The militia activity of New Jersey was a vital part of the war effort. The British captured Staten Island, Manhattan Island and Long Island in the summer of 1776. Thereafter, New Jersey became the target of foraging expeditions, raids and invasions. The Militia would resist these enemy movements, in small to large groups. All The British fresh food and animal fodder had to be bought or taken locally, and it was the militia's job to stop both the "London trade" and the raids and pillaging.
In addition, the militia had the duty of keeping the roads passable, guarding prisoners held for trial or transport, and guarding certain posts and positions,( such as the salt works along the coast) and hunting down brigands, thieves, and robbers when a County Sheriff needed help. Also, the militia helped control the large Tory population still loyal to the crown, by helping to enforce the "treason acts".
They would in turn sometimes raid in New York, Long Island and Staten Island by whale boat. The whale boats were large long boats, 24 to 48 feet long, (occasionally even larger) with one to two masts, mounting several guns and capable of being rowed quickly by the many men on board. They would also capture shipping in the New York harbor area, but that is more the story of privateering. For more information see The Whaleboat Wars.
In the beginning of the war, it was thought that the militia could handle most of the defense needs of the colonies. They did not like the idea of a large standing army. It was expected that they would fight like the regulars, and be able to stand against them.
In late 1775 and through 1776, the militia were called out to defend the NJ coast and NYC and Staten Island. Thousands served at a time during this period, as it was expected that the British would attack New York City. On June 29th, 1776 their fleet arrived in NY harbor, and in early July they landed on Staten Island. The NJ militia was at that time forming most of the muscle of a "Flying Camp" of several thousand men defending against any excursion by the British on Staten Island. One half of the militia served each month, then was relieved by the other half. By November this had tired the militia and helped lead to the poor showing they made responding to Washington's call for help in the retreat across NJ in November and December.
All the land along the Hudson River to Sandy Hook was called the Neutral ground. It was a no-mans land, not really controlled by the Americans, because it was too susceptible to raids and attacks by British forces from New York. Here along the river, the civil war was most spiteful and brutal, and sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between brigands and military units. Patriot militia and Loyalist raider ambushed, robbed , burned, and sometimes out and out murdered each other and civilians. The Militia tried to hinder British forays, and to prevent the illicit trade with the British that occurred. The British paid with hard cash while the Americans paid with deflating paper, and the "London trade" continued through the war, despite every effort made to stop it.
Militia served more or less at will. Early in the war Militia law set small fines for failure to turn out, and set the term of duty at one month. There were small consequences for leaving a tour of duty early, or not showing up at all. The "regulars" in the Continental army had to serve from one year terms in '75 and '76 to 3 years or the duration later, and were flogged severely for desertion or other disciplinary infractions. This made, in the eyes of Washington, the militia unreliable. Thousands might show up at the call to arms, and just as quickly fade away back to their farms, especially if there was no immediate need to fight. Guard and garrison duty did not set well with militia men, who would rather be home.
Manpower was also a problem. New Jersey had an estimated One hundred and seventy thousand residents, leaving appromiately 50 thousand men of military age (16 to 50). 20 per cent or 5 thousand, were pacifist Quakers and not liable for duty, and many went to sea in privateers. About 40 percent of the men were not available to serve in the militia.
The NJ Provincial Congress passed this militia act- " a plan for regulating the Militia of this Colony" the beginning of June,1775:
"The Congress taking Into consideration the cruel and arbitrary measures adopted and pursued by the British Parliament and present Ministry for the purpose of subjugating the American Colonies to the most abject servitude, and being apprehensive that all pacific measures for the redress of our grievances will prove Ineffectual, do think it highly necessary that the inhabitants of this Province be forthwith properly armed and disciplined for defense of the cause of American freedom. And further considering that, to answer this desirable end, it is requisite that such persons be entrusted with the command of the Militia as can be confided in by the people, and are truly zealous in support of our just rights and privileges, do recommend and advise that the good people of this Province hence forward strictly observe the following rules and regulations, until this Congress shall make further order therein:
" 1st. That one or more companies, as the case may require, be Immediately formed in each Township or Corporation, and, to this end, that the several Committees in this Province do, as soon as may be, acquaint themselves with the number of male inhabitants in their respective districts, from the age of sixteen to fifty, who are capable of bearing arms; and thereupon form them into companies, consisting as near as may be of eighty men each; which companies so formed shall, each by itself, assemble and choose, by plurality of voices, four persons among themselves, of sufficient substance and capacity for its officers,namely, one captain, two lieutenants, and an ensign.
