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1
Endnotes
Contents
1 Army General and Brigade Orders June 1778
a Orders Regulating the Army on the March from Valley Forge
b Orders Issued During the Movement from Valley Forge to Englishtown
2 Division and Brigade Composition for Washingtonrsquos Main Army to 22 June 1778
3 Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry
4 Wheeled Transportation (a primer on the vehicles and artillery on the road to
Monmouth including twenty-one illustrations)
5 Division and Brigade Composition for Washingtonrsquos Main Army after 22 June 1778
_______________________
1 James McHenry Journal of a March a Battle and a Waterfall being the version
elaborated by James McHenry from his Diary of the Year 1778 begun at Valley Forge
amp containing accounts of the British the Indians and the Battle of Monmouth Helen and
Henry Hunt eds (Greenwich Ct privately printed 1945) 1ndash5
2 There are a number of sources detailing the British march to Freehold Here are two
German accounts Johann Ewald (captain) Diary of the American War A Hessian
Journal Joseph P Tustin ed and trans (New Haven and London Yale University Press
1979) 132-135 Wilhelm von Knyphausen to His Serene Highness the Landgrave of
Hesse-Cassel 6 July 1778 (from New York) Morristown National Historic Park
Collections G283-G287
3 General orders 9 June 1778 John C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George
Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources 1745-1799 vol 12 (Washington DC
Government Printing Office 1934) 39-40
4 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107 Ebenezer
Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd
series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
5 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120 ldquoChalkis χαλκίς derived from the Greek
word chalkos χαλκός (copper (the substance or some implement or coin made of it))rdquo
httpwwwmyetymologycomgreekchalkishtml rdquoLead-copper mines located on the North
bank of Mine Run (stream) near Perkiomen 12 mile NW of Audubon Series of mines East of Perkiomen
Creek on or about the Mill Grove Estate near Shannonville (area now listed as Audubon or Audubon
Gardens) Mines included The Wetherill Mine or Old Perkiomen Mine (United Mine) The Perkiomen
Mine (New Perkiomen Mine) Whim Shaft and the Ecton Mine
Workings on the original site may date to as early as the 1730s The first notable effort was in 1810
when this site (Wetherill Mine) was reopened and operated primarily as a Lead mine by Jean Audubon
father of famed Illustrator John James Audubon In 1847 a new or second round of mining efforts in
the Audubon region were conducted bringing the opening of The Perkiomen Mine (New Perkiomen
Mine) Whim Shaft and the Ecton Mine These mines were operated primarily for the recovery of Copper
and Lead Although rich deposits of Sphalerite were also present no efforts to recover Zinc from these ores
were ever made In March of 1851 evidence of a loss of profitability initiated the consolidation of the
Perkiomen Mines with Ecton mine under the new enterprise called The Perkiomen Consolidated Mining
Company but by 1853 the mining efforts began to fail and the mines finally closed by 1855
The Ecton mine located in the center of this mining region while included in this region has been given
a separate listing primarily due to the greater efforts conducted at this specific mine on researchrecovery
of the mineralogy of the region The Ecton mine provided a much extended period of availability for
2
mineralogical specimensmaterials for research Some upper level shafts were still accessible and so too
were materials from the mines dumps into the latter half of the 20th centuryrdquo Perkiomen Mines
Audubon Lower Providence Township Montgomery Co httpwwwmindatorgloc-
18337html
6 The route of Leersquos Division (and the rest of Gen George Washingtonrsquos army) to the Delaware
can easily be traced today following more or less modern thoroughfares Beginning on the north
side of the Schuylkill at the site of Sullivanrsquos bridge (Fatland Ford) proceed to Pawlings Road
travelling northeast to Egypt Road Take Egypt Road east to Ridge Pike then south on that road
to Whitehall Road Travelling east on Whitehall will bring you to Germantown Pike turning right
(south) takes you past the entrance to Norristown Farm Park where General Washington stayed
at Dr Robert Shannonrsquos mansion (still to be seen just inside the parkrsquos main entrance) overnight
on June 19 1778 Leersquos troops may have camped here on the night of 18 June or travelled further
before resting Moving further south on Germantown Pike at the intersection with Swede Road
turn left (east) and then turn left on Route 202DeKalb Pike (known in the early 19th century as
State Road) You will pass Gwynedd Friends Meeting (noted on an 18th century map as ldquoNorth
Wales Meetingrdquo) and continue on to the intersection with Route 309Bethlehem Pike Turning
left (northeast) Routes 202 and 309 merge for almost a mile Route 202 then turns right (east)
towards New Britain and Doylestown In the center of Doylestown at the intersection with Route
611Main Street the old road goes straight but now is one-way going west To pick up the old
Doylestown-Coryellrsquos Ferry RoadRoute 202 turn right on Main St then left on Oakland
Avenue go straight (east) on Oakland to the intersection with Route 202 and turn right Follow
Route 202 to the intersection with Route 413Durham Road in Buckingham The old road turned
right (now a dead-end spur called Bogartrsquos Tavern Road) then made a left (east) by Bogartrsquos
tavern (now called the General Greene Inn) on to the York Road Heading east you will pass
through Holicong (ldquoGreen Townrdquo) and Lahaska (where Buckingham Friends Meeting is
located) to the intersection with Aquetong Road the Paxson house ldquoRolling Greenrdquo is on the left
on the west side of Aquetong Road If you wish to go on to the Coryellrsquos Ferry landing where the
army crossed over to New Jersey continue east on Route 202 The old road (Old York Road)
occasionally veers off to the right from the modern highway As you near the river into New
Hope Ferry Street angles off to the right and leads down to the original site of the ferry landing
(See narrative Addenda for details and directions of the Continental Armyrsquos route from the
Delaware River to Englishtown
The Continental Army route from Valley Forge to Englishtown New Jersey has been
gleaned from studying primary resources as well as nd hard won experience travelling
the area The route taken by the army from Kingston to Englishtown was made clear only
through the kindness of Dr Garry W Stone Historian Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Written resources include June 1778 entries Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous
Diary Ann Dom 1778 Kept partly in the Town of Dorchester and partly in his Excellency
General Washingtons Camp at Valley Forge White Plains Fredericksburgh ampc
Samuel Adams Diaries Manuscript Division New York Public Library Joseph Lee Boyle
ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel Armstrongrdquo The
Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3 (July 1997) 269-
270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108-109 Other sources
consulted include Gen George Washingtonrsquos orders from June 18 to 29 to army orders
(for which see Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12 (1934) and George
Washington Papers Presidential Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress
1961) series 4 (General Correspondence 1697ndash1799) Sally Wister Diary Howard M
Jenkins Historical Collections Relating to Gwynedd A Township of Montgomery County
3
Pennsylvania Settled 1698 by Immigrants from Wales second edition (Philadelphia
published privately 1897) 313-348 and James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South
Brunswick Township Middlesex County New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South
Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc Historical Research Consultants 120 West State
St Trenton NJ March 2002) wwwhunterresearchcom
Maps consulted Clinton Map 250 (Brun 538) circa 1777 unfinished pen and ink map indicating the
roads in eastern Pennsylvania between the valleys of the Delaware and the Susquehanna
showing part of the modern counties of Philadelphia Bucks Chester Montgomery Lehigh
Northampton Lancaster and Lebanon mss map on 2 sheets 965 x 136 cm scale ca
1126720 Sir Henry Clinton Papers William L Clements Library University of Michigan
Ann Arbor Shows the road net used to march from Valley Forge to Coryellrsquos Ferry
Pennsylvania Paoli Chester Co 1777 From near the White Horse Tavern on the
Lancaster Road from Philadelphia thro Tryduffrin Camp Valley Forge Charleston and
cross Schuylkill on the road to Norrington [Sept 1777] Title from back of map Size 36 X
31 ms pencil ink and water color 1 sheet Archibald Robertson Maps (ca 1790-ca 1830)
New York Public Library ( httpwwwdigitalnyplorgarchives1830 ) Archibald Robertson
(1745-1813) was a captain-lieutenant in the Royal Engineers serving in America 1775-1782
Robert Erskine (1735-1780) map ldquoFrom near Doyles Tavern Swedes Ford Road into the
old York Road + along it towards Morristownrdquo by Robert Erskine FRS Geogr A US
and Assistants New-York Historical Society (format 310 cm wide by 400 cmhigh 1
map) ldquoMilitary topographic map Covers Bucks County Pennsylvania Shows roads
running through Doylestown Buckingham and Lahaska Also shows buildings and owners
names landforms and streams Shows relief by hachures Title proper from recto is the
work of a later editor--Simeon DeWitt or his assign--subsequent to 1820 Title from verso is
in Erskines hand and may be cited as such Index title statement of responsibility date and
series title also by Erskine but on separate index sheet filed at head of series Series
numbering inferred by cataloger Pen-and-ink pencil on laid paper Watermark T M W
accompanied by dove similar to Gravell and Miller American watermarks nos 658 amd
659 Creased torn frayed and abraded Mounted on cloth bound and cropped disbound
and silked by subsequent owners Cleaned after removal of backings 1999 some fill
remains Sheathed in mylarrdquo Erskinersquos maps are available online via New York University
and NY-HS ldquoWitness to the Early American Experiencerdquo World Wide Web
httpmaassnyueduarchives (search on keyword ldquoErskinerdquo)
Robert Erskine (1735-1780) map ldquoNo 73 [third] Crossing Correllrsquos ferry towards
Morristown to Ringoersquos Tavernrdquo by Robert Erskine FRS Geogr A US and Assistants
New-York Historical Society (format540 cm wide by 350 cmhigh 1 map) ldquoMilitary
topographic map Covers the townships of Solebury in Bucks County Pennsylvania and of
Delaware and West Amwell in Hunterdon County New Jersey Shows roads running
through Deer Park and New Hope in Pennsylvania Lambertville Mount Airy and Ringoes
in New Jersey Pen-and-ink pencil on laid paper Watermark lsquoG Rrsquo under shield similar
to Gravell and Miller foreign watermark no 301 Heavily soiled creased and abraded
Mounted on cloth bound and cropped disbound and silked by subsequent owners Cleaned
after removal of backings 1999 some fill remains Sheathed in mylar In pencil on recto
lsquoNo 73 3rdrsquordquo (See previous entry for further information)
ldquoMap of Montgomery County Pennsylvania From Original Surveys Under the Direction
of Wm E Morris CErdquo (1849)
Metro Street Map of Montgomery County Pennsylvania Franklin Maps 333 S
Henderson Road King of Prussia Pa 19406 (Copyright 2005)
4
Metro Street Map of Bucks County Pennsylvania Franklin Maps 333 S Henderson
Road King of Prussia Pa 19406 (Copyright 2004)
Mercer County New Jersey Map (Western Half) Hagstrom Map Company Inc 46-35
54th Road Maspeth NY 11378 (Copyright 2004)
Kingston and Longbridge Farm are nicely pictured in this 1762 map Howard Rice Jr
New Jersey Road Maps of the 18th Century (Princeton Princeton University Press 1981)
Map of Middlesex County New Jersey Hagstrom Map Company Inc 46-35 54th Road
Maspeth NY 11378 (Copyright 1998)
Map of Middlesex County reduced from the original survey by John Hills asst
engineer 1781 Library of Congress
Marching orders for Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division General Washingtonrsquos instructions to Charles Lee
ldquoHead Quarters May 30 1778
Sir Poors Varnums and Huntingtons Brigades are to March in one division under your Command to the
North River
The Quarter Master General will give you the Rout Incampments and halting days to which you will
conform as strictly as possible to prevent interfering with other Troops and that I may know precisely your
situation on every day
Leave as few sick and lame on the road as possible such as are absolutely incapable of Marching with
you are to be committed to the care of proper Officers with directions to follow as fast as their condition
will allow
Be strict in your discipline suffer no rambling keep the Men in their Ranks and the Officers with their
divisions avoid pressing Horses ampca as much as possible and punish severely every Officer or Soldier
who shall presume to press without proper authority prohibit the burning of Fences in a word you are to
protect the persons and property of the Inhabitants from every kind of Insult and abuse
Begin your Marches at four oclock in the Morning at latest that they may be over before the heat of the
day and that the Soldiers may have time to Cook refresh and prepare for the ensuing dayrdquo
[Note The above instructions were drawn up and dated but held for issue until such day as the British
evacuated Philadelphia (See Washingtons letter to the President of Congress frac12 after 11 A M June 18
1778)] ________________________
Washington to Lee
ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 30 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
vol 11 (1934) 489 Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778
instructions) ibid 12 (1934) 85 ______________________________
5
Army General and Brigade Orders June 1778 Orders Regulating the Army on the March from Valley Forge
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Monday June 1 1778 hellip Colo Cortland is appointed to tarry in Camp to
superintend the sick on the Ground when the Army moves and to send on the recovered men properly
officered to join their respective Corps and Major Grier will repair to the Yellow Springs and the Hospitals
near Camp and superintend the sick there They will apply tomorrow at the Orderly-Office for written
Instructions
The following will be observed as a standing Model for the Order of March whether of the whole Army
a Division Brigade or Battalion It may happen that some changes may be necessary in the Strength and
number of the Advanced Rear and Flank Guards and in their relative distances to each other and to the
Main Body ampc which are to be determined according to particular Circumstances and which the Officers
commanding will judge of but the general Principles and Rules here laid down are in all Cases to be
practiced only with such Variations in applying them as different situations may require
When a Battalion receives orders to march each Company forms before its own quarters the Captain
having inspected into their Arms and Accoutrements conducts it to the Regimental Parade where the Field
Officers inspect the whole form each Battalion into eight Platoons for charging agreeable to the
Instructions given and march it by Platoons to the Rendezvous When only one Battalion marches the Colo
orders out an advanced and rear guard each consisting of one Lieutenant three non-commissioned Officers
a Drum and twenty Privates
A Brigade composed of several Battalions has an advanced and rear Guard each consisting of one
Captain two Subalterns six non-commissioned Officers and forty or fifty Privates
When several Brigades march together each Brigade furnishes a proportionable number for the Advanced
and Rear Guards
When the whole Army marches the new guards of the day form the advanced Guard and the old Guards
form the Rear Guard
The new guards being assembled on the Grand Parade the Brigadier of the day forms them into a Battalion
of 8 Platoons the eldest Field Officer of the day takes command of it and marches at the head of the
Column
The Brigadier of the preceding day having assembled the old Guard forms them in the same manner the
eldest Field Officer taking the Command and marching in the Rear of the Column
The advanced guard should be advanced from fifty to two hundred paces in front of the Column Each
advanced Guard should send forward a detachment to serve as an advanced guard to itself and that
detachment should also send out a patrole in front each one hundred paces in front of the other thus one
Captain 2 Subalterns 6 non-Commissioned Officers one Drum and fifty men will send out a non-
Commissioned Officer and twelve men and that non-Commissiond Officer will also advance four men in
his front
An advanced Guard of a Lieutt and 20 men will advance one non-Commissioned Officer and eight men
and the nonCommissioned Officer will advance two men in his front
The Rear Guard will observe the same Rules sending its detachment in the Rear as the advanced Guard
does in front
When a Brigade Division or the Army marches by the right tis supposed the Enemy is on the left and the
contrary Each Battalion will therefore send out on the Flank exposed to the Enemy a subaltern two non-
commissioned Officers and sixteen men as a flank guard who will march in a platoon by files from the
right opposite the center of the Battalion at the distance of 80 or 100 Paces from the Column
When the Army marches in two Columns the Right Column has its flank Guard on its right and the left
Column on its left When in one Column and the Position of the Enemy uncertain guard must be sent on
both flanks The advancd Flank and Rear Guard must allways have their Bayonets fixed Wherever the
Ground will permit the Battalion must march by Platoons During the march each Colonel must stay before
his Battalion and each Captain and Subaltern before his Platoon The Intervals between the Battalions and
Platoons must be strictly observed during the march
When there is a Creek or Defile to pass the Brigadiers must stop till their Brigades have passed and the
Colonels till their respective Battalions have passed They will take care that the Men pass with as large a
front and as quick as possible
The advanced Guard having passed the Defile should take such a situation as to be able to see all around
and should send out Patroles 500 Paces round The head of the Column halts before it enters the Defile to
6
let the Platoons get at half distance and when half the Column has got thro it halts till the whole has passed
and then continues its march
When the road will not admit to march by Platoons the march is to be made by sections of four in front
in the following manner Each Officer divides his Platoon into sections For Example a Platoon of 16 files
makes four sections they will break off by the right or left and continue the march each section two paces
distant from the other If a Platoon has fifteen files the last section will have three files If the Platoon has
only fourteen the last will have four men in one rank If a Platoon has thirteen files the last will have five
files
When marching in this Order by the right the Officers commanding Platoons will be on the left of the
first Section the Serjeant on the right stays in his Place and the Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers
Who were in the Rear will be on the right flanks If they march in this order by the left the Commanding
Officer of the Platoon remains on the right of the first section and the others on the left flank so that by
wheeling the Sections the Platoon will be formed and each Officer and non-Commissiond Officer be in his
Place
During the march each Officer must keep his Platoon in order The Officers and non-Commissioned
Officers in the Rear must prevent the soldiers leaving their ranks on any Account If the soldiers have
occasion for water the Officer must send a nonCommissioned Officer with some men to fill their Canteens
and the Non-Commissioned Officer must bring them back to their Platoon immediately The flank guard
will never suffer any non-Commissioned Officer or soldier to pass them during the march and the Rear
Guard will take care to bring up all Straglersrdquo
General orders 1 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 4-6 ___________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade]O[rders] June 18th
1778
As the enemy has evacuated Philadelphia their is A Prospect of Immediate Orders for Marching The
different Regts Are therefore to hold themselves in readiness to march at a momentrsquos warningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 38)
American Revolution Center (identification based on authorrsquos analysis)
10th Virginia Regt order book 26 May to 14 September 1778
6th (former 10th) Virginia Regt order book 14-26 September 1778
Covers period at Valley Forge Paramus White Plains West Point and Robinsonrsquos
5261778 to 9261778 ___________________________
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns
had Marched
[18 June 1778]
The Army is to March to Morrow and till further Orders in the following Order
The Marquis De La Fayette is to lead
Woodfordrsquos Scottrsquos North Carolina Brigades
The Baron de Kalb next with
Glovers Pattersons Learneds Brigades
The Artillery Park and spare Ammunition
Lord Sterling with
Weedons Muhlenbergs 1st Maryland 2d Maryland
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front of the column of Waggons The Adjutant
Generals Paymaster Generals Engineers Muster Master General Auditor of Accounts The Baggage of the
Marquis de la Fayettes De Kalbs Division the Baggage of Lord Stiflings Division and then the Waggons of
the Quarter Master Generals department Flying Hospital and lastly the Corny and Forage Master Generals
Waggons The whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troops The Genl officers commanding
the Grand Divisions to appoint such guards upon the baggage as shall be necessary for the Security thereof
