him, in arms, numbers and discipline, it was necessary so to ar- range his force, as to enable the parts reciprocally to aid cach other. To effect these purposes, the northern troops, including those of New York, were divided between Ticonderoga and Peck's-kill, while those from Jerry to the south, including North Carolina, were directed to assemble in New Jersey. If the army of Canada should join that of New York, by sca, the troops at Peck's-kill, and those in Jersey, could readily be united, cither for defence of the Highlands, or of Philadelphia. If Burgoyne should attempt Ticonderoga, by way of the lakes, the force at Peck's-kill would afford aid to the army opposed to him.
Upon these arrangements being made, the camp at Morristown was broken up, and the army removed to Middlebrook, behind a ridge of strong an! commanding heights, not far from the Raritan, about ten miles from Bruns- wick; where General Washington repaired, in person, on the 2-th of May, 1777. The heights, in front of the camp, commanded the course of the Raritan, the road to Philadelphia, the hills about Brunswick, and a consi- derable part of the country between that place and Amboy; atfording a full view of the most interesting movements of the enemy.
The force brought into the field by America, required all the aid of strong positions, and the most unremitting vigilance. Ou the 21st of May, the total of the army in Jersey, exclusive of the cavalry and artillery, amounted, only, to eight thousand three hundred and seventy-eight men, of whom, up- wards of two thousand were sick. The effective rank and file were only five thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight. In this return, the troops of North Carolina were not included, as they had not then joined the army; and the militia of New Jersey, amounting to about five hundred men, were also omitted. Had this army been composed of the best disciplined troops, its in- feriority in numbers must have limited its operations to defensive war; and
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have rendered it incompetent to protect any place, which could be defended only by battle in the open field. But more than half the troops* were unac- quainted with military duty, and had never looked an enemy in the face.
A large proportion, especially from the middle states, were foreign- ers; many of them servants, on whose attachment to the American cause it was not safe to rely. To avail himself of this unfavourable circum- stance, General Howe had offered a large reward to every soldier who would desert, and additional compensation to those who would bring their arms. The effect of these promises had been seriously felt; and their future operation, was greatly dreaded. To diminish this, and to allure, from the service of the enemy, those misguided Americans who had engaged with them, but might now wish to be again received into the bosom of their coun- try, General Washington had urged on Congress the policy of, allowing all the advantages of freemen to the servants who had enlisted; and of giving full pardon to all Americans, who would quit the British service. These recommendations, like almost every other proceeding from the same source, received the ready attention of Congress, and resolutions were passed in con- formity with them.
As a movement of the enemy by land towards Philadelphia was probable, it was an important part of the plan of the campaign, to constitute on the western bank of the Delaware, an army of militia, strengthened by a few continental troops, under an experienced officer, to defend, in front, the pas- sage of that river. To Arnold, then in Philadelphia, employed in the settle- ment of his accounts, this service was intrusted.
General Sullivan lay at Princeton with a body of continental troops, increasing in number by recruits from the southward, and some Jersey militia. He was directed to hold himself in perpetual expectation of attack, to send his baggage and provisions to places less exposed, and to be in readiness to move at any instant to a place of greater security, where his left could not be so readily turned, and whence he might harass the flanks of the enemy on a march, and preserve a communication with the army at Middlebrook-by no means to risk a general action, but to act entirely as a partisan corps; and on the first movement of the British army to place his main body in security, and to harass them with parties detached for that pur- pose. Measures were also taken to put the militia of Jersey in readiness to take the field so soon as offensive operations should commence. It was in- tended, not that they should remain embodied for the purpose of strengthen- ing and acting with the continental army; but that, ranging the country in small parties, they should hang upon, and harass the flanks of the enemy.
X. The first and great object of the campaign, on the part of General Howe, was the acquisition of Philadelphia, which he originally designed to attain, by marching through New Jersey, and crossing the Delaware by a portable bridge, constructed during the winter. But the delay in the arrival of the tents and camp equipage, from Europe, and the carly organization, and fa- vourable position of the American army, caused him to devise another plan of operations, in case he could not draw the American general from his present advantageous position. This was to attempt Philadelphia by the Delaware or Chesapeake Bay. A demonstration was acordingly made, of proceeding to Philadelphia, by land. General Washington summoned to his assistance the continental troops, at Peck's-kill, with the exception of one thousand effectives, and in the mean time formed a select corps of riflemen,
* The extreme severity of the service, aided perhaps by the state of the hospitals, had carried to the grave, more than two-thirds of the soldiers, who had served the pre- ceding campaign and been engaged for more than one year.