"2d. That the officers so chosen appoint for their respective companies fit persons to be sergeants, corporals, and drummers.
" 3d. That as soon as the companies are so formed the officers of such a number of companies as shall by them be judged proper to form a regiment do assemble and choose one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, a major, and an adjutant for each regiment."This act did not require militia service, but only recommended it. It set the militia age from 16 to 50. No penalties were mentioned.
On Aug. 5th ,1775, the Provincial Congress of NJ adapted " the plan for further regulating the Militia, etc."
" Resolved, 1. That the several County or (where there is no County) Township Committees do transmit the names of all the Militia officers chosen with in their respective Districts to the Provincial Congress, or the Committee of Safety, to be by them commissioned, agreeable to the directions of the Continental Congress.
Resolved, 2. That all officers above the rank of a Captain, not already chosen or appointed, pursuant to an ordinance of this Congress made at the last session, be appointed by the Congress or, during their recess, by the Committee of Safety."
About 26 regiments, total strength of regular militia, were to be formed. They were to be apportioned among the counties: Bergen -1 regiment, Essex -2 regiments or four battalions, Middlesex -2 regiments, Monmouth -3 regiments, Morris -2 regiments and one battalion, Sussex -2 regiments and one battalion, Burlington 2 regiments and one company of rangers, Gloucester -3 battalions, Salem -1 regiment, Cumberland -2 battalions, Cape May one battalion, Somerset- 2 regiments, and Hunterdon- 4 regiments.
(Note-A regiment at full strength was usually 10 companies of 60 to 80 men, battalion was often interchanged with regiment)
Also were formed Minute-man Companies-"That for the purpose of effectually carrying into execution the recommendation of the Continental Congress respecting the appointment of minute-men, four thousand able-bodied effective men be enlisted and enrolled in the several counties in this Province, under officers to be appointed and commissioned by this Congress or Committee of Safety, who shall hold themselves in constant readiness, on the shortest notice, to march to any place where their assistance maybe required for the defense of this or any neighboring colony."
These minute-men were to serve 4 months terms of inactive duty, standing by, then to be relieved "unless upon actual service". Each company was to have 64 privates, and to be formed into 10 battalions for the entire Province:
Bergen County - one batt. of 4 companies, Essex - one batt. of 6 companies, Middlesex - one batt. of 6 companies, Monmouth - one batt. of 6 companies, Somerset - one batt. of 5 companies, Morris - one batt. of 6 companies, Sussex - one batt. of 5 companies, Hunterdon - one batt. of 8 companies, Burlington - one batt. of 5 companies, Glouster and Salem- one batt. of seven companies with 4 from Glouster and 3 from Salem, Cumberland - 3 companies, Cape May - one company
This act provided for taxes and the resulting funds to be devoted to the expenses of raising, equipping and supplying the Militia, up to the value of Ten thousand pounds.
On October 25th, 1775 was " An Ordinance for regulating the Militia of New Jersey," :" Whereas, The ordinances of the late Provincial Congress for regulating the Militia of this Colony have been found insufficient to answer the good purposes intended, and it appearing to be essentially necessary that some further regulations be adopted at this time of imminent danger,"
(This was basically the same regulations with with more exact and peremptory penalties.
All able bodied men from 16 to 50 were to be enrolled in the Militia, unless their religion forbid it. Penalties were increased and were to be strictly enforced. ) The militia was too be called out to serve one month terms, with fines given if a man did not turn out.EQUIPMENT WAS REGULATED:
" shall with all convenient speed furnish himself with a good musket or firelock and bayonet, sword or tomahawk-, a steel ramrod, priming-wire and brush fitted thereto, a cartridge-box to contain twenty-three rounds of cartridges, twelve flints, and a knapsack, agreeable to the direction of the Continental Congress, under the forfeiture of two shillings for the want of a musket or firelock, and of one shilling for the want of the other above-enumerated articles"; also " that every person directed to be enrolled as above shall, at his place of abode, be provided with one pound of powder and three pounds of bullets of proper size to his musket or firelock."On October 28th, 1775, an ordinance was passed to provide for the expenses of the war. 30 thousand pounds of proclamation money (paper with a proclaimed value) was to be printed.