7
They will also appoint a party of Pioneers to move in front of the Columns to assist the Artificers in
repairing Bridges and bad places in the roads
There will be a party of Artificers to go in front and rear of the whole to mend Bridges and repair the
Broken Carriages which will take their Orders from the Q M Genl
The sub Inspectors are to assist the Quarter Master General in regulating the order of March encampment
and planting of Guards and to accompany and follow his Directions accordingly
Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and encamp in the Rear of the
Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 men
[Note The text is from The Lee Papers vol II 1778-1782 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1873 (New York 1872) 410-411 ___________________________
ldquo[Orders June 18 1778] hellip Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and
encamp in the Rear of the Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 menrdquo
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl
Mifflins Divisns had Marched 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 91-92 ____________________________
Orders Issued During the Movement from Valley Forge to Englishtown
ldquoHead Quarters Doctor Shennons Friday June 19 1778
Parole -- Countersigns --
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to pay the greatest attention to keeping their men within their
Encampment and prevent stragling that they may be in constant readiness for moving at the shortest notice
They are likewise to forbid under the severest Penalties marauding and the Destruction of the Inclosures
Fruit Trees or other Property of the Inhabitants
The General will beat tomorrow morning at 3 oClock the troop in half an hour afterwards and the whole
line is to march precisely at four
If through mistake any part of the baggage should not have marched in the order of the Brigades the
Waggon Master General is to have the matter rectified so that the whole may move tomorrow in proper
order
If any of the Troops have marched without the proper quantity of cooked Provisions they are to cook
enough this afternoon to serve them tomorrow and the next day provided their rations are of salt meat
The old and new Guards will parade in the road opposite Mr Shennons precisely at half past three
oClock in the morning
After Orders
In future the Camp Kettles are always to be carried by the Messes each soldier of the Mess taking it in
his turn and no man is on any Account to presume to put the Camp Kettle belonging to the Mess in a
Waggon No soldier is to put his Musquet in a Waggon unless on Account of his Inability to carry it in
which Case he is to obtain leave from a Field Officer of the day Commanding Officer of the Regiment or
from the Officer of the Baggage guard who shall make themselves judges of the circumstances
The Officers of the day are authorized to punish on the spot such as transgress the foregoing Orders
The indulgence of suffering Women to ride in Waggons having degenerated into a great abuse and
complaint having been made by the Officers of the day that the Plea of leave from Officers is constantly
urged when the Waggon Masters order such Women down
It is expressly ordered that no Officer grant such leave for the future but the Commanding Officers of a
Brigade or the Field Officers of the day who are to grant it only on account of Inability to march and in
writing
The General is far from supposing that any Officer will act in opposition to a positive order but he is
determined in Case a Violation should happen that it shall not pass unnoticed
8
The Officers of the day are to report the names of those who are guilty of a breach thereofrdquo
(Note June 20 1778 To cash Gave Mr Shannons Servants by Ord Genl pound1176 -- Headquarters
Expense Account in the Washington Papers)
General orders 19 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 93 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Buckingham Saturday June 20 1778 hellip Each Regiment is to furnish a Sub each Brigade
a Captain and the line a Field Officer who are during the march to mount with the morning Guards and
under the direction of the Brigadier of the day collect all Straglers and march them to the Army
They are more over to see that nothing which can or ought to be brought away is left on the ground or
properly secured there That this business may be conducted with more ease a Subaltern and twelve
Dragoons are to assist The Commanding Officer of the Cavalry will give orders for having them furnished
in Rotation
If the morning should not be very wet the General Troop and March will be as this morning
If the Commissaries are provided the men are to have each a Gill of spirits served to them this
afternoonrdquo
General orders 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 98 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells-Ferry June 21 1778 hellip A Gill of spirits pr man to be issued to the Troops this
day Those Brigades which are out of provision will draw this afternoon at Mr Simpsons on the Hill the
West-Side of the Ferry No men are to be permitted to bathe till sunset The Troops are to begin to cross the
Ferry at half past three oClock tomorrow morning precisely at which time the new Guards are to parade on
the East Side the Ferry and the old ones on the West where the officers who are to march in the Rear will
also assemble
The General to beat at three quarters past two and the troop at a quarter past three in the morningrdquo
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104 ____________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade] Orders June 22d 1778
Returns to be made out Immediately of Dammagd Cartridges in the Brigade and the Number wanting in
the Different Regts to Compleat each Man to Forty Rounds The Comanding Officers of Regts to be
Particular Carefull that the arms of the men belonging [to] their Respective Cores are in the Best Order
possible by tomorrow Morning
Field Returns are to be Made out Immediatly Specifying the Number of Officers Serjts amp rank amp File
Now in the Different Regts Fit for Immediate Action they are to note such as are in want of Arms and
Accoutrementsrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 46-
47) American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells Ferry Monday June 22 1778 hellip
A Field return is to be made this afternoon under the immediate Inspection of the Brigadiers and Officers
commanding Brigades who are to be responsible for their Exactness These returns to comprehend those
men only who are actually on the spot fit for duty in time of Action among which the guards will be
included the unarmed men to be distinguished
The soldiers to have their Arms well cleaned and afterwards carefully inspected together with their
Ammunition by their respective Officers The tents and heavy baggage if there is any will be separated
from the Army for some days the Officers will content themselves with a few Necessaries during that time
The Quarter Master General will make his Arrangements accordingly He will give orders respecting the
movement of the separated baggage None but Invalids and men unfit for the fatigues of a march are to go
as guards to the baggage
Intrenching Tools are to be assigned to the Brigades in due proportion and delivered to the Care of the
Brigade Quarter Masters
When circumstances will permit the Artificers and Pioneers are to advance before the Van Guard of the
Army and repair the roads with Fascines and Earth instead of Rails which serve to cripple the horses
The Quarter Master General will fall upon some method to have straw equally and regularly distributed
to the men when they arrive at the ground of Encampment to prevent Confusion and Waste
9
On a march the Major General of the day will pay particular Attention that the Column advances in
compleat order and not so fast in front as to fatigue and distress the Rear
The Brigadier of the day with the Officers ordered to remain in the Rear will see that every thing is
properly conducted there the Guards kept to their duty and all damage to the fruit trees prevented of which
the whole road hitherto exhibits such shameful proofs
Commanding Officers of Companies will see that their men fill their Canteens before they begin the
march that they may not be under a necessity of tuning to every spring and injuring themselves by drinking
cold water when heated with marching
Each Brigade is to furnish an active spirited Officer and twenty five of its best marksmen immediately
These parties to join Colo Morgans Corps and continue under his command till the Enemy pass thro the
Jerseys after which they are to rejoin their Regiments without further orders
The General will beat at three oClock in the morning and the Army march at four oClock precisely
The Quarter Master General will communicate the order of March and the Route and will acquaint the
Major Generals with their respective Commands
After Orders
The following Brigades during the march are to compose the Right Wing of the Army and be
commanded by Major General Lee Woodfords Scotts No Carolina Poors Varnums and Huntingtons
First Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania Late Conways Glovers Larneds and Patersons are to compose the
Left Wing and be commanded by Major General Lord Stirling
The Second line is to consist of 1st and 2nd Maryland Muhlenbergs Weedons and Maxwells (when it
joins) and be commanded by Major General the Marquis De la Fayette The Army to march from the left
The Quarter Master Genl will furnish Guides
A Field Officer is to take Charge of the baggage guard
If the weather should prove very rainy in the morning the Troops are not to march in any case if they
march the tents are to be left standing and the baggage guards are when dry to strike and load them in the
Waggons Lieutt Colo Coleman will take command of the baggage guard
The Officer and twenty five men from each Brigade who are to be annexed to Colo Morgans Corps are
to be sent to his quarters early tomorrow morning about a mile in front of the Army
The two Light Infantry Companies in the North Carolina Brigade will be attached to Colo Morgans
Corps instead of the twenty five therefrom mentiond in the first order of this day
Lieutenant Colo Basset is appointed Bringer-up vice Lieutt Colo Colemanrdquo
General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Tuesday June 23 1778
Parole Philadelphia Countersigns Brunswick Boston
The Troops will cook their Provisions and in every respect be in the greatest readiness possible for a
march or Action very early in the morning
When the General beats the Army is to be put in immediate readiness to march on beating the troop the
march begins The Wings and the second line are each to furnish 2 Captains 3 Subs 3 Serjeants 3
Corporals and 117 Privates for guards daily till further Orders
The Guards parade tomorrow before Doctr De Camps quarters on the Road to Head Quarters when the
General beats
The Commissary of Military Stores will deliver out Arms tomorrow to the returns signed by
Commanding Officers of Regiments or Corps who will send very early to the Artillery Park for such
numbers as are wanting to complete their men now on the ground fit for dutyrdquo
General orders 23 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 110 ____________________________
23 June 1778 passage added from 10th Virginia order book Following ldquonow on the Ground fit for Duty
the Detachment to be on the Grand Parade Percisely at 4 oClock Fifty Black Men to Compose a Corps of
Poineers Genl Weedins a Subn and five Privates to parade with the Guards tomorrow morningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 53)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
10
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Wednesday June 24 1778 hellip
Officers are on no Account to be absent from their Encampment and are to be particularly vigilant to
prevent their men from stragling
The Troops in point of provision and every other respect are to be held in constant readiness for moving
when the General beats which will be the signal for marching
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to make accurate returns of the Axes Tomahawks and other
such tools in possession of their Corpsrdquo
General orders 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
111 ____________________________
The published Writings of George Washington contains a 23 June 1778 letter to Gen
Philemon Dickinson with the following note ldquoThere were no general orders issued June
25 or 26 Headquarters were at Kingston June 25 and the parole was Monmouth and the
countersigns Minden and Mexico [Headquarters for 25 June were actually at
Longbridge Farm four miles east of Kingston] June 26 headquarters were at Cranberry
the parole Lookout and the countersigns Sharp and Keen While no orders are
extant for 25 June the 10th Virginia order book does contain the following for the 26th Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoCramberry June 26
th 1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling Brigadier Woodford
Coll Vorce Lt Coll Cropper Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Coll Swift
B Majr McOrmick
B[rigade]O[rders] A Very Exact Affective Return to be made tomorrow Morning to the Brigade Major
Commanding Officers of Cores are Requested to Examine into the State of Arms and Ammunition amp
Accoutrements and have their Arms put in the best order amp if any Ammunition is Damagd they will Draw
a Sufficiency to Compleate their Men to 40 Rounds and return the Damagdrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
(The following order is not found in the George Washington Papers) Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoGO July [sic actually June] 27
th 1778
No Drum to be Beat on the March except for signals (Viz) to halt in front for the Rear to Come up three
long Rolls ndash to march when the Rear is come up a Common March to Quickin the March the Granadiers
March
These Signals to begin in the Rear under the Directions of the B Genl of the Day and are to be respected
by the Orderly Drum of every Battalion from to front An Orderly Drum is to be kept ready Braced with
each Battalion for that Purpose When the whole line is to halt for refreshment the first part of the Genl
will be Beat in front and is to be Respected by every orderly Drum down the Rear --- The Troops are to be
Compleated with Provision (salt Meat if Possible) up to the 29th
Inclusively amp have it Cookd The
Commanding Officers of Regts will see this order Executed as soon as possablerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-
57) American Revolution Center ____________________________
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
2
mineralogical specimensmaterials for research Some upper level shafts were still accessible and so too
were materials from the mines dumps into the latter half of the 20th centuryrdquo Perkiomen Mines
Audubon Lower Providence Township Montgomery Co httpwwwmindatorgloc-
18337html
6 The route of Leersquos Division (and the rest of Gen George Washingtonrsquos army) to the Delaware
can easily be traced today following more or less modern thoroughfares Beginning on the north
side of the Schuylkill at the site of Sullivanrsquos bridge (Fatland Ford) proceed to Pawlings Road
travelling northeast to Egypt Road Take Egypt Road east to Ridge Pike then south on that road
to Whitehall Road Travelling east on Whitehall will bring you to Germantown Pike turning right
(south) takes you past the entrance to Norristown Farm Park where General Washington stayed
at Dr Robert Shannonrsquos mansion (still to be seen just inside the parkrsquos main entrance) overnight
on June 19 1778 Leersquos troops may have camped here on the night of 18 June or travelled further
before resting Moving further south on Germantown Pike at the intersection with Swede Road
turn left (east) and then turn left on Route 202DeKalb Pike (known in the early 19th century as
State Road) You will pass Gwynedd Friends Meeting (noted on an 18th century map as ldquoNorth
Wales Meetingrdquo) and continue on to the intersection with Route 309Bethlehem Pike Turning
left (northeast) Routes 202 and 309 merge for almost a mile Route 202 then turns right (east)
towards New Britain and Doylestown In the center of Doylestown at the intersection with Route
611Main Street the old road goes straight but now is one-way going west To pick up the old
Doylestown-Coryellrsquos Ferry RoadRoute 202 turn right on Main St then left on Oakland
Avenue go straight (east) on Oakland to the intersection with Route 202 and turn right Follow
Route 202 to the intersection with Route 413Durham Road in Buckingham The old road turned
right (now a dead-end spur called Bogartrsquos Tavern Road) then made a left (east) by Bogartrsquos
tavern (now called the General Greene Inn) on to the York Road Heading east you will pass
through Holicong (ldquoGreen Townrdquo) and Lahaska (where Buckingham Friends Meeting is
located) to the intersection with Aquetong Road the Paxson house ldquoRolling Greenrdquo is on the left
on the west side of Aquetong Road If you wish to go on to the Coryellrsquos Ferry landing where the
army crossed over to New Jersey continue east on Route 202 The old road (Old York Road)
occasionally veers off to the right from the modern highway As you near the river into New
Hope Ferry Street angles off to the right and leads down to the original site of the ferry landing
(See narrative Addenda for details and directions of the Continental Armyrsquos route from the
Delaware River to Englishtown
The Continental Army route from Valley Forge to Englishtown New Jersey has been
gleaned from studying primary resources as well as nd hard won experience travelling
the area The route taken by the army from Kingston to Englishtown was made clear only
through the kindness of Dr Garry W Stone Historian Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Written resources include June 1778 entries Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous
Diary Ann Dom 1778 Kept partly in the Town of Dorchester and partly in his Excellency
General Washingtons Camp at Valley Forge White Plains Fredericksburgh ampc
Samuel Adams Diaries Manuscript Division New York Public Library Joseph Lee Boyle
ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel Armstrongrdquo The
Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3 (July 1997) 269-
270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108-109 Other sources
consulted include Gen George Washingtonrsquos orders from June 18 to 29 to army orders
(for which see Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12 (1934) and George
Washington Papers Presidential Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress
1961) series 4 (General Correspondence 1697ndash1799) Sally Wister Diary Howard M
Jenkins Historical Collections Relating to Gwynedd A Township of Montgomery County
3
Pennsylvania Settled 1698 by Immigrants from Wales second edition (Philadelphia
published privately 1897) 313-348 and James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South
Brunswick Township Middlesex County New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South
Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc Historical Research Consultants 120 West State
St Trenton NJ March 2002) wwwhunterresearchcom
Maps consulted Clinton Map 250 (Brun 538) circa 1777 unfinished pen and ink map indicating the
roads in eastern Pennsylvania between the valleys of the Delaware and the Susquehanna
showing part of the modern counties of Philadelphia Bucks Chester Montgomery Lehigh
Northampton Lancaster and Lebanon mss map on 2 sheets 965 x 136 cm scale ca
1126720 Sir Henry Clinton Papers William L Clements Library University of Michigan
Ann Arbor Shows the road net used to march from Valley Forge to Coryellrsquos Ferry
Pennsylvania Paoli Chester Co 1777 From near the White Horse Tavern on the
Lancaster Road from Philadelphia thro Tryduffrin Camp Valley Forge Charleston and
cross Schuylkill on the road to Norrington [Sept 1777] Title from back of map Size 36 X
31 ms pencil ink and water color 1 sheet Archibald Robertson Maps (ca 1790-ca 1830)
New York Public Library ( httpwwwdigitalnyplorgarchives1830 ) Archibald Robertson
(1745-1813) was a captain-lieutenant in the Royal Engineers serving in America 1775-1782
Robert Erskine (1735-1780) map ldquoFrom near Doyles Tavern Swedes Ford Road into the
old York Road + along it towards Morristownrdquo by Robert Erskine FRS Geogr A US
and Assistants New-York Historical Society (format 310 cm wide by 400 cmhigh 1
map) ldquoMilitary topographic map Covers Bucks County Pennsylvania Shows roads
running through Doylestown Buckingham and Lahaska Also shows buildings and owners
names landforms and streams Shows relief by hachures Title proper from recto is the
work of a later editor--Simeon DeWitt or his assign--subsequent to 1820 Title from verso is
in Erskines hand and may be cited as such Index title statement of responsibility date and
series title also by Erskine but on separate index sheet filed at head of series Series
numbering inferred by cataloger Pen-and-ink pencil on laid paper Watermark T M W
accompanied by dove similar to Gravell and Miller American watermarks nos 658 amd
659 Creased torn frayed and abraded Mounted on cloth bound and cropped disbound
and silked by subsequent owners Cleaned after removal of backings 1999 some fill
remains Sheathed in mylarrdquo Erskinersquos maps are available online via New York University
and NY-HS ldquoWitness to the Early American Experiencerdquo World Wide Web
httpmaassnyueduarchives (search on keyword ldquoErskinerdquo)
Robert Erskine (1735-1780) map ldquoNo 73 [third] Crossing Correllrsquos ferry towards
Morristown to Ringoersquos Tavernrdquo by Robert Erskine FRS Geogr A US and Assistants
New-York Historical Society (format540 cm wide by 350 cmhigh 1 map) ldquoMilitary
topographic map Covers the townships of Solebury in Bucks County Pennsylvania and of
Delaware and West Amwell in Hunterdon County New Jersey Shows roads running
through Deer Park and New Hope in Pennsylvania Lambertville Mount Airy and Ringoes