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under Colonel Morgan, which was posted at Vanvechten's-bridge, on the Raritan, just above its confluence with the Millstone river, with orders to watch the iet flank of the British army. On any movement of the enemy, he was instructed to seize every opportunity to fall on their flank, to gall them as much as possible, but to take especial care not to permit himself' to le surrounded, or to have his retreat to the army cut off. General Sullivan was directed to change his position, and to occupy the high grounds of Rocky Hill, as a place of greater security.
With the view of inducing General Washington to quit his fortified camp, and to approach the Delaware, where he might bring on a general engage- ment, on ground more advantageous to himself, General Howe, leaving two thousand men at Brunswick, under the command of General Matthews, ad- vanced, on the morning of the 14th of June, in two columns, towards that river. The front of the first, under Lord Cornwallis, reached Somerset Court House, by the break of day; and about the same time, the second, under General de Heister, arrived at Middlebush, between Brunswick and Somerville, on a road east of that taken by Cornwallis. The feint was un- successful. On the first intelligence that the enemy was approaching. Washington posted his whole army, with great advantage, in order of battle, on the heights in front of his camp. This position he maintained during the day, and at night the troops slept on the ground to be defended. In the mean time, the militia of New Jersey, with an alacrity, heretofore unexam- pled in the state, took the field in great numbers; principally joining Gene- ral Sullivan, who had retired behind the Sourland hills, towards Fleming. ton, where a considerable army was forming.
Finding that the American army could not be drawn from its position, and, probably, influenced in some degree, by the temper now manifested by the militia, General Howe determined to waste no more time in threatening Philadelphia by land, but to withdraw his army from Jersey; and, pursuing the principal object of the campaign, to embark them, for the Chesapeak or the Delaware. On the 19th, in the night, he returned to Brunswick, and on the 22d, to Amboy ; where he threw over the channel which separates the con- tinent from Staten Island, the bridge designed for the Delaware, and passed over the heavy baggage and a few of his troops to that island, whence the embarkation of his army was to be made. This retreat was conducted with some marks of precipitation, and many of the farm houses on the route are said to have been burned.
General Washington, expecting the movement from Brunswick, had made dispositions to derive some advantages from it. He detached General Greene, with three brigades, for the purpose of falling on, and annoying the British rear. General Sullivan was directed to move with his division, in order to co-operate with Greene, and Maxwell to fall on the flank of the enemy. In the mean time, the main army paraded on the heights of Mid- dlebrook, ready to act as circumstances might require.
About sunrise, Colonel Morgan attacked and drove in a picquet guard; the enemy throwing themselves into some redoubts, which, on the approach of Wayne and Morgan they evacuated; immediately after, they commenced their march to Amboy. Some sharp skirmishing took place between them and Morgan's regiment, in which the latter acted to the entire satisfac- tion of their general; but the hope of gaining any important advantage was entirely disappointed. From his distance, and the late hour at which he re- ceived his orders, Sullivan was unable to come up in time; the express sent to General Maxwell either deserted to the enemy, or was taken ; and the rear division of the British being stronger than was expected, the force on the
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lines could make no impression on it. From these causes, the retreat to Amboy was effected without any considerable loss.
In order to cover his light parties, which still hung on the British flank and rear, and to injure the enemy, General Washington advanced six or seven miles from his strong camp at Middlebrook, to Quibbletown, on the road to Amboy. Lord Stirling's division proceeded a few miles still nearer, to the neighbourhood of Matouchin meeting-house, in order to act with the parties which were on the lines, should an opportunity offer for attack.
In this state of things, it appeared practicable to General Howe to bring on an engagement. With this view, and probably in the hope of turning the left of the American army, and gaining the heights behind them, on the night of the 25th, he recalled the troops which had passed over to Staten Island; and early next morning, made a rapid movement in two columns towards Westfield. The right, under the command of Lord Cornwallis, took the route by Woodbridge to the Scotch Plains; and the left, accompanied by Sir William Howe in person, marched by Matouchin meeting-house, to fall into the rear of the right column. It was intended that the left should take a separate route, about two miles after their junction with the other column, in order to attack the left flank of the American army at Quibbletown ; while Lord Cornwallis should gain the heights on the left of the camp at Middle- brook. Four battalions, with six pieces of cannon, were detached to take post at Bonhamtown .*
About Woodbridge, the right column of the British fell in with one of the light parties detached to watch their motions; and notice being thus received of this movement, General Washington immediately penetrated its object, and discerned his danger. The whole army was instantly put in motion. It rc- gained with the utmost celerity the camp at Middlebrook, and took possession of the heights on the left, which it was supposed the enemy had designed to seize. Lord Cornwallis, on his route encountered Lord Stirling, and a smart skirmish ensued, in which the latter was driven from his ground with the loss of three field pieces and a few men. He retreated to the hills about the Scotch Plains, and was pursued as far as Westfield. Here Lord Corn- wallis halted. Perceiving the passes in the mountains on the left of the American camp to be guarded, and, of consequence, that the object for which this skilful manœuvre had been made was unattainable, he returned through Rahway to Amboy; and, on the 30th of June, the whole army crossed over to Staten Island.