The various towns determined what they would pay their militia men. Hillsborough passed an act on May 3rd , 1775, setting a standard for the state, which included:
"1st. That the Companies of Militia this day assembled here do choose officers for their respective Companies."
"2d. That the officers so devised shall choose officers for a Company of Minute-Men, who are to beat up for volunteers to raise said Company, to consist of 60 men, who are to be exercised twice a week, and to be ready at a minutes warning to march in defense of the liberty of our country."
"3d. That the men so voluntarily enlisting in said Company shall receive one shilling and sixpence for every part of a day they are employed in being exercised by any of their officers, and the officers in proportion."
(note-a carpenter would earn 1 shilling a day, stirling, perhaps a few pence more. These are good wages, equal to a highly skilled worker.)
"4th. That in case said Company shall march in defense of their country, the Captain to receive 6 shillings, the 1st Lieut. 5 shillings, the 2nd Lieut. 4 shillings, and each of the inferior officers, 3 shillings, all Proc. per day; with provisions and ammunition, and to those who are able, Arms; all the above money to be raised by tax on the inhabitants of said Township, in the same manner the Provincial Taxes are raised."
(note-Proc. per day means Proclamation Money per day or state paper money. Hard cash was literally that-coinage.)
The militia served in effect at will, despite laws requiring service. The fines for not appearing were low, especially in relation to the losses they might have if they did server- their farms would go largely unworked. They expected to serve for short periods and only when absolutely necessary.
The Militia companies divided their men into "classes" of 4 men each. When a certain number of men were required, the state would call out a number of classes, and each class would provide one man, or pay a fine. By the end of the war,the fine was equal to the pay for one man for one month.
In 1776 the Militia began to serve monthly tours. Washington intended to protect New York from the British, and asked for the NJ militia to man a "Flying Camp" in NJ to defend against any movement by the British. A flying camp was one that was intended to move quickly to cover the territory being defended. Today it would be called a mobile strike-force. The militia began to serve one month terms in the spring, which continued until late fall, when they began to refuse to turn out, as Washington lost New York City, Fort Washington, then Fort Lee, NJ. Partly they were tired of serving, but mostly they were demoralized by the constant loss of ground by Washington. The revolution was at a low ebb as Washington crossed the state, retreating across the Delaware River finally on Dec. 8th, 1776.
Following Washington were the British troops and their hired soldiers, the Hessians. The British commander, General Howe, had ordered no looting (a standard of European warfare), and was issuing "protection papers" to hundreds of Jersey men who swore loyalty to the crown. Looting, pillaging, destruction and rape occurred regardless. No one was safe. The Hessians could not read the English papers. The English troops, feeling left out, soon joined in the looting and waste. Neither Patriot, Tory nor neutral was safe in his home.
Many now turned permanently against the crown, and the militia began to act. In small groups they attacked small British and Hessian parties, riders and couriers.They may have been afraid of facing the British regulars without their own army, but were willing on occasion to attack at opportune moments. British casualties began to mount. General Howe finally issued this order:
"Head Quarters Trentown 12th of December 1776. Small straggling parties, not dressed like Soldiers and without Officers, not being admissible in War, who presume to Molest or fire upon Soldiers, or peaceable Inhabitants of the Country, will be immediately hanged without Tryal as Assassins"
See the Geary case -for an example of a small militia unit ambush.
Col. Rall at Trenton sent a party of 100 men to Princeton, just to protect a letter.