in New Jersey Pen-and-ink pencil on laid paper Watermark lsquoG Rrsquo under shield similar
to Gravell and Miller foreign watermark no 301 Heavily soiled creased and abraded
Mounted on cloth bound and cropped disbound and silked by subsequent owners Cleaned
after removal of backings 1999 some fill remains Sheathed in mylar In pencil on recto
lsquoNo 73 3rdrsquordquo (See previous entry for further information)
ldquoMap of Montgomery County Pennsylvania From Original Surveys Under the Direction
of Wm E Morris CErdquo (1849)
Metro Street Map of Montgomery County Pennsylvania Franklin Maps 333 S
Henderson Road King of Prussia Pa 19406 (Copyright 2005)
4
Metro Street Map of Bucks County Pennsylvania Franklin Maps 333 S Henderson
Road King of Prussia Pa 19406 (Copyright 2004)
Mercer County New Jersey Map (Western Half) Hagstrom Map Company Inc 46-35
54th Road Maspeth NY 11378 (Copyright 2004)
Kingston and Longbridge Farm are nicely pictured in this 1762 map Howard Rice Jr
New Jersey Road Maps of the 18th Century (Princeton Princeton University Press 1981)
Map of Middlesex County New Jersey Hagstrom Map Company Inc 46-35 54th Road
Maspeth NY 11378 (Copyright 1998)
Map of Middlesex County reduced from the original survey by John Hills asst
engineer 1781 Library of Congress
Marching orders for Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division General Washingtonrsquos instructions to Charles Lee
ldquoHead Quarters May 30 1778
Sir Poors Varnums and Huntingtons Brigades are to March in one division under your Command to the
North River
The Quarter Master General will give you the Rout Incampments and halting days to which you will
conform as strictly as possible to prevent interfering with other Troops and that I may know precisely your
situation on every day
Leave as few sick and lame on the road as possible such as are absolutely incapable of Marching with
you are to be committed to the care of proper Officers with directions to follow as fast as their condition
will allow
Be strict in your discipline suffer no rambling keep the Men in their Ranks and the Officers with their
divisions avoid pressing Horses ampca as much as possible and punish severely every Officer or Soldier
who shall presume to press without proper authority prohibit the burning of Fences in a word you are to
protect the persons and property of the Inhabitants from every kind of Insult and abuse
Begin your Marches at four oclock in the Morning at latest that they may be over before the heat of the
day and that the Soldiers may have time to Cook refresh and prepare for the ensuing dayrdquo
[Note The above instructions were drawn up and dated but held for issue until such day as the British
evacuated Philadelphia (See Washingtons letter to the President of Congress frac12 after 11 A M June 18
1778)] ________________________
Washington to Lee
ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 30 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
vol 11 (1934) 489 Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778
instructions) ibid 12 (1934) 85 ______________________________
5
Army General and Brigade Orders June 1778 Orders Regulating the Army on the March from Valley Forge
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Monday June 1 1778 hellip Colo Cortland is appointed to tarry in Camp to
superintend the sick on the Ground when the Army moves and to send on the recovered men properly
officered to join their respective Corps and Major Grier will repair to the Yellow Springs and the Hospitals
near Camp and superintend the sick there They will apply tomorrow at the Orderly-Office for written
Instructions
The following will be observed as a standing Model for the Order of March whether of the whole Army
a Division Brigade or Battalion It may happen that some changes may be necessary in the Strength and
number of the Advanced Rear and Flank Guards and in their relative distances to each other and to the
Main Body ampc which are to be determined according to particular Circumstances and which the Officers
commanding will judge of but the general Principles and Rules here laid down are in all Cases to be
practiced only with such Variations in applying them as different situations may require
When a Battalion receives orders to march each Company forms before its own quarters the Captain
having inspected into their Arms and Accoutrements conducts it to the Regimental Parade where the Field
Officers inspect the whole form each Battalion into eight Platoons for charging agreeable to the
Instructions given and march it by Platoons to the Rendezvous When only one Battalion marches the Colo
orders out an advanced and rear guard each consisting of one Lieutenant three non-commissioned Officers
a Drum and twenty Privates
A Brigade composed of several Battalions has an advanced and rear Guard each consisting of one
Captain two Subalterns six non-commissioned Officers and forty or fifty Privates
When several Brigades march together each Brigade furnishes a proportionable number for the Advanced
and Rear Guards
When the whole Army marches the new guards of the day form the advanced Guard and the old Guards
form the Rear Guard
The new guards being assembled on the Grand Parade the Brigadier of the day forms them into a Battalion
of 8 Platoons the eldest Field Officer of the day takes command of it and marches at the head of the
Column
The Brigadier of the preceding day having assembled the old Guard forms them in the same manner the
eldest Field Officer taking the Command and marching in the Rear of the Column
The advanced guard should be advanced from fifty to two hundred paces in front of the Column Each
advanced Guard should send forward a detachment to serve as an advanced guard to itself and that
detachment should also send out a patrole in front each one hundred paces in front of the other thus one
Captain 2 Subalterns 6 non-Commissioned Officers one Drum and fifty men will send out a non-
Commissioned Officer and twelve men and that non-Commissiond Officer will also advance four men in
his front
An advanced Guard of a Lieutt and 20 men will advance one non-Commissioned Officer and eight men
and the nonCommissioned Officer will advance two men in his front
The Rear Guard will observe the same Rules sending its detachment in the Rear as the advanced Guard
does in front
When a Brigade Division or the Army marches by the right tis supposed the Enemy is on the left and the
contrary Each Battalion will therefore send out on the Flank exposed to the Enemy a subaltern two non-
commissioned Officers and sixteen men as a flank guard who will march in a platoon by files from the
right opposite the center of the Battalion at the distance of 80 or 100 Paces from the Column
When the Army marches in two Columns the Right Column has its flank Guard on its right and the left
Column on its left When in one Column and the Position of the Enemy uncertain guard must be sent on
both flanks The advancd Flank and Rear Guard must allways have their Bayonets fixed Wherever the
Ground will permit the Battalion must march by Platoons During the march each Colonel must stay before
his Battalion and each Captain and Subaltern before his Platoon The Intervals between the Battalions and
Platoons must be strictly observed during the march
When there is a Creek or Defile to pass the Brigadiers must stop till their Brigades have passed and the
Colonels till their respective Battalions have passed They will take care that the Men pass with as large a
front and as quick as possible
The advanced Guard having passed the Defile should take such a situation as to be able to see all around
and should send out Patroles 500 Paces round The head of the Column halts before it enters the Defile to
6
let the Platoons get at half distance and when half the Column has got thro it halts till the whole has passed
and then continues its march
When the road will not admit to march by Platoons the march is to be made by sections of four in front
in the following manner Each Officer divides his Platoon into sections For Example a Platoon of 16 files
makes four sections they will break off by the right or left and continue the march each section two paces
distant from the other If a Platoon has fifteen files the last section will have three files If the Platoon has
only fourteen the last will have four men in one rank If a Platoon has thirteen files the last will have five
files
When marching in this Order by the right the Officers commanding Platoons will be on the left of the
first Section the Serjeant on the right stays in his Place and the Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers
Who were in the Rear will be on the right flanks If they march in this order by the left the Commanding
Officer of the Platoon remains on the right of the first section and the others on the left flank so that by
wheeling the Sections the Platoon will be formed and each Officer and non-Commissiond Officer be in his
Place
During the march each Officer must keep his Platoon in order The Officers and non-Commissioned
Officers in the Rear must prevent the soldiers leaving their ranks on any Account If the soldiers have
occasion for water the Officer must send a nonCommissioned Officer with some men to fill their Canteens
and the Non-Commissioned Officer must bring them back to their Platoon immediately The flank guard
will never suffer any non-Commissioned Officer or soldier to pass them during the march and the Rear
Guard will take care to bring up all Straglersrdquo
General orders 1 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 4-6 ___________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade]O[rders] June 18th
1778
As the enemy has evacuated Philadelphia their is A Prospect of Immediate Orders for Marching The
different Regts Are therefore to hold themselves in readiness to march at a momentrsquos warningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 38)
American Revolution Center (identification based on authorrsquos analysis)
10th Virginia Regt order book 26 May to 14 September 1778
6th (former 10th) Virginia Regt order book 14-26 September 1778
Covers period at Valley Forge Paramus White Plains West Point and Robinsonrsquos
5261778 to 9261778 ___________________________
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns
had Marched
[18 June 1778]
The Army is to March to Morrow and till further Orders in the following Order
The Marquis De La Fayette is to lead
Woodfordrsquos Scottrsquos North Carolina Brigades
The Baron de Kalb next with
Glovers Pattersons Learneds Brigades
The Artillery Park and spare Ammunition
Lord Sterling with
Weedons Muhlenbergs 1st Maryland 2d Maryland
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front of the column of Waggons The Adjutant
Generals Paymaster Generals Engineers Muster Master General Auditor of Accounts The Baggage of the
Marquis de la Fayettes De Kalbs Division the Baggage of Lord Stiflings Division and then the Waggons of
the Quarter Master Generals department Flying Hospital and lastly the Corny and Forage Master Generals
Waggons The whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troops The Genl officers commanding
the Grand Divisions to appoint such guards upon the baggage as shall be necessary for the Security thereof
7
They will also appoint a party of Pioneers to move in front of the Columns to assist the Artificers in
repairing Bridges and bad places in the roads
There will be a party of Artificers to go in front and rear of the whole to mend Bridges and repair the
Broken Carriages which will take their Orders from the Q M Genl
The sub Inspectors are to assist the Quarter Master General in regulating the order of March encampment
and planting of Guards and to accompany and follow his Directions accordingly
Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and encamp in the Rear of the
Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 men
[Note The text is from The Lee Papers vol II 1778-1782 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1873 (New York 1872) 410-411 ___________________________
ldquo[Orders June 18 1778] hellip Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and
encamp in the Rear of the Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 menrdquo
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl
Mifflins Divisns had Marched 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 91-92 ____________________________
Orders Issued During the Movement from Valley Forge to Englishtown
ldquoHead Quarters Doctor Shennons Friday June 19 1778
Parole -- Countersigns --
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to pay the greatest attention to keeping their men within their
Encampment and prevent stragling that they may be in constant readiness for moving at the shortest notice
They are likewise to forbid under the severest Penalties marauding and the Destruction of the Inclosures
Fruit Trees or other Property of the Inhabitants
The General will beat tomorrow morning at 3 oClock the troop in half an hour afterwards and the whole
line is to march precisely at four
If through mistake any part of the baggage should not have marched in the order of the Brigades the
Waggon Master General is to have the matter rectified so that the whole may move tomorrow in proper
order
If any of the Troops have marched without the proper quantity of cooked Provisions they are to cook
enough this afternoon to serve them tomorrow and the next day provided their rations are of salt meat
The old and new Guards will parade in the road opposite Mr Shennons precisely at half past three
oClock in the morning
After Orders
In future the Camp Kettles are always to be carried by the Messes each soldier of the Mess taking it in
his turn and no man is on any Account to presume to put the Camp Kettle belonging to the Mess in a
Waggon No soldier is to put his Musquet in a Waggon unless on Account of his Inability to carry it in
which Case he is to obtain leave from a Field Officer of the day Commanding Officer of the Regiment or
from the Officer of the Baggage guard who shall make themselves judges of the circumstances
The Officers of the day are authorized to punish on the spot such as transgress the foregoing Orders
The indulgence of suffering Women to ride in Waggons having degenerated into a great abuse and
complaint having been made by the Officers of the day that the Plea of leave from Officers is constantly
urged when the Waggon Masters order such Women down
It is expressly ordered that no Officer grant such leave for the future but the Commanding Officers of a
Brigade or the Field Officers of the day who are to grant it only on account of Inability to march and in
writing
The General is far from supposing that any Officer will act in opposition to a positive order but he is
determined in Case a Violation should happen that it shall not pass unnoticed
8
The Officers of the day are to report the names of those who are guilty of a breach thereofrdquo
(Note June 20 1778 To cash Gave Mr Shannons Servants by Ord Genl pound1176 -- Headquarters
Expense Account in the Washington Papers)
General orders 19 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 93 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Buckingham Saturday June 20 1778 hellip Each Regiment is to furnish a Sub each Brigade
a Captain and the line a Field Officer who are during the march to mount with the morning Guards and
under the direction of the Brigadier of the day collect all Straglers and march them to the Army
They are more over to see that nothing which can or ought to be brought away is left on the ground or
properly secured there That this business may be conducted with more ease a Subaltern and twelve
Dragoons are to assist The Commanding Officer of the Cavalry will give orders for having them furnished
in Rotation
If the morning should not be very wet the General Troop and March will be as this morning
If the Commissaries are provided the men are to have each a Gill of spirits served to them this
afternoonrdquo
General orders 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 98 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells-Ferry June 21 1778 hellip A Gill of spirits pr man to be issued to the Troops this
day Those Brigades which are out of provision will draw this afternoon at Mr Simpsons on the Hill the
West-Side of the Ferry No men are to be permitted to bathe till sunset The Troops are to begin to cross the
Ferry at half past three oClock tomorrow morning precisely at which time the new Guards are to parade on
the East Side the Ferry and the old ones on the West where the officers who are to march in the Rear will
also assemble
The General to beat at three quarters past two and the troop at a quarter past three in the morningrdquo
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104 ____________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade] Orders June 22d 1778
Returns to be made out Immediately of Dammagd Cartridges in the Brigade and the Number wanting in
the Different Regts to Compleat each Man to Forty Rounds The Comanding Officers of Regts to be
Particular Carefull that the arms of the men belonging [to] their Respective Cores are in the Best Order
possible by tomorrow Morning
Field Returns are to be Made out Immediatly Specifying the Number of Officers Serjts amp rank amp File
Now in the Different Regts Fit for Immediate Action they are to note such as are in want of Arms and
Accoutrementsrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 46-
47) American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells Ferry Monday June 22 1778 hellip
A Field return is to be made this afternoon under the immediate Inspection of the Brigadiers and Officers
commanding Brigades who are to be responsible for their Exactness These returns to comprehend those
men only who are actually on the spot fit for duty in time of Action among which the guards will be
included the unarmed men to be distinguished
The soldiers to have their Arms well cleaned and afterwards carefully inspected together with their
Ammunition by their respective Officers The tents and heavy baggage if there is any will be separated
from the Army for some days the Officers will content themselves with a few Necessaries during that time
The Quarter Master General will make his Arrangements accordingly He will give orders respecting the
movement of the separated baggage None but Invalids and men unfit for the fatigues of a march are to go
as guards to the baggage
Intrenching Tools are to be assigned to the Brigades in due proportion and delivered to the Care of the
Brigade Quarter Masters
When circumstances will permit the Artificers and Pioneers are to advance before the Van Guard of the
Army and repair the roads with Fascines and Earth instead of Rails which serve to cripple the horses
The Quarter Master General will fall upon some method to have straw equally and regularly distributed
to the men when they arrive at the ground of Encampment to prevent Confusion and Waste
9
On a march the Major General of the day will pay particular Attention that the Column advances in
compleat order and not so fast in front as to fatigue and distress the Rear
The Brigadier of the day with the Officers ordered to remain in the Rear will see that every thing is
properly conducted there the Guards kept to their duty and all damage to the fruit trees prevented of which
the whole road hitherto exhibits such shameful proofs
Commanding Officers of Companies will see that their men fill their Canteens before they begin the
march that they may not be under a necessity of tuning to every spring and injuring themselves by drinking
cold water when heated with marching
Each Brigade is to furnish an active spirited Officer and twenty five of its best marksmen immediately
These parties to join Colo Morgans Corps and continue under his command till the Enemy pass thro the
Jerseys after which they are to rejoin their Regiments without further orders
The General will beat at three oClock in the morning and the Army march at four oClock precisely
The Quarter Master General will communicate the order of March and the Route and will acquaint the
Major Generals with their respective Commands
After Orders
The following Brigades during the march are to compose the Right Wing of the Army and be
commanded by Major General Lee Woodfords Scotts No Carolina Poors Varnums and Huntingtons
First Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania Late Conways Glovers Larneds and Patersons are to compose the
Left Wing and be commanded by Major General Lord Stirling
The Second line is to consist of 1st and 2nd Maryland Muhlenbergs Weedons and Maxwells (when it
joins) and be commanded by Major General the Marquis De la Fayette The Army to march from the left
The Quarter Master Genl will furnish Guides
A Field Officer is to take Charge of the baggage guard
If the weather should prove very rainy in the morning the Troops are not to march in any case if they
march the tents are to be left standing and the baggage guards are when dry to strike and load them in the
Waggons Lieutt Colo Coleman will take command of the baggage guard
The Officer and twenty five men from each Brigade who are to be annexed to Colo Morgans Corps are
to be sent to his quarters early tomorrow morning about a mile in front of the Army
The two Light Infantry Companies in the North Carolina Brigade will be attached to Colo Morgans
Corps instead of the twenty five therefrom mentiond in the first order of this day
Lieutenant Colo Basset is appointed Bringer-up vice Lieutt Colo Colemanrdquo
General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Tuesday June 23 1778
Parole Philadelphia Countersigns Brunswick Boston
The Troops will cook their Provisions and in every respect be in the greatest readiness possible for a
march or Action very early in the morning
When the General beats the Army is to be put in immediate readiness to march on beating the troop the
march begins The Wings and the second line are each to furnish 2 Captains 3 Subs 3 Serjeants 3
Corporals and 117 Privates for guards daily till further Orders
The Guards parade tomorrow before Doctr De Camps quarters on the Road to Head Quarters when the