While retiring from Westfield, the British army was watched by the bri- gades of Scott and Conway; the former entered Amboy immediately after that place had been evacuated; but no opportunity was given, during the retreat, of attacking it to advantage.
XI. About this time, news was received of the advance of General Burgoyne, towards Ticonderoga, which, with the delay in the embarka- tion of Sir William Howe's forces, kept the American commander-in-chief in great uncertainty as to the designs of the enemy; and occasioned him to give orders for the return of two brigades to Peck's-kill, which had proceed- ed to Pompton Plains, to join him, and to despatch Parson's and Varnum's brigades to that post. Still he could not divest himself of the opinion, that the attempt to cross the Delaware would be renewed; and for some days he remained in his camp, at Middlebrook. A change of position from Prince's Bay, to the watering place, and a movement of the army to the lat- ter, with the military stores and baggage from the coast opposite Amboy, at
* General Howe's letter.
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length, relieved him from apprehensions of a sudden march on Philadelphia, and determined him to change his own position. He removed the mam body of the army to Morristown, and advanced General Sullivan with his division, on the way to Peck's-kill, as far as Pompton Plains.
The preparations for embarkation of the British general, indicated the in- ception of a much longer voyage than that up the North river; and notice of these appearances were given to the eastern states; but the advaner of Bur. goyne, with a powerful army, against Ticonderoga, still induced the opinion, that the main object of Howe, must be to effect a junction with him, on :? ». North river. Under this impression, Sullivan was ordered to Peck's.ki !!. and Washington, himself, proceeded to Pompton Plains, and on the 16th of July, to the Clove; where he determined to remain until the views of the enemy should be completely disclosed.
In this position, he, at first, commanded, that the North Carolina troops which had stopped at Philadelphia, should join him; but on receiving informa- tion that a great part of the British fleet had fallen down to the Hook, they. forces were stopped at Trenton, and General Sullivan was directed not torpes the North river. General Putnam, who now commanded at Peck's.kill, was cautioned to guard against any sudden attack from New York; surow In which, would be the more deeply felt, in consequence of the loss of Taconde. roga, and Mount Independence, which had fallen into the hands of Burgoste. The information, that part of the fleet had dropped down to the Hook, was soon followed by intelligence, that the shipping were moving from the water. ing place to New York, and that several transports, convoyed by a ship of war, had proceeded as high as Dobbs' ferry. The passes in the I highlands were now supposed to be certainly their object, and Sullivan, who had been advanced as far as New Windsor, was ordered immediately to cross the Hudson, and to take post in the rear of Peck's-kill, on the east side of tha river. Lord Stirling was also commanded to cross the river and join (it- neral Putnam.
XII. The perplexities of this moment were cheered by the intelligence of the capture of Major-general Prescott, the commander of the British troops on Rhode Island. Believing himself perfectly secure, guarded by his cruizers and at the head of an army greatly superior to any force col. lected in the eastern department, he indulged in convenient quarters. distant from camp, and with few guards about his person. Information of this ne- gligence being communicated to the main, Colonel Barton, of the Rhode Island militia, planned with success, the capture of the general, in his quarters. the the night of the 10th of July, with a party of about forty persons, melding captains Adams and Phillips, in four whale boats, he crossed the water, a distance of ten miles, deceived the vigilance of the guard bredts, landi. marched a mile to the general's quarters, seized the sentinel at the door, and one of the aid-de-camps, took the general from his bed, and without allowing him time to dress, carried him with secrecy and despatch to a place of safety. This clever exploit was the more highly appreciated, as it gave the Ameri- cans an officer of equal rank to exchange for General Lee. Congress pre- sented Colonel Barton with a sword, as a mark of their approbation.