The Militia also began to gather in Morris and Bergen Counties where there were still Continental troops. After Trenton, Washington sent out this message to the militia:
To the Friends of America in the State of New Jersey
The Army of the American States under my Command being lately greatly reinforced, and having again entered the State of New Jersey, I most warmly request the Militia of Said State at this Important Crisis to Evince their Love of their Country, by boldly Stepping forth and defending the Cause of Freedom. The Inhabitants may be Assured that by a manly or spirited Conduct they may now relieve their Distinguished State from the depredations of our Enemies-I have therefore dispatched Coll. Neilson, Majors Taylor, Van Emburgh, + Frelinghuysen together with some other Gentlemen of your State to call together and Embody your Militia, not doubting but Success will attend their Endeavors-
After the battles of Trenton and Princeton, the militia harried the British until only very large groups were safe. In early 1777 the militia formed most of the army, the enlistments for most of the Continentals having expired at the end of the year in 1776. A cadre of Continentals were backed by thousands of militia, from all the area states. Washington fought a partisan war against the British until his army was reformed in the spring. In small parties and large, with and without Continental regulars support, they attacked outposts and foraging parties of the enemy. This denied the enemy the countryside, forage, and allowed them no rest. The British had to send out large forces of 1000-1500 men to forage for food , fodder and firewood, make large patrols and man outposts, instead of resting and repairing during the winter. Each militia company needed only to gather on occasion to have the enemy constantly harassed.
Washington, writing to General Heath on February 14th, said: "This would Oblige them to forage, with such large coving parties, that it would in a manner harass their Troops to death." And added," we not only oblige them to forage with parties of 1500 and 2000 to cover, but every now and then, give them a sharp Brush." Hundreds of small and medium actions occured through the spring of 1777, as the British were kept isolated and contained in New Brunswick and Amboy.
See the Battle of Millstone -for an example of the militia attacking a large foraging party, in a medium size action. These actions occured very frequently through the winter of 1777, leading General Howe to abandon plans to try for Philadelphia by marching overland.
Washington began to learn how to use his militia better, by allowing them to act in the smaller units they were used to, haunting the flanks of the enemy and exploiting any weakness to attack, retreat, and attack again. He gave up the idea of having them stand their ground against the enemy, and instead allowed them to exert themselves against the flanks, which seemed to work well.
In June the British moved out of New Brunswick to into Hillsborough, trying to draw Washington into a battle in the open. He remained in the Watchung mountains, but kept the militia active harassing the enemy. After the British retreated to Staten Island, then went by ship to attack Philadelphia, the militia were left to defend the state without the army. They also sent men to assist in the defense of Philadelphia, and the New York Highlands. War weariness was starting to set in, but when invaded, the militia responded strongly. In September, they did turn out when the British made a large raid into Bergen county.
Later in the war, in 1778, the NJ militia, in large numbers, delayed and harassed the British as they crossed the State before and during the Battle of Monmouth.
Washington advised the commander of the militia General Philemon Dickerson: "I take the liberty of giving to you as my opinion also, that the way to annoy, distress and really injure the Enemy on their march (after obstructing the Roads as much as possible) with Militia, is to suffer them to act in very light Bodies as the Enemy's Guards in front flank and Rear must be exposed and may be greatly injured by the concealed and well directed fire of men in Ambush. This kind of annoyance ought to be incessant day and night and would I think be very effectual."3
See The Neutral Ground for a look at some of the actions against "raiders, traders and traitors"along the Hudson River and bay areas.
The militia companies were active all over the state. The southern counties had various salt works along the coast and privateers to be guarded as well. The British would sometimes land to destroy such works, and ships, or capture the men working them. The central counties had the British actually invade them.
Indians raided into the state from New York as well. Governor Livingston got this letter in July about a raid.
From the William Livingston Papers, Vol. 4.
From Aaron Hankinson
Sussex July 12th 178l
By order of a Late Act (1) I am To Send a general Return
of the State of my Batalion By the first of july but not having
an Oppertunety [Since I?] have been somthing falty I pray the
Governor to Excuse my not being Sooner (wood) inform the Governer
by his orders we where to Rase three men out of Every Companey
for the frontiers of Sussex which Orders we have Complid with
and have Rasd 29 out of 36 the Last account I had from the Capt.
possible there may be more have joynd Since and by a Late Law
we are to Rase Every 16 Teenth man Sir I have issued my orders
to the Several Capts but am fearful the men will not be got. Wood
inforn1 his Excellency there has been Several
morders Committed Latly over thc mountain by the Savedges(2) they
Came to thc house of one [ . . . ] Steel (3) and Cortrile which
they Took of after Traveling Some Distance the said [ . . . ]
being Somthing Old and a noted Torey thc Endians Kild and Scalp
him Our people took there tracks followed them about 20 miles
Came up with them Kild one Endian wounded two more Released Steal
and Cort[ . . . ] and took all this Bagage from them another party
Since Came to thc house of John Larner Kild said Larner his Son
his Sons wife and a Small Child another Son of said Larners hearing
the firing Came to there assistance Six Endians fired at him but
through favour they mist him he made the house he then Returnd
a Shot and Lukkely Shot one through the Calabass(4) they then
posted foot. I am Dear Sir your most abediant and very humble
Servant
Aaron Hankinson
I. For previous reference to thc assembly act to raise 750 militiamen in New Jersey see WL to George Washington, June 27, 1781.