General beats
The Commissary of Military Stores will deliver out Arms tomorrow to the returns signed by
Commanding Officers of Regiments or Corps who will send very early to the Artillery Park for such
numbers as are wanting to complete their men now on the ground fit for dutyrdquo
General orders 23 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 110 ____________________________
23 June 1778 passage added from 10th Virginia order book Following ldquonow on the Ground fit for Duty
the Detachment to be on the Grand Parade Percisely at 4 oClock Fifty Black Men to Compose a Corps of
Poineers Genl Weedins a Subn and five Privates to parade with the Guards tomorrow morningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 53)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
10
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Wednesday June 24 1778 hellip
Officers are on no Account to be absent from their Encampment and are to be particularly vigilant to
prevent their men from stragling
The Troops in point of provision and every other respect are to be held in constant readiness for moving
when the General beats which will be the signal for marching
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to make accurate returns of the Axes Tomahawks and other
such tools in possession of their Corpsrdquo
General orders 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
111 ____________________________
The published Writings of George Washington contains a 23 June 1778 letter to Gen
Philemon Dickinson with the following note ldquoThere were no general orders issued June
25 or 26 Headquarters were at Kingston June 25 and the parole was Monmouth and the
countersigns Minden and Mexico [Headquarters for 25 June were actually at
Longbridge Farm four miles east of Kingston] June 26 headquarters were at Cranberry
the parole Lookout and the countersigns Sharp and Keen While no orders are
extant for 25 June the 10th Virginia order book does contain the following for the 26th Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoCramberry June 26
th 1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling Brigadier Woodford
Coll Vorce Lt Coll Cropper Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Coll Swift
B Majr McOrmick
B[rigade]O[rders] A Very Exact Affective Return to be made tomorrow Morning to the Brigade Major
Commanding Officers of Cores are Requested to Examine into the State of Arms and Ammunition amp
Accoutrements and have their Arms put in the best order amp if any Ammunition is Damagd they will Draw
a Sufficiency to Compleate their Men to 40 Rounds and return the Damagdrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
(The following order is not found in the George Washington Papers) Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoGO July [sic actually June] 27
th 1778
No Drum to be Beat on the March except for signals (Viz) to halt in front for the Rear to Come up three
long Rolls ndash to march when the Rear is come up a Common March to Quickin the March the Granadiers
March
These Signals to begin in the Rear under the Directions of the B Genl of the Day and are to be respected
by the Orderly Drum of every Battalion from to front An Orderly Drum is to be kept ready Braced with
each Battalion for that Purpose When the whole line is to halt for refreshment the first part of the Genl
will be Beat in front and is to be Respected by every orderly Drum down the Rear --- The Troops are to be
Compleated with Provision (salt Meat if Possible) up to the 29th
Inclusively amp have it Cookd The
Commanding Officers of Regts will see this order Executed as soon as possablerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-
57) American Revolution Center ____________________________
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
3
Pennsylvania Settled 1698 by Immigrants from Wales second edition (Philadelphia
published privately 1897) 313-348 and James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South
Brunswick Township Middlesex County New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South
Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc Historical Research Consultants 120 West State
St Trenton NJ March 2002) wwwhunterresearchcom
Maps consulted Clinton Map 250 (Brun 538) circa 1777 unfinished pen and ink map indicating the
roads in eastern Pennsylvania between the valleys of the Delaware and the Susquehanna
showing part of the modern counties of Philadelphia Bucks Chester Montgomery Lehigh
Northampton Lancaster and Lebanon mss map on 2 sheets 965 x 136 cm scale ca
1126720 Sir Henry Clinton Papers William L Clements Library University of Michigan
Ann Arbor Shows the road net used to march from Valley Forge to Coryellrsquos Ferry
Pennsylvania Paoli Chester Co 1777 From near the White Horse Tavern on the
Lancaster Road from Philadelphia thro Tryduffrin Camp Valley Forge Charleston and
cross Schuylkill on the road to Norrington [Sept 1777] Title from back of map Size 36 X
31 ms pencil ink and water color 1 sheet Archibald Robertson Maps (ca 1790-ca 1830)
New York Public Library ( httpwwwdigitalnyplorgarchives1830 ) Archibald Robertson
(1745-1813) was a captain-lieutenant in the Royal Engineers serving in America 1775-1782
Robert Erskine (1735-1780) map ldquoFrom near Doyles Tavern Swedes Ford Road into the
old York Road + along it towards Morristownrdquo by Robert Erskine FRS Geogr A US
and Assistants New-York Historical Society (format 310 cm wide by 400 cmhigh 1
map) ldquoMilitary topographic map Covers Bucks County Pennsylvania Shows roads
running through Doylestown Buckingham and Lahaska Also shows buildings and owners
names landforms and streams Shows relief by hachures Title proper from recto is the
work of a later editor--Simeon DeWitt or his assign--subsequent to 1820 Title from verso is
in Erskines hand and may be cited as such Index title statement of responsibility date and
series title also by Erskine but on separate index sheet filed at head of series Series
numbering inferred by cataloger Pen-and-ink pencil on laid paper Watermark T M W
accompanied by dove similar to Gravell and Miller American watermarks nos 658 amd
659 Creased torn frayed and abraded Mounted on cloth bound and cropped disbound
and silked by subsequent owners Cleaned after removal of backings 1999 some fill
remains Sheathed in mylarrdquo Erskinersquos maps are available online via New York University
and NY-HS ldquoWitness to the Early American Experiencerdquo World Wide Web
httpmaassnyueduarchives (search on keyword ldquoErskinerdquo)
Robert Erskine (1735-1780) map ldquoNo 73 [third] Crossing Correllrsquos ferry towards
Morristown to Ringoersquos Tavernrdquo by Robert Erskine FRS Geogr A US and Assistants
New-York Historical Society (format540 cm wide by 350 cmhigh 1 map) ldquoMilitary
topographic map Covers the townships of Solebury in Bucks County Pennsylvania and of
Delaware and West Amwell in Hunterdon County New Jersey Shows roads running
through Deer Park and New Hope in Pennsylvania Lambertville Mount Airy and Ringoes
in New Jersey Pen-and-ink pencil on laid paper Watermark lsquoG Rrsquo under shield similar
to Gravell and Miller foreign watermark no 301 Heavily soiled creased and abraded
Mounted on cloth bound and cropped disbound and silked by subsequent owners Cleaned
after removal of backings 1999 some fill remains Sheathed in mylar In pencil on recto
lsquoNo 73 3rdrsquordquo (See previous entry for further information)
ldquoMap of Montgomery County Pennsylvania From Original Surveys Under the Direction
of Wm E Morris CErdquo (1849)
Metro Street Map of Montgomery County Pennsylvania Franklin Maps 333 S
Henderson Road King of Prussia Pa 19406 (Copyright 2005)
4
Metro Street Map of Bucks County Pennsylvania Franklin Maps 333 S Henderson
Road King of Prussia Pa 19406 (Copyright 2004)
Mercer County New Jersey Map (Western Half) Hagstrom Map Company Inc 46-35
54th Road Maspeth NY 11378 (Copyright 2004)
Kingston and Longbridge Farm are nicely pictured in this 1762 map Howard Rice Jr
New Jersey Road Maps of the 18th Century (Princeton Princeton University Press 1981)
Map of Middlesex County New Jersey Hagstrom Map Company Inc 46-35 54th Road
Maspeth NY 11378 (Copyright 1998)
Map of Middlesex County reduced from the original survey by John Hills asst
engineer 1781 Library of Congress
Marching orders for Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division General Washingtonrsquos instructions to Charles Lee
ldquoHead Quarters May 30 1778
Sir Poors Varnums and Huntingtons Brigades are to March in one division under your Command to the
North River
The Quarter Master General will give you the Rout Incampments and halting days to which you will
conform as strictly as possible to prevent interfering with other Troops and that I may know precisely your
situation on every day
Leave as few sick and lame on the road as possible such as are absolutely incapable of Marching with
you are to be committed to the care of proper Officers with directions to follow as fast as their condition
will allow
Be strict in your discipline suffer no rambling keep the Men in their Ranks and the Officers with their
divisions avoid pressing Horses ampca as much as possible and punish severely every Officer or Soldier
who shall presume to press without proper authority prohibit the burning of Fences in a word you are to
protect the persons and property of the Inhabitants from every kind of Insult and abuse
Begin your Marches at four oclock in the Morning at latest that they may be over before the heat of the
day and that the Soldiers may have time to Cook refresh and prepare for the ensuing dayrdquo
[Note The above instructions were drawn up and dated but held for issue until such day as the British
evacuated Philadelphia (See Washingtons letter to the President of Congress frac12 after 11 A M June 18
1778)] ________________________
Washington to Lee
ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 30 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
vol 11 (1934) 489 Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778
instructions) ibid 12 (1934) 85 ______________________________
5
Army General and Brigade Orders June 1778 Orders Regulating the Army on the March from Valley Forge
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Monday June 1 1778 hellip Colo Cortland is appointed to tarry in Camp to
superintend the sick on the Ground when the Army moves and to send on the recovered men properly
officered to join their respective Corps and Major Grier will repair to the Yellow Springs and the Hospitals
near Camp and superintend the sick there They will apply tomorrow at the Orderly-Office for written
Instructions
The following will be observed as a standing Model for the Order of March whether of the whole Army
a Division Brigade or Battalion It may happen that some changes may be necessary in the Strength and
number of the Advanced Rear and Flank Guards and in their relative distances to each other and to the
Main Body ampc which are to be determined according to particular Circumstances and which the Officers
commanding will judge of but the general Principles and Rules here laid down are in all Cases to be
practiced only with such Variations in applying them as different situations may require
When a Battalion receives orders to march each Company forms before its own quarters the Captain
having inspected into their Arms and Accoutrements conducts it to the Regimental Parade where the Field
Officers inspect the whole form each Battalion into eight Platoons for charging agreeable to the
Instructions given and march it by Platoons to the Rendezvous When only one Battalion marches the Colo
orders out an advanced and rear guard each consisting of one Lieutenant three non-commissioned Officers
a Drum and twenty Privates
A Brigade composed of several Battalions has an advanced and rear Guard each consisting of one
Captain two Subalterns six non-commissioned Officers and forty or fifty Privates
When several Brigades march together each Brigade furnishes a proportionable number for the Advanced
and Rear Guards
When the whole Army marches the new guards of the day form the advanced Guard and the old Guards
form the Rear Guard
The new guards being assembled on the Grand Parade the Brigadier of the day forms them into a Battalion
of 8 Platoons the eldest Field Officer of the day takes command of it and marches at the head of the
Column
The Brigadier of the preceding day having assembled the old Guard forms them in the same manner the
eldest Field Officer taking the Command and marching in the Rear of the Column
The advanced guard should be advanced from fifty to two hundred paces in front of the Column Each
advanced Guard should send forward a detachment to serve as an advanced guard to itself and that
detachment should also send out a patrole in front each one hundred paces in front of the other thus one
Captain 2 Subalterns 6 non-Commissioned Officers one Drum and fifty men will send out a non-
Commissioned Officer and twelve men and that non-Commissiond Officer will also advance four men in
his front
An advanced Guard of a Lieutt and 20 men will advance one non-Commissioned Officer and eight men
and the nonCommissioned Officer will advance two men in his front
The Rear Guard will observe the same Rules sending its detachment in the Rear as the advanced Guard
does in front
When a Brigade Division or the Army marches by the right tis supposed the Enemy is on the left and the
contrary Each Battalion will therefore send out on the Flank exposed to the Enemy a subaltern two non-
commissioned Officers and sixteen men as a flank guard who will march in a platoon by files from the
right opposite the center of the Battalion at the distance of 80 or 100 Paces from the Column
When the Army marches in two Columns the Right Column has its flank Guard on its right and the left
Column on its left When in one Column and the Position of the Enemy uncertain guard must be sent on
both flanks The advancd Flank and Rear Guard must allways have their Bayonets fixed Wherever the
Ground will permit the Battalion must march by Platoons During the march each Colonel must stay before
his Battalion and each Captain and Subaltern before his Platoon The Intervals between the Battalions and
Platoons must be strictly observed during the march
When there is a Creek or Defile to pass the Brigadiers must stop till their Brigades have passed and the
Colonels till their respective Battalions have passed They will take care that the Men pass with as large a
front and as quick as possible
The advanced Guard having passed the Defile should take such a situation as to be able to see all around
and should send out Patroles 500 Paces round The head of the Column halts before it enters the Defile to
6
let the Platoons get at half distance and when half the Column has got thro it halts till the whole has passed
and then continues its march
When the road will not admit to march by Platoons the march is to be made by sections of four in front
in the following manner Each Officer divides his Platoon into sections For Example a Platoon of 16 files
makes four sections they will break off by the right or left and continue the march each section two paces
distant from the other If a Platoon has fifteen files the last section will have three files If the Platoon has
only fourteen the last will have four men in one rank If a Platoon has thirteen files the last will have five
files
When marching in this Order by the right the Officers commanding Platoons will be on the left of the
first Section the Serjeant on the right stays in his Place and the Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers
Who were in the Rear will be on the right flanks If they march in this order by the left the Commanding
Officer of the Platoon remains on the right of the first section and the others on the left flank so that by
wheeling the Sections the Platoon will be formed and each Officer and non-Commissiond Officer be in his
Place
During the march each Officer must keep his Platoon in order The Officers and non-Commissioned
Officers in the Rear must prevent the soldiers leaving their ranks on any Account If the soldiers have
occasion for water the Officer must send a nonCommissioned Officer with some men to fill their Canteens
and the Non-Commissioned Officer must bring them back to their Platoon immediately The flank guard
will never suffer any non-Commissioned Officer or soldier to pass them during the march and the Rear
Guard will take care to bring up all Straglersrdquo
General orders 1 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 4-6 ___________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade]O[rders] June 18th
1778
As the enemy has evacuated Philadelphia their is A Prospect of Immediate Orders for Marching The
different Regts Are therefore to hold themselves in readiness to march at a momentrsquos warningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 38)
American Revolution Center (identification based on authorrsquos analysis)
10th Virginia Regt order book 26 May to 14 September 1778
6th (former 10th) Virginia Regt order book 14-26 September 1778
Covers period at Valley Forge Paramus White Plains West Point and Robinsonrsquos
5261778 to 9261778 ___________________________
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns
had Marched
[18 June 1778]
The Army is to March to Morrow and till further Orders in the following Order
The Marquis De La Fayette is to lead
Woodfordrsquos Scottrsquos North Carolina Brigades
The Baron de Kalb next with
Glovers Pattersons Learneds Brigades
The Artillery Park and spare Ammunition
Lord Sterling with
Weedons Muhlenbergs 1st Maryland 2d Maryland
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front of the column of Waggons The Adjutant
Generals Paymaster Generals Engineers Muster Master General Auditor of Accounts The Baggage of the
Marquis de la Fayettes De Kalbs Division the Baggage of Lord Stiflings Division and then the Waggons of
the Quarter Master Generals department Flying Hospital and lastly the Corny and Forage Master Generals
Waggons The whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troops The Genl officers commanding
the Grand Divisions to appoint such guards upon the baggage as shall be necessary for the Security thereof
7
They will also appoint a party of Pioneers to move in front of the Columns to assist the Artificers in
repairing Bridges and bad places in the roads
There will be a party of Artificers to go in front and rear of the whole to mend Bridges and repair the
Broken Carriages which will take their Orders from the Q M Genl
The sub Inspectors are to assist the Quarter Master General in regulating the order of March encampment
and planting of Guards and to accompany and follow his Directions accordingly
Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and encamp in the Rear of the
Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 men
[Note The text is from The Lee Papers vol II 1778-1782 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1873 (New York 1872) 410-411 ___________________________
ldquo[Orders June 18 1778] hellip Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and
encamp in the Rear of the Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 menrdquo
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl
Mifflins Divisns had Marched 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 91-92 ____________________________
Orders Issued During the Movement from Valley Forge to Englishtown
ldquoHead Quarters Doctor Shennons Friday June 19 1778
Parole -- Countersigns --
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to pay the greatest attention to keeping their men within their
Encampment and prevent stragling that they may be in constant readiness for moving at the shortest notice
They are likewise to forbid under the severest Penalties marauding and the Destruction of the Inclosures
Fruit Trees or other Property of the Inhabitants
The General will beat tomorrow morning at 3 oClock the troop in half an hour afterwards and the whole
line is to march precisely at four
If through mistake any part of the baggage should not have marched in the order of the Brigades the
Waggon Master General is to have the matter rectified so that the whole may move tomorrow in proper
order
If any of the Troops have marched without the proper quantity of cooked Provisions they are to cook
enough this afternoon to serve them tomorrow and the next day provided their rations are of salt meat
The old and new Guards will parade in the road opposite Mr Shennons precisely at half past three
oClock in the morning
After Orders
In future the Camp Kettles are always to be carried by the Messes each soldier of the Mess taking it in
his turn and no man is on any Account to presume to put the Camp Kettle belonging to the Mess in a
Waggon No soldier is to put his Musquet in a Waggon unless on Account of his Inability to carry it in
which Case he is to obtain leave from a Field Officer of the day Commanding Officer of the Regiment or
from the Officer of the Baggage guard who shall make themselves judges of the circumstances
The Officers of the day are authorized to punish on the spot such as transgress the foregoing Orders
The indulgence of suffering Women to ride in Waggons having degenerated into a great abuse and
complaint having been made by the Officers of the day that the Plea of leave from Officers is constantly
urged when the Waggon Masters order such Women down
It is expressly ordered that no Officer grant such leave for the future but the Commanding Officers of a
Brigade or the Field Officers of the day who are to grant it only on account of Inability to march and in
writing
The General is far from supposing that any Officer will act in opposition to a positive order but he is
determined in Case a Violation should happen that it shall not pass unnoticed
8
The Officers of the day are to report the names of those who are guilty of a breach thereofrdquo
(Note June 20 1778 To cash Gave Mr Shannons Servants by Ord Genl pound1176 -- Headquarters
Expense Account in the Washington Papers)