XIII. At length, the British fleet put to sea; having on board General Howe, and thirty-six British and Hessian battalions, including light infantry and grenadiers, with a powerful artillery, a New York corps, called the Queen's Rangers, and a regiment of light horse. The residue of the army was divided between New York and Rhode Island. On the receipt of the intelligence, the American army commenced its march, (July, 1777,) for the Delaware, under the conviction, that the fleet was destined for Philadelphia. But whilst preparing to meet Sir William Howe on a new theatre, the com-
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mander-in-chief took measures, also, to check the progress of Burgoyne; who, having obtained possession, by a greatly superior force, of Ticonderoga, and the lakes, was advancing southward towards New York. Letters were ad- dressed to the governments of the eastern states, urging them to reinforce with their militia, the retreating northern army. Major-generals Arnold and Lincoln, both influential with the eastern militia, were directed to join it; and. three brigades of New England continental troops from Peck's-kill, Morgan's rifle regiment, and two regiments from New York, were ordered upon the same service.
On the 30th July, the enemy's fleet appeared off the capes of the Dela- ware, and orders were given by Washington for concentrating his forces at Philadelphia. They were scarce issued, when a new disposition was occa- sioned, by tidings, that the fleet had departed from the Delaware Bay, and was proceeding eastwardly. No further intelligence of it was received, until the 7th of August, when it was seen a few leagues southward of the Delaware capes; after which it disappeared, and was not again heard of, until late in that month. Meanwhile, the most perplexing uncertainty concerning its des- tination, was universal. On entering the capes of the Delaware, the general was deterred by the difficulties of that river from ascending it, and resolved to proceed to the Chesapeake; but was prevented by contrary winds, from reaching the mouth of the latter bay, until the 16th of August.
Washington employed this interval in examining the country about Phila- delphia, and the works below the city; and he came to the conclusion, that the defence of the river should be confined to the fort on Mud Island, and to Red Bank, a piece of high ground on the Jersey shore, opposite to the island. This opinion he communicated to Congress, with his intention to march to Coryell's ferry, (New Hope,) sufficiently near Philadelphia, whence he might readily regain the North river, should it be necessary. Upon the protracted absence of the British fleet, he determined to march thither, but on the very day of this determination, learned the arrival of the whole fleet in the Chesa- peake.
XIV. The different divisions of the army were immediately ordered to unite, with the utmost expedition, in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, and the militia of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and the northern counties of Virginia to take the field. These orders were received by General Sulli- van, who had been encamped in Jersey about Hanover, just on his return from an expedition to Staten Island. The British force there amounted to between two and three thousand men; of whom nearly one thousand were provincials, stationed at different places on the coast opposite the Jersey shore. The European troops, amounting to sixteen hundred men, were in a fortified camp near the watering place. General Sullivan thought it practicable to surprise and bring off the provincials before they could be supported by the Europeans; and he was the more stimulated to the attempt, by their occasional incursions into Jersey. They had lately penetrated as far as Woodbridge, and had carried off twelve individuals, noted for their attachment to the American canse. * This expedition was undertaken by Sullivan with the select troops of his division, aided by a few Jersey militia, under Colonel Frelinghuysen. They had to march about twenty miles to the place of embarkation ; where, only, six boats had been procured. Three of these were allotted to Colonel Ogden, who commanded one detach-
* Mr. Stockton, member of Congress, and Mr. Fell, member of council, had previous- fy been made prisoners, and the person, nay, the life of Governor Livingston was daily threatened. Two thousand guineas are said to have been offered by the enemy for his capture.
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ment intended to attack Colonel Lawrence, lying near the old Blazing Star ferry, and Colonels Dungan, and Allen, who lay about two miles from each other, towards Amboy. The other three were taken by General Deborre. accompanied by General Sullivan in person. He was to apark Colotrt Barton near the new Blazing Star ferry, and, after securing that party, to assist Ogden. General Smallwood, with his brigade was to cross at ila - y point, and attack Buskirk's regiment near Decker's ferry. All the train crossed before day, unperceived by the enemy. But, misconducted to his guides, Smallwood began his attack on a different point from that who h was intended, in consequence of which, Buskirk's regiment made its escat- ; Init Ogden and Deborre, were more successful. Lawrence and Barton were ... prised, and, with several of their officers and men, were taken. The alarty being given, it became necessary for Sullivan precipitately to withdraw h., forces from the island. It had been impracticable to obtain a sufficient num. ber of boats to embark all the troops at the same time; and some confirst at appears to have prevailed in this part of the business. General Campbell. with a considerable force advanced upon them; and the rear guard, atter defending themselves for some time with great gallantry, were under the fr. cessity of surrendering prisoners of war.
In his letters to the commander-in-chief, and to Congress, General Sulbras reported, that he had brought off eleven officers, and one hundred and Starts privates; and that a considerable number must have been killed in the ditter. ent skirmishes. He stated his own loss to have been one major, one cap!sa, one lieutenant, and ten privates killed, and fifteen wounded; and mita of. ficers, among whom were Majors Stewart, Tillard, and Woodson, and one hundred and twenty-seven privates, prisoners.
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