2. During thc 1781 campaign, 2,945 British-allied Iroquois and Algonkian harassed American frontier settlements and scored unsettling victories in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. One of thc first attacks in New Jersey occurred in Chatham on May 25 when two Loyalists lead thc warriors to the town (NJA {newspaper Extracts}, S: 25 2).
3. Perhaps William Steele, a Loyalist who was arrested on September 1781 for carrying news of American military maneuvers to the British (NJA [Newspaper Extracts}, 5: 296).
4. calabash: a hard shelled gourd used as an eating utensil.
(slang for head)
By May, 1780 the militia methods were codified in New Jersey by Governor Livingstone, and directed in a two page document "Alarm Posts and Places of Rendezvous of the Militia of New Jersey", which ordered that when the enemy advanced into the country, they were to "endeavour to keep on one or both flanks and as near their front as possible and to keep up a constant Fire with small Parties in different Places."
In June of 1780, the British invaded New Jersey again, landing 5000 at Elizabethtown and moving towards Springfield, where the Hobart Gap provided a route into the hills and towards Morristown, where Washington and the army had spent a hungry winter filled with dissent and mutiny. On June 7th they were forced to halt by the Continentals at Connecticut Farms ( now Union, NJ) and a very large number of militia, who kept a steady threat against the flanks of the British. The Continentals were greatly outnumbered , but the British could not bring all their power to bear due to the harassment of the militia on every side. The British retreated after burning the town and killing Mrs. Hannah Caldwell, wife of rebel parson James Caldwell.
General William Alexander, (Lord Stirling) gave these orders to the militia:
You will march with all the force you can muster be as active as possible in annoying the enemy this day.
Upon their left flank, endeavoring to put you parties as much covered by woods as the situation of the country will admit as you will thereby be the better defended from the attempts of their horse, altho you are reauired to harass the enemy as much as in your power, at the same time you are requested to be careful not to expend ammunition unnecessarily, only when the object is sure. Please to send by the bearer your number as near as can be ascertained.
I am your humble servant,
Stirling, M.G.
Afterwards, with the British holding on Elizabethtown point, the militia kept them under surveillance and harassed them. Washington had half sent home, for fear that they would desert if forced to stay for an indefinite period. Washington preferred to rotate the militia, easing their burden. On June 23rd, the British moved again towards Springfield, forcing the Continentals under Gen. Greene back through the town of Springfield. At that point, seeing Greene in a strong position along the sides of the Hobart Gap into the mountains, and the militia gathering by the thousands on his flanks, the British retreated.
NJ also later in the war, enlisted militia men into special units of "state troops" which were militia units in longer terms of service, usually one year, but some were of 3 , 6 or 9 months. These served along the "frontiers" or borders of the state where action by the enemy was frequent, such as Bergen, Monmouth, and around Elizabethtown and Amboy.