General orders 19 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 93 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Buckingham Saturday June 20 1778 hellip Each Regiment is to furnish a Sub each Brigade
a Captain and the line a Field Officer who are during the march to mount with the morning Guards and
under the direction of the Brigadier of the day collect all Straglers and march them to the Army
They are more over to see that nothing which can or ought to be brought away is left on the ground or
properly secured there That this business may be conducted with more ease a Subaltern and twelve
Dragoons are to assist The Commanding Officer of the Cavalry will give orders for having them furnished
in Rotation
If the morning should not be very wet the General Troop and March will be as this morning
If the Commissaries are provided the men are to have each a Gill of spirits served to them this
afternoonrdquo
General orders 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 98 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells-Ferry June 21 1778 hellip A Gill of spirits pr man to be issued to the Troops this
day Those Brigades which are out of provision will draw this afternoon at Mr Simpsons on the Hill the
West-Side of the Ferry No men are to be permitted to bathe till sunset The Troops are to begin to cross the
Ferry at half past three oClock tomorrow morning precisely at which time the new Guards are to parade on
the East Side the Ferry and the old ones on the West where the officers who are to march in the Rear will
also assemble
The General to beat at three quarters past two and the troop at a quarter past three in the morningrdquo
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104 ____________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade] Orders June 22d 1778
Returns to be made out Immediately of Dammagd Cartridges in the Brigade and the Number wanting in
the Different Regts to Compleat each Man to Forty Rounds The Comanding Officers of Regts to be
Particular Carefull that the arms of the men belonging [to] their Respective Cores are in the Best Order
possible by tomorrow Morning
Field Returns are to be Made out Immediatly Specifying the Number of Officers Serjts amp rank amp File
Now in the Different Regts Fit for Immediate Action they are to note such as are in want of Arms and
Accoutrementsrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 46-
47) American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells Ferry Monday June 22 1778 hellip
A Field return is to be made this afternoon under the immediate Inspection of the Brigadiers and Officers
commanding Brigades who are to be responsible for their Exactness These returns to comprehend those
men only who are actually on the spot fit for duty in time of Action among which the guards will be
included the unarmed men to be distinguished
The soldiers to have their Arms well cleaned and afterwards carefully inspected together with their
Ammunition by their respective Officers The tents and heavy baggage if there is any will be separated
from the Army for some days the Officers will content themselves with a few Necessaries during that time
The Quarter Master General will make his Arrangements accordingly He will give orders respecting the
movement of the separated baggage None but Invalids and men unfit for the fatigues of a march are to go
as guards to the baggage
Intrenching Tools are to be assigned to the Brigades in due proportion and delivered to the Care of the
Brigade Quarter Masters
When circumstances will permit the Artificers and Pioneers are to advance before the Van Guard of the
Army and repair the roads with Fascines and Earth instead of Rails which serve to cripple the horses
The Quarter Master General will fall upon some method to have straw equally and regularly distributed
to the men when they arrive at the ground of Encampment to prevent Confusion and Waste
9
On a march the Major General of the day will pay particular Attention that the Column advances in
compleat order and not so fast in front as to fatigue and distress the Rear
The Brigadier of the day with the Officers ordered to remain in the Rear will see that every thing is
properly conducted there the Guards kept to their duty and all damage to the fruit trees prevented of which
the whole road hitherto exhibits such shameful proofs
Commanding Officers of Companies will see that their men fill their Canteens before they begin the
march that they may not be under a necessity of tuning to every spring and injuring themselves by drinking
cold water when heated with marching
Each Brigade is to furnish an active spirited Officer and twenty five of its best marksmen immediately
These parties to join Colo Morgans Corps and continue under his command till the Enemy pass thro the
Jerseys after which they are to rejoin their Regiments without further orders
The General will beat at three oClock in the morning and the Army march at four oClock precisely
The Quarter Master General will communicate the order of March and the Route and will acquaint the
Major Generals with their respective Commands
After Orders
The following Brigades during the march are to compose the Right Wing of the Army and be
commanded by Major General Lee Woodfords Scotts No Carolina Poors Varnums and Huntingtons
First Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania Late Conways Glovers Larneds and Patersons are to compose the
Left Wing and be commanded by Major General Lord Stirling
The Second line is to consist of 1st and 2nd Maryland Muhlenbergs Weedons and Maxwells (when it
joins) and be commanded by Major General the Marquis De la Fayette The Army to march from the left
The Quarter Master Genl will furnish Guides
A Field Officer is to take Charge of the baggage guard
If the weather should prove very rainy in the morning the Troops are not to march in any case if they
march the tents are to be left standing and the baggage guards are when dry to strike and load them in the
Waggons Lieutt Colo Coleman will take command of the baggage guard
The Officer and twenty five men from each Brigade who are to be annexed to Colo Morgans Corps are
to be sent to his quarters early tomorrow morning about a mile in front of the Army
The two Light Infantry Companies in the North Carolina Brigade will be attached to Colo Morgans
Corps instead of the twenty five therefrom mentiond in the first order of this day
Lieutenant Colo Basset is appointed Bringer-up vice Lieutt Colo Colemanrdquo
General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Tuesday June 23 1778
Parole Philadelphia Countersigns Brunswick Boston
The Troops will cook their Provisions and in every respect be in the greatest readiness possible for a
march or Action very early in the morning
When the General beats the Army is to be put in immediate readiness to march on beating the troop the
march begins The Wings and the second line are each to furnish 2 Captains 3 Subs 3 Serjeants 3
Corporals and 117 Privates for guards daily till further Orders
The Guards parade tomorrow before Doctr De Camps quarters on the Road to Head Quarters when the
General beats
The Commissary of Military Stores will deliver out Arms tomorrow to the returns signed by
Commanding Officers of Regiments or Corps who will send very early to the Artillery Park for such
numbers as are wanting to complete their men now on the ground fit for dutyrdquo
General orders 23 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 110 ____________________________
23 June 1778 passage added from 10th Virginia order book Following ldquonow on the Ground fit for Duty
the Detachment to be on the Grand Parade Percisely at 4 oClock Fifty Black Men to Compose a Corps of
Poineers Genl Weedins a Subn and five Privates to parade with the Guards tomorrow morningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 53)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
10
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Wednesday June 24 1778 hellip
Officers are on no Account to be absent from their Encampment and are to be particularly vigilant to
prevent their men from stragling
The Troops in point of provision and every other respect are to be held in constant readiness for moving
when the General beats which will be the signal for marching
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to make accurate returns of the Axes Tomahawks and other
such tools in possession of their Corpsrdquo
General orders 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
111 ____________________________
The published Writings of George Washington contains a 23 June 1778 letter to Gen
Philemon Dickinson with the following note ldquoThere were no general orders issued June
25 or 26 Headquarters were at Kingston June 25 and the parole was Monmouth and the
countersigns Minden and Mexico [Headquarters for 25 June were actually at
Longbridge Farm four miles east of Kingston] June 26 headquarters were at Cranberry
the parole Lookout and the countersigns Sharp and Keen While no orders are
extant for 25 June the 10th Virginia order book does contain the following for the 26th Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoCramberry June 26
th 1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling Brigadier Woodford
Coll Vorce Lt Coll Cropper Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Coll Swift
B Majr McOrmick
B[rigade]O[rders] A Very Exact Affective Return to be made tomorrow Morning to the Brigade Major
Commanding Officers of Cores are Requested to Examine into the State of Arms and Ammunition amp
Accoutrements and have their Arms put in the best order amp if any Ammunition is Damagd they will Draw
a Sufficiency to Compleate their Men to 40 Rounds and return the Damagdrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
(The following order is not found in the George Washington Papers) Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoGO July [sic actually June] 27
th 1778
No Drum to be Beat on the March except for signals (Viz) to halt in front for the Rear to Come up three
long Rolls ndash to march when the Rear is come up a Common March to Quickin the March the Granadiers
March
These Signals to begin in the Rear under the Directions of the B Genl of the Day and are to be respected
by the Orderly Drum of every Battalion from to front An Orderly Drum is to be kept ready Braced with
each Battalion for that Purpose When the whole line is to halt for refreshment the first part of the Genl
will be Beat in front and is to be Respected by every orderly Drum down the Rear --- The Troops are to be
Compleated with Provision (salt Meat if Possible) up to the 29th
Inclusively amp have it Cookd The
Commanding Officers of Regts will see this order Executed as soon as possablerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-
57) American Revolution Center ____________________________
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
4
Metro Street Map of Bucks County Pennsylvania Franklin Maps 333 S Henderson
Road King of Prussia Pa 19406 (Copyright 2004)
Mercer County New Jersey Map (Western Half) Hagstrom Map Company Inc 46-35
54th Road Maspeth NY 11378 (Copyright 2004)
Kingston and Longbridge Farm are nicely pictured in this 1762 map Howard Rice Jr
New Jersey Road Maps of the 18th Century (Princeton Princeton University Press 1981)
Map of Middlesex County New Jersey Hagstrom Map Company Inc 46-35 54th Road
Maspeth NY 11378 (Copyright 1998)
Map of Middlesex County reduced from the original survey by John Hills asst
engineer 1781 Library of Congress
Marching orders for Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division General Washingtonrsquos instructions to Charles Lee
ldquoHead Quarters May 30 1778
Sir Poors Varnums and Huntingtons Brigades are to March in one division under your Command to the
North River
The Quarter Master General will give you the Rout Incampments and halting days to which you will
conform as strictly as possible to prevent interfering with other Troops and that I may know precisely your
situation on every day
Leave as few sick and lame on the road as possible such as are absolutely incapable of Marching with
you are to be committed to the care of proper Officers with directions to follow as fast as their condition
will allow
Be strict in your discipline suffer no rambling keep the Men in their Ranks and the Officers with their
divisions avoid pressing Horses ampca as much as possible and punish severely every Officer or Soldier
who shall presume to press without proper authority prohibit the burning of Fences in a word you are to
protect the persons and property of the Inhabitants from every kind of Insult and abuse
Begin your Marches at four oclock in the Morning at latest that they may be over before the heat of the
day and that the Soldiers may have time to Cook refresh and prepare for the ensuing dayrdquo
[Note The above instructions were drawn up and dated but held for issue until such day as the British
evacuated Philadelphia (See Washingtons letter to the President of Congress frac12 after 11 A M June 18
1778)] ________________________
Washington to Lee
ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 30 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
vol 11 (1934) 489 Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778
instructions) ibid 12 (1934) 85 ______________________________
5
Army General and Brigade Orders June 1778 Orders Regulating the Army on the March from Valley Forge
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Monday June 1 1778 hellip Colo Cortland is appointed to tarry in Camp to
superintend the sick on the Ground when the Army moves and to send on the recovered men properly
officered to join their respective Corps and Major Grier will repair to the Yellow Springs and the Hospitals
near Camp and superintend the sick there They will apply tomorrow at the Orderly-Office for written
Instructions
The following will be observed as a standing Model for the Order of March whether of the whole Army
a Division Brigade or Battalion It may happen that some changes may be necessary in the Strength and
number of the Advanced Rear and Flank Guards and in their relative distances to each other and to the
Main Body ampc which are to be determined according to particular Circumstances and which the Officers
commanding will judge of but the general Principles and Rules here laid down are in all Cases to be
practiced only with such Variations in applying them as different situations may require
When a Battalion receives orders to march each Company forms before its own quarters the Captain
having inspected into their Arms and Accoutrements conducts it to the Regimental Parade where the Field
Officers inspect the whole form each Battalion into eight Platoons for charging agreeable to the
Instructions given and march it by Platoons to the Rendezvous When only one Battalion marches the Colo
orders out an advanced and rear guard each consisting of one Lieutenant three non-commissioned Officers
a Drum and twenty Privates
A Brigade composed of several Battalions has an advanced and rear Guard each consisting of one
Captain two Subalterns six non-commissioned Officers and forty or fifty Privates
When several Brigades march together each Brigade furnishes a proportionable number for the Advanced
and Rear Guards
When the whole Army marches the new guards of the day form the advanced Guard and the old Guards
form the Rear Guard
The new guards being assembled on the Grand Parade the Brigadier of the day forms them into a Battalion
of 8 Platoons the eldest Field Officer of the day takes command of it and marches at the head of the
Column
The Brigadier of the preceding day having assembled the old Guard forms them in the same manner the
eldest Field Officer taking the Command and marching in the Rear of the Column
The advanced guard should be advanced from fifty to two hundred paces in front of the Column Each
advanced Guard should send forward a detachment to serve as an advanced guard to itself and that
detachment should also send out a patrole in front each one hundred paces in front of the other thus one
Captain 2 Subalterns 6 non-Commissioned Officers one Drum and fifty men will send out a non-
Commissioned Officer and twelve men and that non-Commissiond Officer will also advance four men in
his front
An advanced Guard of a Lieutt and 20 men will advance one non-Commissioned Officer and eight men
and the nonCommissioned Officer will advance two men in his front
The Rear Guard will observe the same Rules sending its detachment in the Rear as the advanced Guard
does in front
When a Brigade Division or the Army marches by the right tis supposed the Enemy is on the left and the
contrary Each Battalion will therefore send out on the Flank exposed to the Enemy a subaltern two non-
commissioned Officers and sixteen men as a flank guard who will march in a platoon by files from the
right opposite the center of the Battalion at the distance of 80 or 100 Paces from the Column
When the Army marches in two Columns the Right Column has its flank Guard on its right and the left
Column on its left When in one Column and the Position of the Enemy uncertain guard must be sent on
both flanks The advancd Flank and Rear Guard must allways have their Bayonets fixed Wherever the
Ground will permit the Battalion must march by Platoons During the march each Colonel must stay before
his Battalion and each Captain and Subaltern before his Platoon The Intervals between the Battalions and
Platoons must be strictly observed during the march
When there is a Creek or Defile to pass the Brigadiers must stop till their Brigades have passed and the
Colonels till their respective Battalions have passed They will take care that the Men pass with as large a
front and as quick as possible
The advanced Guard having passed the Defile should take such a situation as to be able to see all around
and should send out Patroles 500 Paces round The head of the Column halts before it enters the Defile to
6
let the Platoons get at half distance and when half the Column has got thro it halts till the whole has passed
and then continues its march
When the road will not admit to march by Platoons the march is to be made by sections of four in front
in the following manner Each Officer divides his Platoon into sections For Example a Platoon of 16 files
makes four sections they will break off by the right or left and continue the march each section two paces
distant from the other If a Platoon has fifteen files the last section will have three files If the Platoon has
only fourteen the last will have four men in one rank If a Platoon has thirteen files the last will have five
files
When marching in this Order by the right the Officers commanding Platoons will be on the left of the
first Section the Serjeant on the right stays in his Place and the Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers
Who were in the Rear will be on the right flanks If they march in this order by the left the Commanding
Officer of the Platoon remains on the right of the first section and the others on the left flank so that by
wheeling the Sections the Platoon will be formed and each Officer and non-Commissiond Officer be in his
Place
During the march each Officer must keep his Platoon in order The Officers and non-Commissioned
Officers in the Rear must prevent the soldiers leaving their ranks on any Account If the soldiers have
occasion for water the Officer must send a nonCommissioned Officer with some men to fill their Canteens
and the Non-Commissioned Officer must bring them back to their Platoon immediately The flank guard
will never suffer any non-Commissioned Officer or soldier to pass them during the march and the Rear
Guard will take care to bring up all Straglersrdquo
General orders 1 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 4-6 ___________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade]O[rders] June 18th
1778
As the enemy has evacuated Philadelphia their is A Prospect of Immediate Orders for Marching The
different Regts Are therefore to hold themselves in readiness to march at a momentrsquos warningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 38)
American Revolution Center (identification based on authorrsquos analysis)
10th Virginia Regt order book 26 May to 14 September 1778
6th (former 10th) Virginia Regt order book 14-26 September 1778
Covers period at Valley Forge Paramus White Plains West Point and Robinsonrsquos
5261778 to 9261778 ___________________________
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns
had Marched
[18 June 1778]
The Army is to March to Morrow and till further Orders in the following Order
The Marquis De La Fayette is to lead
Woodfordrsquos Scottrsquos North Carolina Brigades
The Baron de Kalb next with
Glovers Pattersons Learneds Brigades
The Artillery Park and spare Ammunition
Lord Sterling with
Weedons Muhlenbergs 1st Maryland 2d Maryland
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front of the column of Waggons The Adjutant
Generals Paymaster Generals Engineers Muster Master General Auditor of Accounts The Baggage of the
Marquis de la Fayettes De Kalbs Division the Baggage of Lord Stiflings Division and then the Waggons of
the Quarter Master Generals department Flying Hospital and lastly the Corny and Forage Master Generals
Waggons The whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troops The Genl officers commanding
the Grand Divisions to appoint such guards upon the baggage as shall be necessary for the Security thereof
7
They will also appoint a party of Pioneers to move in front of the Columns to assist the Artificers in
repairing Bridges and bad places in the roads
There will be a party of Artificers to go in front and rear of the whole to mend Bridges and repair the
Broken Carriages which will take their Orders from the Q M Genl
The sub Inspectors are to assist the Quarter Master General in regulating the order of March encampment
and planting of Guards and to accompany and follow his Directions accordingly
Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and encamp in the Rear of the
Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 men
[Note The text is from The Lee Papers vol II 1778-1782 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1873 (New York 1872) 410-411 ___________________________
ldquo[Orders June 18 1778] hellip Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and
encamp in the Rear of the Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 menrdquo
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl
Mifflins Divisns had Marched 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 91-92 ____________________________
Orders Issued During the Movement from Valley Forge to Englishtown
ldquoHead Quarters Doctor Shennons Friday June 19 1778
Parole -- Countersigns --
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to pay the greatest attention to keeping their men within their
Encampment and prevent stragling that they may be in constant readiness for moving at the shortest notice
They are likewise to forbid under the severest Penalties marauding and the Destruction of the Inclosures
Fruit Trees or other Property of the Inhabitants
The General will beat tomorrow morning at 3 oClock the troop in half an hour afterwards and the whole
line is to march precisely at four
If through mistake any part of the baggage should not have marched in the order of the Brigades the
Waggon Master General is to have the matter rectified so that the whole may move tomorrow in proper
order
If any of the Troops have marched without the proper quantity of cooked Provisions they are to cook
enough this afternoon to serve them tomorrow and the next day provided their rations are of salt meat
The old and new Guards will parade in the road opposite Mr Shennons precisely at half past three
oClock in the morning
After Orders
In future the Camp Kettles are always to be carried by the Messes each soldier of the Mess taking it in
his turn and no man is on any Account to presume to put the Camp Kettle belonging to the Mess in a
Waggon No soldier is to put his Musquet in a Waggon unless on Account of his Inability to carry it in
which Case he is to obtain leave from a Field Officer of the day Commanding Officer of the Regiment or
from the Officer of the Baggage guard who shall make themselves judges of the circumstances
The Officers of the day are authorized to punish on the spot such as transgress the foregoing Orders
The indulgence of suffering Women to ride in Waggons having degenerated into a great abuse and
complaint having been made by the Officers of the day that the Plea of leave from Officers is constantly
urged when the Waggon Masters order such Women down
It is expressly ordered that no Officer grant such leave for the future but the Commanding Officers of a
Brigade or the Field Officers of the day who are to grant it only on account of Inability to march and in
writing
The General is far from supposing that any Officer will act in opposition to a positive order but he is
determined in Case a Violation should happen that it shall not pass unnoticed
8
The Officers of the day are to report the names of those who are guilty of a breach thereofrdquo
(Note June 20 1778 To cash Gave Mr Shannons Servants by Ord Genl pound1176 -- Headquarters
Expense Account in the Washington Papers)
General orders 19 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 93 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Buckingham Saturday June 20 1778 hellip Each Regiment is to furnish a Sub each Brigade
a Captain and the line a Field Officer who are during the march to mount with the morning Guards and
under the direction of the Brigadier of the day collect all Straglers and march them to the Army
They are more over to see that nothing which can or ought to be brought away is left on the ground or
properly secured there That this business may be conducted with more ease a Subaltern and twelve
Dragoons are to assist The Commanding Officer of the Cavalry will give orders for having them furnished
in Rotation
If the morning should not be very wet the General Troop and March will be as this morning
If the Commissaries are provided the men are to have each a Gill of spirits served to them this
afternoonrdquo
General orders 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 98 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells-Ferry June 21 1778 hellip A Gill of spirits pr man to be issued to the Troops this
day Those Brigades which are out of provision will draw this afternoon at Mr Simpsons on the Hill the
West-Side of the Ferry No men are to be permitted to bathe till sunset The Troops are to begin to cross the
Ferry at half past three oClock tomorrow morning precisely at which time the new Guards are to parade on
the East Side the Ferry and the old ones on the West where the officers who are to march in the Rear will
also assemble
The General to beat at three quarters past two and the troop at a quarter past three in the morningrdquo
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104 ____________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade] Orders June 22d 1778
Returns to be made out Immediately of Dammagd Cartridges in the Brigade and the Number wanting in
the Different Regts to Compleat each Man to Forty Rounds The Comanding Officers of Regts to be
Particular Carefull that the arms of the men belonging [to] their Respective Cores are in the Best Order
possible by tomorrow Morning
Field Returns are to be Made out Immediatly Specifying the Number of Officers Serjts amp rank amp File
Now in the Different Regts Fit for Immediate Action they are to note such as are in want of Arms and
Accoutrementsrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 46-
47) American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells Ferry Monday June 22 1778 hellip
A Field return is to be made this afternoon under the immediate Inspection of the Brigadiers and Officers
commanding Brigades who are to be responsible for their Exactness These returns to comprehend those
men only who are actually on the spot fit for duty in time of Action among which the guards will be
included the unarmed men to be distinguished
The soldiers to have their Arms well cleaned and afterwards carefully inspected together with their
Ammunition by their respective Officers The tents and heavy baggage if there is any will be separated
from the Army for some days the Officers will content themselves with a few Necessaries during that time
The Quarter Master General will make his Arrangements accordingly He will give orders respecting the
movement of the separated baggage None but Invalids and men unfit for the fatigues of a march are to go
as guards to the baggage
Intrenching Tools are to be assigned to the Brigades in due proportion and delivered to the Care of the
Brigade Quarter Masters
When circumstances will permit the Artificers and Pioneers are to advance before the Van Guard of the
Army and repair the roads with Fascines and Earth instead of Rails which serve to cripple the horses
The Quarter Master General will fall upon some method to have straw equally and regularly distributed
to the men when they arrive at the ground of Encampment to prevent Confusion and Waste
9
On a march the Major General of the day will pay particular Attention that the Column advances in
compleat order and not so fast in front as to fatigue and distress the Rear
The Brigadier of the day with the Officers ordered to remain in the Rear will see that every thing is
properly conducted there the Guards kept to their duty and all damage to the fruit trees prevented of which
the whole road hitherto exhibits such shameful proofs
Commanding Officers of Companies will see that their men fill their Canteens before they begin the
march that they may not be under a necessity of tuning to every spring and injuring themselves by drinking
cold water when heated with marching
Each Brigade is to furnish an active spirited Officer and twenty five of its best marksmen immediately
These parties to join Colo Morgans Corps and continue under his command till the Enemy pass thro the
Jerseys after which they are to rejoin their Regiments without further orders
The General will beat at three oClock in the morning and the Army march at four oClock precisely
The Quarter Master General will communicate the order of March and the Route and will acquaint the
Major Generals with their respective Commands
After Orders
The following Brigades during the march are to compose the Right Wing of the Army and be
commanded by Major General Lee Woodfords Scotts No Carolina Poors Varnums and Huntingtons
First Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania Late Conways Glovers Larneds and Patersons are to compose the
Left Wing and be commanded by Major General Lord Stirling
The Second line is to consist of 1st and 2nd Maryland Muhlenbergs Weedons and Maxwells (when it
joins) and be commanded by Major General the Marquis De la Fayette The Army to march from the left
The Quarter Master Genl will furnish Guides
A Field Officer is to take Charge of the baggage guard
If the weather should prove very rainy in the morning the Troops are not to march in any case if they
march the tents are to be left standing and the baggage guards are when dry to strike and load them in the
Waggons Lieutt Colo Coleman will take command of the baggage guard
The Officer and twenty five men from each Brigade who are to be annexed to Colo Morgans Corps are
to be sent to his quarters early tomorrow morning about a mile in front of the Army
The two Light Infantry Companies in the North Carolina Brigade will be attached to Colo Morgans
Corps instead of the twenty five therefrom mentiond in the first order of this day
Lieutenant Colo Basset is appointed Bringer-up vice Lieutt Colo Colemanrdquo
General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Tuesday June 23 1778
Parole Philadelphia Countersigns Brunswick Boston
The Troops will cook their Provisions and in every respect be in the greatest readiness possible for a
march or Action very early in the morning
When the General beats the Army is to be put in immediate readiness to march on beating the troop the
march begins The Wings and the second line are each to furnish 2 Captains 3 Subs 3 Serjeants 3
Corporals and 117 Privates for guards daily till further Orders
The Guards parade tomorrow before Doctr De Camps quarters on the Road to Head Quarters when the
General beats
The Commissary of Military Stores will deliver out Arms tomorrow to the returns signed by
Commanding Officers of Regiments or Corps who will send very early to the Artillery Park for such
numbers as are wanting to complete their men now on the ground fit for dutyrdquo
General orders 23 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 110 ____________________________
23 June 1778 passage added from 10th Virginia order book Following ldquonow on the Ground fit for Duty
the Detachment to be on the Grand Parade Percisely at 4 oClock Fifty Black Men to Compose a Corps of
Poineers Genl Weedins a Subn and five Privates to parade with the Guards tomorrow morningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 53)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
10
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Wednesday June 24 1778 hellip
Officers are on no Account to be absent from their Encampment and are to be particularly vigilant to
prevent their men from stragling
The Troops in point of provision and every other respect are to be held in constant readiness for moving
when the General beats which will be the signal for marching
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to make accurate returns of the Axes Tomahawks and other
such tools in possession of their Corpsrdquo
General orders 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
111 ____________________________
The published Writings of George Washington contains a 23 June 1778 letter to Gen
Philemon Dickinson with the following note ldquoThere were no general orders issued June
25 or 26 Headquarters were at Kingston June 25 and the parole was Monmouth and the
countersigns Minden and Mexico [Headquarters for 25 June were actually at
Longbridge Farm four miles east of Kingston] June 26 headquarters were at Cranberry
the parole Lookout and the countersigns Sharp and Keen While no orders are
extant for 25 June the 10th Virginia order book does contain the following for the 26th Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoCramberry June 26
th 1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling Brigadier Woodford
Coll Vorce Lt Coll Cropper Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Coll Swift
B Majr McOrmick
B[rigade]O[rders] A Very Exact Affective Return to be made tomorrow Morning to the Brigade Major
Commanding Officers of Cores are Requested to Examine into the State of Arms and Ammunition amp
Accoutrements and have their Arms put in the best order amp if any Ammunition is Damagd they will Draw
a Sufficiency to Compleate their Men to 40 Rounds and return the Damagdrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
(The following order is not found in the George Washington Papers) Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoGO July [sic actually June] 27
th 1778
No Drum to be Beat on the March except for signals (Viz) to halt in front for the Rear to Come up three
long Rolls ndash to march when the Rear is come up a Common March to Quickin the March the Granadiers
March
These Signals to begin in the Rear under the Directions of the B Genl of the Day and are to be respected
by the Orderly Drum of every Battalion from to front An Orderly Drum is to be kept ready Braced with
each Battalion for that Purpose When the whole line is to halt for refreshment the first part of the Genl
will be Beat in front and is to be Respected by every orderly Drum down the Rear --- The Troops are to be
Compleated with Provision (salt Meat if Possible) up to the 29th
Inclusively amp have it Cookd The
Commanding Officers of Regts will see this order Executed as soon as possablerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-
57) American Revolution Center ____________________________
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
5
Army General and Brigade Orders June 1778 Orders Regulating the Army on the March from Valley Forge
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Monday June 1 1778 hellip Colo Cortland is appointed to tarry in Camp to
superintend the sick on the Ground when the Army moves and to send on the recovered men properly
officered to join their respective Corps and Major Grier will repair to the Yellow Springs and the Hospitals
near Camp and superintend the sick there They will apply tomorrow at the Orderly-Office for written
Instructions
The following will be observed as a standing Model for the Order of March whether of the whole Army
a Division Brigade or Battalion It may happen that some changes may be necessary in the Strength and
number of the Advanced Rear and Flank Guards and in their relative distances to each other and to the
Main Body ampc which are to be determined according to particular Circumstances and which the Officers
commanding will judge of but the general Principles and Rules here laid down are in all Cases to be
practiced only with such Variations in applying them as different situations may require
When a Battalion receives orders to march each Company forms before its own quarters the Captain
having inspected into their Arms and Accoutrements conducts it to the Regimental Parade where the Field
Officers inspect the whole form each Battalion into eight Platoons for charging agreeable to the
Instructions given and march it by Platoons to the Rendezvous When only one Battalion marches the Colo
orders out an advanced and rear guard each consisting of one Lieutenant three non-commissioned Officers
a Drum and twenty Privates
A Brigade composed of several Battalions has an advanced and rear Guard each consisting of one
Captain two Subalterns six non-commissioned Officers and forty or fifty Privates
When several Brigades march together each Brigade furnishes a proportionable number for the Advanced
and Rear Guards
When the whole Army marches the new guards of the day form the advanced Guard and the old Guards
form the Rear Guard
The new guards being assembled on the Grand Parade the Brigadier of the day forms them into a Battalion
of 8 Platoons the eldest Field Officer of the day takes command of it and marches at the head of the
Column
The Brigadier of the preceding day having assembled the old Guard forms them in the same manner the
eldest Field Officer taking the Command and marching in the Rear of the Column
The advanced guard should be advanced from fifty to two hundred paces in front of the Column Each
advanced Guard should send forward a detachment to serve as an advanced guard to itself and that
detachment should also send out a patrole in front each one hundred paces in front of the other thus one
Captain 2 Subalterns 6 non-Commissioned Officers one Drum and fifty men will send out a non-
Commissioned Officer and twelve men and that non-Commissiond Officer will also advance four men in
his front
An advanced Guard of a Lieutt and 20 men will advance one non-Commissioned Officer and eight men
and the nonCommissioned Officer will advance two men in his front
The Rear Guard will observe the same Rules sending its detachment in the Rear as the advanced Guard
does in front
When a Brigade Division or the Army marches by the right tis supposed the Enemy is on the left and the
contrary Each Battalion will therefore send out on the Flank exposed to the Enemy a subaltern two non-
commissioned Officers and sixteen men as a flank guard who will march in a platoon by files from the
right opposite the center of the Battalion at the distance of 80 or 100 Paces from the Column
When the Army marches in two Columns the Right Column has its flank Guard on its right and the left
Column on its left When in one Column and the Position of the Enemy uncertain guard must be sent on
both flanks The advancd Flank and Rear Guard must allways have their Bayonets fixed Wherever the
Ground will permit the Battalion must march by Platoons During the march each Colonel must stay before
his Battalion and each Captain and Subaltern before his Platoon The Intervals between the Battalions and
Platoons must be strictly observed during the march
When there is a Creek or Defile to pass the Brigadiers must stop till their Brigades have passed and the
Colonels till their respective Battalions have passed They will take care that the Men pass with as large a
front and as quick as possible
The advanced Guard having passed the Defile should take such a situation as to be able to see all around
and should send out Patroles 500 Paces round The head of the Column halts before it enters the Defile to
6
let the Platoons get at half distance and when half the Column has got thro it halts till the whole has passed
and then continues its march
When the road will not admit to march by Platoons the march is to be made by sections of four in front
in the following manner Each Officer divides his Platoon into sections For Example a Platoon of 16 files
makes four sections they will break off by the right or left and continue the march each section two paces
distant from the other If a Platoon has fifteen files the last section will have three files If the Platoon has
only fourteen the last will have four men in one rank If a Platoon has thirteen files the last will have five
files
When marching in this Order by the right the Officers commanding Platoons will be on the left of the
first Section the Serjeant on the right stays in his Place and the Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers
Who were in the Rear will be on the right flanks If they march in this order by the left the Commanding
Officer of the Platoon remains on the right of the first section and the others on the left flank so that by
wheeling the Sections the Platoon will be formed and each Officer and non-Commissiond Officer be in his
Place
During the march each Officer must keep his Platoon in order The Officers and non-Commissioned
Officers in the Rear must prevent the soldiers leaving their ranks on any Account If the soldiers have
occasion for water the Officer must send a nonCommissioned Officer with some men to fill their Canteens
and the Non-Commissioned Officer must bring them back to their Platoon immediately The flank guard
will never suffer any non-Commissioned Officer or soldier to pass them during the march and the Rear
Guard will take care to bring up all Straglersrdquo
General orders 1 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 4-6 ___________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade]O[rders] June 18th
1778
As the enemy has evacuated Philadelphia their is A Prospect of Immediate Orders for Marching The
different Regts Are therefore to hold themselves in readiness to march at a momentrsquos warningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 38)
American Revolution Center (identification based on authorrsquos analysis)
10th Virginia Regt order book 26 May to 14 September 1778
6th (former 10th) Virginia Regt order book 14-26 September 1778
Covers period at Valley Forge Paramus White Plains West Point and Robinsonrsquos
5261778 to 9261778 ___________________________
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns
had Marched
[18 June 1778]
The Army is to March to Morrow and till further Orders in the following Order
The Marquis De La Fayette is to lead
Woodfordrsquos Scottrsquos North Carolina Brigades
The Baron de Kalb next with
Glovers Pattersons Learneds Brigades
The Artillery Park and spare Ammunition
Lord Sterling with
Weedons Muhlenbergs 1st Maryland 2d Maryland
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front of the column of Waggons The Adjutant
Generals Paymaster Generals Engineers Muster Master General Auditor of Accounts The Baggage of the
Marquis de la Fayettes De Kalbs Division the Baggage of Lord Stiflings Division and then the Waggons of
the Quarter Master Generals department Flying Hospital and lastly the Corny and Forage Master Generals
Waggons The whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troops The Genl officers commanding
the Grand Divisions to appoint such guards upon the baggage as shall be necessary for the Security thereof