From the William Livingston Papers, Vol. 4:
From John Mauritsius Goetschius
July 29, 1780, New Bridge,
Honoured Sir
I hope your Honour will Pardon me for not writing to your Honour before this it is owing to me being full of Business and my familie so distressed by the Burning of my house Barn and all my effects by the Enemie.(1) And thc men to be under my Command Comming on so slow, that I thought best to wait until I had some men at command accorcding to your Honours appointmcnt before I Informe about My Proceedings.(2)
I Hereby Inform your Honour that I have at Present to Command in Bergen County according to your Honours appointment
from Essex County 1 Lieutenant and 20 Privates Entered July 16
from Morris's County I [ . . . 1 and 2[4?] Privates Entered July
22
from ditto I Captin 23 Privates Entered Julv 22
from Essex Countv I Lieutenant and 20 Privates Entered July 16
from Bergen County I Captin & Ensign and 24 Privates Entered
July 16
from sommerset I Lieutenant and 22 Privates Entered july 29 (3)
With those men I have to guard three different Places vis Barbados
NewBridge and Closter. The duty is very hard we are oblidged to
shift our Quarters every night after 9. o Clock. 1 have had the
misfortune of having two of my men wounded at thc B1ock House
Engagement last fryday not Mortal but very Bad. (4) Last saturday
night Ensyn Huyler, from this County with 4 men met the Horse
thives at Schralenberg. Killed 2 at the spott, one Mr. Miller
and Mr. Kille. formerly belonged to Gerardus Smiths Robbing Party
and took 5 of the Best of Horses which were stolen something above
or near thc Wallkill in york State. Last night I sent an Ensyn
to waylay the Horsethives. They met four, fired after them. Thives
left a rifle and a Bundle of very valuable Goods of mens and womens
Clothing. Nothing More att Present I hope by Divine assistance
to shoo my Country and all the world (If I Gett the Quota of men
Promised to me by your I Honour) that we are jersey Men and friends
to our abused Country I Remain in all Respects with Submission,
your dutiful Subject
John Mauritsius Goetschius
1. On June 14, 1780, Major Goetschius's farm was pillaged during
a series of raids conducted by Loyalists who had crossed from
New York in late May and had encamped in the upper part of Bergen
Township.
For discussion of the military situation in Bergen, refer to John
Huyler and Thomas Blanch to WL, May 26/27, 1780 (NN), Thomas Blanch
to WL, June 8 and June 18, 1780 (NN), and David Van Bussam, John
Huyler, and William Logan to WL, June 9, 1780 (NN).
2. At a June 19 Privy Council meeting Major Samuel Hayes, who had declined, was replaced with Goetschius to the command of a unit ordered in the June 7 "Act to raise and embody, for a limited Time, Six Hundred and Twenty-four Men, for the Defence of the Frontiers of this State." The original Act designated Hayes as the commander of Bergen and Middlesex detachments. The unit was to be stationed in Monmouth (NJA [Privy Council, 3d ser., 1 :159; Acts [May 24-Junc 19, 1780], S6-92). for background on the act, see WL. to Samuel Huntington, June 28, 1780, 3:439 - 40.
3. As militia commander in Bergen County, Major Goetschius led 196 men, including three captains, three lieutenants, and two ensigns (Acts [May 24-June 19, 1780], 86).
4. The blockhouse was located at Bull's ferry on the Hudson just north of Bergen. On Thursday, July 20, Washington sent Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne with Pennsylvania troops, artillery, and dragoons to the blockhouse in an unsuccessful attempt to capture the structure. For the engagement refer to N. J. Gazette, July 26, 1780, and George Washington to the President of Congress, July 26, 1780 (Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington, 19: 260-62).
Along the Neutral ground, raids continued until the end of the war, although they decreased later in '82 and '83. The militia continued to patrol against raiders and London traders all through the war.
The militia provided the muscle needed to fight the British. The Continentals were the backbone of the war, their longer enlistments and enforced discipline allowing them to mount guard and stand post over positions that the militia could not stand to do. But when numbers were needed, the militia provided the men.
The militia suffered from some handicaps. They had a weak law requiring service, so men served at will. This made them undependable and unsteadily disciplined. They had little or no chance to pratice large scale maneuvers, so had a hard time facing the enemy regulars in open, linear battles, where large troop movements were required, even when they had the numbers to do it.
On the other hand, they were not afraid to fight, and often took great risk to harass the enemy. That harassment forced the enemy to mount strong guards at many points, make frequent strong patrols, and kept his full force from being extended. The British could never control the countryside in NJ because of the militia. Thousands of men in NJ served some time active in the militia. That service may have been only a few days, but it provided the muscle that allowed for victory.
Of the New Jersey militia, the Hessian officer Johann Ewald wrote:
"What can you not achieve with such small bands who have learned to fight dispersed, who know how to use every molehill for their defense, and who retreat as quickly when attacked as they advance again, and who will always find space to hide. Never have I seen these maeuvres (sic) performed better than by the American Militia, and especially that of the Province of New Jersey. If you were forced to retreat against these people you could certainly count on constantly having them around you."
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David R. Bogert, a Bergen County Militia man of Capt. John Outwater's militia, left an informative PENSION APPLICATION that tells about his years of militia service. See also the other pension applications.
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