7
They will also appoint a party of Pioneers to move in front of the Columns to assist the Artificers in
repairing Bridges and bad places in the roads
There will be a party of Artificers to go in front and rear of the whole to mend Bridges and repair the
Broken Carriages which will take their Orders from the Q M Genl
The sub Inspectors are to assist the Quarter Master General in regulating the order of March encampment
and planting of Guards and to accompany and follow his Directions accordingly
Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and encamp in the Rear of the
Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 men
[Note The text is from The Lee Papers vol II 1778-1782 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1873 (New York 1872) 410-411 ___________________________
ldquo[Orders June 18 1778] hellip Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and
encamp in the Rear of the Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 menrdquo
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl
Mifflins Divisns had Marched 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 91-92 ____________________________
Orders Issued During the Movement from Valley Forge to Englishtown
ldquoHead Quarters Doctor Shennons Friday June 19 1778
Parole -- Countersigns --
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to pay the greatest attention to keeping their men within their
Encampment and prevent stragling that they may be in constant readiness for moving at the shortest notice
They are likewise to forbid under the severest Penalties marauding and the Destruction of the Inclosures
Fruit Trees or other Property of the Inhabitants
The General will beat tomorrow morning at 3 oClock the troop in half an hour afterwards and the whole
line is to march precisely at four
If through mistake any part of the baggage should not have marched in the order of the Brigades the
Waggon Master General is to have the matter rectified so that the whole may move tomorrow in proper
order
If any of the Troops have marched without the proper quantity of cooked Provisions they are to cook
enough this afternoon to serve them tomorrow and the next day provided their rations are of salt meat
The old and new Guards will parade in the road opposite Mr Shennons precisely at half past three
oClock in the morning
After Orders
In future the Camp Kettles are always to be carried by the Messes each soldier of the Mess taking it in
his turn and no man is on any Account to presume to put the Camp Kettle belonging to the Mess in a
Waggon No soldier is to put his Musquet in a Waggon unless on Account of his Inability to carry it in
which Case he is to obtain leave from a Field Officer of the day Commanding Officer of the Regiment or
from the Officer of the Baggage guard who shall make themselves judges of the circumstances
The Officers of the day are authorized to punish on the spot such as transgress the foregoing Orders
The indulgence of suffering Women to ride in Waggons having degenerated into a great abuse and
complaint having been made by the Officers of the day that the Plea of leave from Officers is constantly
urged when the Waggon Masters order such Women down
It is expressly ordered that no Officer grant such leave for the future but the Commanding Officers of a
Brigade or the Field Officers of the day who are to grant it only on account of Inability to march and in
writing
The General is far from supposing that any Officer will act in opposition to a positive order but he is
determined in Case a Violation should happen that it shall not pass unnoticed
8
The Officers of the day are to report the names of those who are guilty of a breach thereofrdquo
(Note June 20 1778 To cash Gave Mr Shannons Servants by Ord Genl pound1176 -- Headquarters
Expense Account in the Washington Papers)
General orders 19 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 93 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Buckingham Saturday June 20 1778 hellip Each Regiment is to furnish a Sub each Brigade
a Captain and the line a Field Officer who are during the march to mount with the morning Guards and
under the direction of the Brigadier of the day collect all Straglers and march them to the Army
They are more over to see that nothing which can or ought to be brought away is left on the ground or
properly secured there That this business may be conducted with more ease a Subaltern and twelve
Dragoons are to assist The Commanding Officer of the Cavalry will give orders for having them furnished
in Rotation
If the morning should not be very wet the General Troop and March will be as this morning
If the Commissaries are provided the men are to have each a Gill of spirits served to them this
afternoonrdquo
General orders 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 98 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells-Ferry June 21 1778 hellip A Gill of spirits pr man to be issued to the Troops this
day Those Brigades which are out of provision will draw this afternoon at Mr Simpsons on the Hill the
West-Side of the Ferry No men are to be permitted to bathe till sunset The Troops are to begin to cross the
Ferry at half past three oClock tomorrow morning precisely at which time the new Guards are to parade on
the East Side the Ferry and the old ones on the West where the officers who are to march in the Rear will
also assemble
The General to beat at three quarters past two and the troop at a quarter past three in the morningrdquo
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104 ____________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade] Orders June 22d 1778
Returns to be made out Immediately of Dammagd Cartridges in the Brigade and the Number wanting in
the Different Regts to Compleat each Man to Forty Rounds The Comanding Officers of Regts to be
Particular Carefull that the arms of the men belonging [to] their Respective Cores are in the Best Order
possible by tomorrow Morning
Field Returns are to be Made out Immediatly Specifying the Number of Officers Serjts amp rank amp File
Now in the Different Regts Fit for Immediate Action they are to note such as are in want of Arms and
Accoutrementsrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 46-
47) American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells Ferry Monday June 22 1778 hellip
A Field return is to be made this afternoon under the immediate Inspection of the Brigadiers and Officers
commanding Brigades who are to be responsible for their Exactness These returns to comprehend those
men only who are actually on the spot fit for duty in time of Action among which the guards will be
included the unarmed men to be distinguished
The soldiers to have their Arms well cleaned and afterwards carefully inspected together with their
Ammunition by their respective Officers The tents and heavy baggage if there is any will be separated
from the Army for some days the Officers will content themselves with a few Necessaries during that time
The Quarter Master General will make his Arrangements accordingly He will give orders respecting the
movement of the separated baggage None but Invalids and men unfit for the fatigues of a march are to go
as guards to the baggage
Intrenching Tools are to be assigned to the Brigades in due proportion and delivered to the Care of the
Brigade Quarter Masters
When circumstances will permit the Artificers and Pioneers are to advance before the Van Guard of the
Army and repair the roads with Fascines and Earth instead of Rails which serve to cripple the horses
The Quarter Master General will fall upon some method to have straw equally and regularly distributed
to the men when they arrive at the ground of Encampment to prevent Confusion and Waste
9
On a march the Major General of the day will pay particular Attention that the Column advances in
compleat order and not so fast in front as to fatigue and distress the Rear
The Brigadier of the day with the Officers ordered to remain in the Rear will see that every thing is
properly conducted there the Guards kept to their duty and all damage to the fruit trees prevented of which
the whole road hitherto exhibits such shameful proofs
Commanding Officers of Companies will see that their men fill their Canteens before they begin the
march that they may not be under a necessity of tuning to every spring and injuring themselves by drinking
cold water when heated with marching
Each Brigade is to furnish an active spirited Officer and twenty five of its best marksmen immediately
These parties to join Colo Morgans Corps and continue under his command till the Enemy pass thro the
Jerseys after which they are to rejoin their Regiments without further orders
The General will beat at three oClock in the morning and the Army march at four oClock precisely
The Quarter Master General will communicate the order of March and the Route and will acquaint the
Major Generals with their respective Commands
After Orders
The following Brigades during the march are to compose the Right Wing of the Army and be
commanded by Major General Lee Woodfords Scotts No Carolina Poors Varnums and Huntingtons
First Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania Late Conways Glovers Larneds and Patersons are to compose the
Left Wing and be commanded by Major General Lord Stirling
The Second line is to consist of 1st and 2nd Maryland Muhlenbergs Weedons and Maxwells (when it
joins) and be commanded by Major General the Marquis De la Fayette The Army to march from the left
The Quarter Master Genl will furnish Guides
A Field Officer is to take Charge of the baggage guard
If the weather should prove very rainy in the morning the Troops are not to march in any case if they
march the tents are to be left standing and the baggage guards are when dry to strike and load them in the
Waggons Lieutt Colo Coleman will take command of the baggage guard
The Officer and twenty five men from each Brigade who are to be annexed to Colo Morgans Corps are
to be sent to his quarters early tomorrow morning about a mile in front of the Army
The two Light Infantry Companies in the North Carolina Brigade will be attached to Colo Morgans
Corps instead of the twenty five therefrom mentiond in the first order of this day
Lieutenant Colo Basset is appointed Bringer-up vice Lieutt Colo Colemanrdquo
General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Tuesday June 23 1778
Parole Philadelphia Countersigns Brunswick Boston
The Troops will cook their Provisions and in every respect be in the greatest readiness possible for a
march or Action very early in the morning
When the General beats the Army is to be put in immediate readiness to march on beating the troop the
march begins The Wings and the second line are each to furnish 2 Captains 3 Subs 3 Serjeants 3
Corporals and 117 Privates for guards daily till further Orders
The Guards parade tomorrow before Doctr De Camps quarters on the Road to Head Quarters when the
General beats
The Commissary of Military Stores will deliver out Arms tomorrow to the returns signed by
Commanding Officers of Regiments or Corps who will send very early to the Artillery Park for such
numbers as are wanting to complete their men now on the ground fit for dutyrdquo
General orders 23 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 110 ____________________________
23 June 1778 passage added from 10th Virginia order book Following ldquonow on the Ground fit for Duty
the Detachment to be on the Grand Parade Percisely at 4 oClock Fifty Black Men to Compose a Corps of
Poineers Genl Weedins a Subn and five Privates to parade with the Guards tomorrow morningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 53)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
10
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Wednesday June 24 1778 hellip
Officers are on no Account to be absent from their Encampment and are to be particularly vigilant to
prevent their men from stragling
The Troops in point of provision and every other respect are to be held in constant readiness for moving
when the General beats which will be the signal for marching
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to make accurate returns of the Axes Tomahawks and other
such tools in possession of their Corpsrdquo
General orders 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
111 ____________________________
The published Writings of George Washington contains a 23 June 1778 letter to Gen
Philemon Dickinson with the following note ldquoThere were no general orders issued June
25 or 26 Headquarters were at Kingston June 25 and the parole was Monmouth and the
countersigns Minden and Mexico [Headquarters for 25 June were actually at
Longbridge Farm four miles east of Kingston] June 26 headquarters were at Cranberry
the parole Lookout and the countersigns Sharp and Keen While no orders are
extant for 25 June the 10th Virginia order book does contain the following for the 26th Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoCramberry June 26
th 1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling Brigadier Woodford
Coll Vorce Lt Coll Cropper Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Coll Swift
B Majr McOrmick
B[rigade]O[rders] A Very Exact Affective Return to be made tomorrow Morning to the Brigade Major
Commanding Officers of Cores are Requested to Examine into the State of Arms and Ammunition amp
Accoutrements and have their Arms put in the best order amp if any Ammunition is Damagd they will Draw
a Sufficiency to Compleate their Men to 40 Rounds and return the Damagdrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
(The following order is not found in the George Washington Papers) Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoGO July [sic actually June] 27
th 1778
No Drum to be Beat on the March except for signals (Viz) to halt in front for the Rear to Come up three
long Rolls ndash to march when the Rear is come up a Common March to Quickin the March the Granadiers
March
These Signals to begin in the Rear under the Directions of the B Genl of the Day and are to be respected
by the Orderly Drum of every Battalion from to front An Orderly Drum is to be kept ready Braced with
each Battalion for that Purpose When the whole line is to halt for refreshment the first part of the Genl
will be Beat in front and is to be Respected by every orderly Drum down the Rear --- The Troops are to be
Compleated with Provision (salt Meat if Possible) up to the 29th
Inclusively amp have it Cookd The
Commanding Officers of Regts will see this order Executed as soon as possablerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-
57) American Revolution Center ____________________________
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
6
let the Platoons get at half distance and when half the Column has got thro it halts till the whole has passed
and then continues its march
When the road will not admit to march by Platoons the march is to be made by sections of four in front
in the following manner Each Officer divides his Platoon into sections For Example a Platoon of 16 files
makes four sections they will break off by the right or left and continue the march each section two paces
distant from the other If a Platoon has fifteen files the last section will have three files If the Platoon has
only fourteen the last will have four men in one rank If a Platoon has thirteen files the last will have five
files
When marching in this Order by the right the Officers commanding Platoons will be on the left of the
first Section the Serjeant on the right stays in his Place and the Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers
Who were in the Rear will be on the right flanks If they march in this order by the left the Commanding
Officer of the Platoon remains on the right of the first section and the others on the left flank so that by
wheeling the Sections the Platoon will be formed and each Officer and non-Commissiond Officer be in his
Place
During the march each Officer must keep his Platoon in order The Officers and non-Commissioned
Officers in the Rear must prevent the soldiers leaving their ranks on any Account If the soldiers have
occasion for water the Officer must send a nonCommissioned Officer with some men to fill their Canteens
and the Non-Commissioned Officer must bring them back to their Platoon immediately The flank guard
will never suffer any non-Commissioned Officer or soldier to pass them during the march and the Rear
Guard will take care to bring up all Straglersrdquo
General orders 1 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 4-6 ___________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade]O[rders] June 18th
1778
As the enemy has evacuated Philadelphia their is A Prospect of Immediate Orders for Marching The
different Regts Are therefore to hold themselves in readiness to march at a momentrsquos warningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 38)
American Revolution Center (identification based on authorrsquos analysis)
10th Virginia Regt order book 26 May to 14 September 1778
6th (former 10th) Virginia Regt order book 14-26 September 1778
Covers period at Valley Forge Paramus White Plains West Point and Robinsonrsquos
5261778 to 9261778 ___________________________
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns
had Marched
[18 June 1778]
The Army is to March to Morrow and till further Orders in the following Order
The Marquis De La Fayette is to lead
Woodfordrsquos Scottrsquos North Carolina Brigades
The Baron de Kalb next with
Glovers Pattersons Learneds Brigades
The Artillery Park and spare Ammunition
Lord Sterling with
Weedons Muhlenbergs 1st Maryland 2d Maryland
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front of the column of Waggons The Adjutant
Generals Paymaster Generals Engineers Muster Master General Auditor of Accounts The Baggage of the
Marquis de la Fayettes De Kalbs Division the Baggage of Lord Stiflings Division and then the Waggons of
the Quarter Master Generals department Flying Hospital and lastly the Corny and Forage Master Generals
Waggons The whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troops The Genl officers commanding
the Grand Divisions to appoint such guards upon the baggage as shall be necessary for the Security thereof
7
They will also appoint a party of Pioneers to move in front of the Columns to assist the Artificers in
repairing Bridges and bad places in the roads
There will be a party of Artificers to go in front and rear of the whole to mend Bridges and repair the
Broken Carriages which will take their Orders from the Q M Genl
The sub Inspectors are to assist the Quarter Master General in regulating the order of March encampment
and planting of Guards and to accompany and follow his Directions accordingly
Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and encamp in the Rear of the
Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 men
[Note The text is from The Lee Papers vol II 1778-1782 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1873 (New York 1872) 410-411 ___________________________
ldquo[Orders June 18 1778] hellip Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and
encamp in the Rear of the Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 menrdquo
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl
Mifflins Divisns had Marched 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 91-92 ____________________________
Orders Issued During the Movement from Valley Forge to Englishtown
ldquoHead Quarters Doctor Shennons Friday June 19 1778
Parole -- Countersigns --
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to pay the greatest attention to keeping their men within their
Encampment and prevent stragling that they may be in constant readiness for moving at the shortest notice
They are likewise to forbid under the severest Penalties marauding and the Destruction of the Inclosures
Fruit Trees or other Property of the Inhabitants
The General will beat tomorrow morning at 3 oClock the troop in half an hour afterwards and the whole
line is to march precisely at four
If through mistake any part of the baggage should not have marched in the order of the Brigades the
Waggon Master General is to have the matter rectified so that the whole may move tomorrow in proper
order
If any of the Troops have marched without the proper quantity of cooked Provisions they are to cook
enough this afternoon to serve them tomorrow and the next day provided their rations are of salt meat
The old and new Guards will parade in the road opposite Mr Shennons precisely at half past three
oClock in the morning
After Orders
In future the Camp Kettles are always to be carried by the Messes each soldier of the Mess taking it in
his turn and no man is on any Account to presume to put the Camp Kettle belonging to the Mess in a
Waggon No soldier is to put his Musquet in a Waggon unless on Account of his Inability to carry it in
which Case he is to obtain leave from a Field Officer of the day Commanding Officer of the Regiment or
from the Officer of the Baggage guard who shall make themselves judges of the circumstances
The Officers of the day are authorized to punish on the spot such as transgress the foregoing Orders
The indulgence of suffering Women to ride in Waggons having degenerated into a great abuse and
complaint having been made by the Officers of the day that the Plea of leave from Officers is constantly
urged when the Waggon Masters order such Women down
It is expressly ordered that no Officer grant such leave for the future but the Commanding Officers of a
Brigade or the Field Officers of the day who are to grant it only on account of Inability to march and in
writing
The General is far from supposing that any Officer will act in opposition to a positive order but he is
determined in Case a Violation should happen that it shall not pass unnoticed
8
The Officers of the day are to report the names of those who are guilty of a breach thereofrdquo
(Note June 20 1778 To cash Gave Mr Shannons Servants by Ord Genl pound1176 -- Headquarters
Expense Account in the Washington Papers)
General orders 19 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 93 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Buckingham Saturday June 20 1778 hellip Each Regiment is to furnish a Sub each Brigade
a Captain and the line a Field Officer who are during the march to mount with the morning Guards and
under the direction of the Brigadier of the day collect all Straglers and march them to the Army
They are more over to see that nothing which can or ought to be brought away is left on the ground or
properly secured there That this business may be conducted with more ease a Subaltern and twelve
Dragoons are to assist The Commanding Officer of the Cavalry will give orders for having them furnished
in Rotation
If the morning should not be very wet the General Troop and March will be as this morning
If the Commissaries are provided the men are to have each a Gill of spirits served to them this
afternoonrdquo
General orders 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 98 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells-Ferry June 21 1778 hellip A Gill of spirits pr man to be issued to the Troops this
day Those Brigades which are out of provision will draw this afternoon at Mr Simpsons on the Hill the
West-Side of the Ferry No men are to be permitted to bathe till sunset The Troops are to begin to cross the
Ferry at half past three oClock tomorrow morning precisely at which time the new Guards are to parade on
the East Side the Ferry and the old ones on the West where the officers who are to march in the Rear will
also assemble
The General to beat at three quarters past two and the troop at a quarter past three in the morningrdquo
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104 ____________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade] Orders June 22d 1778
Returns to be made out Immediately of Dammagd Cartridges in the Brigade and the Number wanting in
the Different Regts to Compleat each Man to Forty Rounds The Comanding Officers of Regts to be
Particular Carefull that the arms of the men belonging [to] their Respective Cores are in the Best Order
possible by tomorrow Morning
Field Returns are to be Made out Immediatly Specifying the Number of Officers Serjts amp rank amp File
Now in the Different Regts Fit for Immediate Action they are to note such as are in want of Arms and
Accoutrementsrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 46-
47) American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells Ferry Monday June 22 1778 hellip
A Field return is to be made this afternoon under the immediate Inspection of the Brigadiers and Officers
commanding Brigades who are to be responsible for their Exactness These returns to comprehend those
men only who are actually on the spot fit for duty in time of Action among which the guards will be
included the unarmed men to be distinguished
The soldiers to have their Arms well cleaned and afterwards carefully inspected together with their
Ammunition by their respective Officers The tents and heavy baggage if there is any will be separated
from the Army for some days the Officers will content themselves with a few Necessaries during that time
The Quarter Master General will make his Arrangements accordingly He will give orders respecting the
movement of the separated baggage None but Invalids and men unfit for the fatigues of a march are to go
as guards to the baggage
Intrenching Tools are to be assigned to the Brigades in due proportion and delivered to the Care of the
Brigade Quarter Masters
When circumstances will permit the Artificers and Pioneers are to advance before the Van Guard of the
Army and repair the roads with Fascines and Earth instead of Rails which serve to cripple the horses
The Quarter Master General will fall upon some method to have straw equally and regularly distributed
to the men when they arrive at the ground of Encampment to prevent Confusion and Waste
9
On a march the Major General of the day will pay particular Attention that the Column advances in
compleat order and not so fast in front as to fatigue and distress the Rear
The Brigadier of the day with the Officers ordered to remain in the Rear will see that every thing is
properly conducted there the Guards kept to their duty and all damage to the fruit trees prevented of which
the whole road hitherto exhibits such shameful proofs
Commanding Officers of Companies will see that their men fill their Canteens before they begin the
march that they may not be under a necessity of tuning to every spring and injuring themselves by drinking
cold water when heated with marching
Each Brigade is to furnish an active spirited Officer and twenty five of its best marksmen immediately
These parties to join Colo Morgans Corps and continue under his command till the Enemy pass thro the
Jerseys after which they are to rejoin their Regiments without further orders
The General will beat at three oClock in the morning and the Army march at four oClock precisely
The Quarter Master General will communicate the order of March and the Route and will acquaint the
Major Generals with their respective Commands
After Orders
The following Brigades during the march are to compose the Right Wing of the Army and be
commanded by Major General Lee Woodfords Scotts No Carolina Poors Varnums and Huntingtons
First Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania Late Conways Glovers Larneds and Patersons are to compose the
Left Wing and be commanded by Major General Lord Stirling
The Second line is to consist of 1st and 2nd Maryland Muhlenbergs Weedons and Maxwells (when it
joins) and be commanded by Major General the Marquis De la Fayette The Army to march from the left
The Quarter Master Genl will furnish Guides
A Field Officer is to take Charge of the baggage guard
If the weather should prove very rainy in the morning the Troops are not to march in any case if they
march the tents are to be left standing and the baggage guards are when dry to strike and load them in the
Waggons Lieutt Colo Coleman will take command of the baggage guard
The Officer and twenty five men from each Brigade who are to be annexed to Colo Morgans Corps are
to be sent to his quarters early tomorrow morning about a mile in front of the Army
The two Light Infantry Companies in the North Carolina Brigade will be attached to Colo Morgans
Corps instead of the twenty five therefrom mentiond in the first order of this day
Lieutenant Colo Basset is appointed Bringer-up vice Lieutt Colo Colemanrdquo
General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Tuesday June 23 1778
Parole Philadelphia Countersigns Brunswick Boston
The Troops will cook their Provisions and in every respect be in the greatest readiness possible for a
march or Action very early in the morning
When the General beats the Army is to be put in immediate readiness to march on beating the troop the
march begins The Wings and the second line are each to furnish 2 Captains 3 Subs 3 Serjeants 3
Corporals and 117 Privates for guards daily till further Orders
The Guards parade tomorrow before Doctr De Camps quarters on the Road to Head Quarters when the
General beats
The Commissary of Military Stores will deliver out Arms tomorrow to the returns signed by
Commanding Officers of Regiments or Corps who will send very early to the Artillery Park for such
numbers as are wanting to complete their men now on the ground fit for dutyrdquo
General orders 23 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 110 ____________________________
23 June 1778 passage added from 10th Virginia order book Following ldquonow on the Ground fit for Duty
the Detachment to be on the Grand Parade Percisely at 4 oClock Fifty Black Men to Compose a Corps of
Poineers Genl Weedins a Subn and five Privates to parade with the Guards tomorrow morningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 53)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
10
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Wednesday June 24 1778 hellip
Officers are on no Account to be absent from their Encampment and are to be particularly vigilant to
prevent their men from stragling
The Troops in point of provision and every other respect are to be held in constant readiness for moving
when the General beats which will be the signal for marching
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to make accurate returns of the Axes Tomahawks and other
such tools in possession of their Corpsrdquo
General orders 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
111 ____________________________
The published Writings of George Washington contains a 23 June 1778 letter to Gen
Philemon Dickinson with the following note ldquoThere were no general orders issued June
25 or 26 Headquarters were at Kingston June 25 and the parole was Monmouth and the
countersigns Minden and Mexico [Headquarters for 25 June were actually at
Longbridge Farm four miles east of Kingston] June 26 headquarters were at Cranberry
the parole Lookout and the countersigns Sharp and Keen While no orders are
extant for 25 June the 10th Virginia order book does contain the following for the 26th Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoCramberry June 26
th 1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling Brigadier Woodford
Coll Vorce Lt Coll Cropper Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Coll Swift
B Majr McOrmick
B[rigade]O[rders] A Very Exact Affective Return to be made tomorrow Morning to the Brigade Major
Commanding Officers of Cores are Requested to Examine into the State of Arms and Ammunition amp
Accoutrements and have their Arms put in the best order amp if any Ammunition is Damagd they will Draw
a Sufficiency to Compleate their Men to 40 Rounds and return the Damagdrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
(The following order is not found in the George Washington Papers) Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoGO July [sic actually June] 27
th 1778
No Drum to be Beat on the March except for signals (Viz) to halt in front for the Rear to Come up three
long Rolls ndash to march when the Rear is come up a Common March to Quickin the March the Granadiers
March
These Signals to begin in the Rear under the Directions of the B Genl of the Day and are to be respected
by the Orderly Drum of every Battalion from to front An Orderly Drum is to be kept ready Braced with
each Battalion for that Purpose When the whole line is to halt for refreshment the first part of the Genl
will be Beat in front and is to be Respected by every orderly Drum down the Rear --- The Troops are to be
Compleated with Provision (salt Meat if Possible) up to the 29th
Inclusively amp have it Cookd The
Commanding Officers of Regts will see this order Executed as soon as possablerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-
57) American Revolution Center ____________________________
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
7
They will also appoint a party of Pioneers to move in front of the Columns to assist the Artificers in
repairing Bridges and bad places in the roads
There will be a party of Artificers to go in front and rear of the whole to mend Bridges and repair the
Broken Carriages which will take their Orders from the Q M Genl
The sub Inspectors are to assist the Quarter Master General in regulating the order of March encampment
and planting of Guards and to accompany and follow his Directions accordingly
Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and encamp in the Rear of the
Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 men
[Note The text is from The Lee Papers vol II 1778-1782 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1873 (New York 1872) 410-411 ___________________________
ldquo[Orders June 18 1778] hellip Note the Light Horse is to March in front and upon the Right flank a days and
encamp in the Rear of the Troops o Nights
The new guards will form the advanced guards of the army and the old guards the rear guard Each
regiment will send out a flank guard on the right flank in the proportion of a serjeant and 12 men to every
200 menrdquo
Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and Genl
Mifflins Divisns had Marched 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 91-92 ____________________________
Orders Issued During the Movement from Valley Forge to Englishtown
ldquoHead Quarters Doctor Shennons Friday June 19 1778
Parole -- Countersigns --
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to pay the greatest attention to keeping their men within their
Encampment and prevent stragling that they may be in constant readiness for moving at the shortest notice
They are likewise to forbid under the severest Penalties marauding and the Destruction of the Inclosures
Fruit Trees or other Property of the Inhabitants
The General will beat tomorrow morning at 3 oClock the troop in half an hour afterwards and the whole
line is to march precisely at four
If through mistake any part of the baggage should not have marched in the order of the Brigades the
Waggon Master General is to have the matter rectified so that the whole may move tomorrow in proper
order
If any of the Troops have marched without the proper quantity of cooked Provisions they are to cook
enough this afternoon to serve them tomorrow and the next day provided their rations are of salt meat
The old and new Guards will parade in the road opposite Mr Shennons precisely at half past three
oClock in the morning
After Orders
In future the Camp Kettles are always to be carried by the Messes each soldier of the Mess taking it in
his turn and no man is on any Account to presume to put the Camp Kettle belonging to the Mess in a
Waggon No soldier is to put his Musquet in a Waggon unless on Account of his Inability to carry it in
which Case he is to obtain leave from a Field Officer of the day Commanding Officer of the Regiment or
from the Officer of the Baggage guard who shall make themselves judges of the circumstances
The Officers of the day are authorized to punish on the spot such as transgress the foregoing Orders
The indulgence of suffering Women to ride in Waggons having degenerated into a great abuse and
complaint having been made by the Officers of the day that the Plea of leave from Officers is constantly
urged when the Waggon Masters order such Women down
It is expressly ordered that no Officer grant such leave for the future but the Commanding Officers of a
Brigade or the Field Officers of the day who are to grant it only on account of Inability to march and in
writing
The General is far from supposing that any Officer will act in opposition to a positive order but he is
determined in Case a Violation should happen that it shall not pass unnoticed
8
The Officers of the day are to report the names of those who are guilty of a breach thereofrdquo
(Note June 20 1778 To cash Gave Mr Shannons Servants by Ord Genl pound1176 -- Headquarters
Expense Account in the Washington Papers)
General orders 19 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 93 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Buckingham Saturday June 20 1778 hellip Each Regiment is to furnish a Sub each Brigade
a Captain and the line a Field Officer who are during the march to mount with the morning Guards and
under the direction of the Brigadier of the day collect all Straglers and march them to the Army
They are more over to see that nothing which can or ought to be brought away is left on the ground or
properly secured there That this business may be conducted with more ease a Subaltern and twelve
Dragoons are to assist The Commanding Officer of the Cavalry will give orders for having them furnished
in Rotation
If the morning should not be very wet the General Troop and March will be as this morning
If the Commissaries are provided the men are to have each a Gill of spirits served to them this
afternoonrdquo
General orders 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 98 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells-Ferry June 21 1778 hellip A Gill of spirits pr man to be issued to the Troops this
day Those Brigades which are out of provision will draw this afternoon at Mr Simpsons on the Hill the
West-Side of the Ferry No men are to be permitted to bathe till sunset The Troops are to begin to cross the
Ferry at half past three oClock tomorrow morning precisely at which time the new Guards are to parade on
the East Side the Ferry and the old ones on the West where the officers who are to march in the Rear will
also assemble
The General to beat at three quarters past two and the troop at a quarter past three in the morningrdquo
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104 ____________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade] Orders June 22d 1778
Returns to be made out Immediately of Dammagd Cartridges in the Brigade and the Number wanting in
the Different Regts to Compleat each Man to Forty Rounds The Comanding Officers of Regts to be
Particular Carefull that the arms of the men belonging [to] their Respective Cores are in the Best Order
possible by tomorrow Morning
Field Returns are to be Made out Immediatly Specifying the Number of Officers Serjts amp rank amp File
Now in the Different Regts Fit for Immediate Action they are to note such as are in want of Arms and
Accoutrementsrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 46-
47) American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells Ferry Monday June 22 1778 hellip
A Field return is to be made this afternoon under the immediate Inspection of the Brigadiers and Officers
commanding Brigades who are to be responsible for their Exactness These returns to comprehend those
men only who are actually on the spot fit for duty in time of Action among which the guards will be
included the unarmed men to be distinguished
The soldiers to have their Arms well cleaned and afterwards carefully inspected together with their
Ammunition by their respective Officers The tents and heavy baggage if there is any will be separated
from the Army for some days the Officers will content themselves with a few Necessaries during that time
The Quarter Master General will make his Arrangements accordingly He will give orders respecting the
movement of the separated baggage None but Invalids and men unfit for the fatigues of a march are to go
as guards to the baggage
Intrenching Tools are to be assigned to the Brigades in due proportion and delivered to the Care of the
Brigade Quarter Masters
When circumstances will permit the Artificers and Pioneers are to advance before the Van Guard of the
Army and repair the roads with Fascines and Earth instead of Rails which serve to cripple the horses
The Quarter Master General will fall upon some method to have straw equally and regularly distributed
to the men when they arrive at the ground of Encampment to prevent Confusion and Waste
9
On a march the Major General of the day will pay particular Attention that the Column advances in
compleat order and not so fast in front as to fatigue and distress the Rear
The Brigadier of the day with the Officers ordered to remain in the Rear will see that every thing is
properly conducted there the Guards kept to their duty and all damage to the fruit trees prevented of which
the whole road hitherto exhibits such shameful proofs
Commanding Officers of Companies will see that their men fill their Canteens before they begin the
march that they may not be under a necessity of tuning to every spring and injuring themselves by drinking
cold water when heated with marching
Each Brigade is to furnish an active spirited Officer and twenty five of its best marksmen immediately
These parties to join Colo Morgans Corps and continue under his command till the Enemy pass thro the
Jerseys after which they are to rejoin their Regiments without further orders
The General will beat at three oClock in the morning and the Army march at four oClock precisely
The Quarter Master General will communicate the order of March and the Route and will acquaint the
Major Generals with their respective Commands
After Orders
The following Brigades during the march are to compose the Right Wing of the Army and be
commanded by Major General Lee Woodfords Scotts No Carolina Poors Varnums and Huntingtons
First Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania Late Conways Glovers Larneds and Patersons are to compose the
Left Wing and be commanded by Major General Lord Stirling
The Second line is to consist of 1st and 2nd Maryland Muhlenbergs Weedons and Maxwells (when it
joins) and be commanded by Major General the Marquis De la Fayette The Army to march from the left
The Quarter Master Genl will furnish Guides
A Field Officer is to take Charge of the baggage guard
If the weather should prove very rainy in the morning the Troops are not to march in any case if they
march the tents are to be left standing and the baggage guards are when dry to strike and load them in the
Waggons Lieutt Colo Coleman will take command of the baggage guard
The Officer and twenty five men from each Brigade who are to be annexed to Colo Morgans Corps are
to be sent to his quarters early tomorrow morning about a mile in front of the Army
The two Light Infantry Companies in the North Carolina Brigade will be attached to Colo Morgans
Corps instead of the twenty five therefrom mentiond in the first order of this day
Lieutenant Colo Basset is appointed Bringer-up vice Lieutt Colo Colemanrdquo
General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Tuesday June 23 1778
Parole Philadelphia Countersigns Brunswick Boston
The Troops will cook their Provisions and in every respect be in the greatest readiness possible for a
march or Action very early in the morning
When the General beats the Army is to be put in immediate readiness to march on beating the troop the
march begins The Wings and the second line are each to furnish 2 Captains 3 Subs 3 Serjeants 3
Corporals and 117 Privates for guards daily till further Orders
The Guards parade tomorrow before Doctr De Camps quarters on the Road to Head Quarters when the
General beats
The Commissary of Military Stores will deliver out Arms tomorrow to the returns signed by
Commanding Officers of Regiments or Corps who will send very early to the Artillery Park for such
numbers as are wanting to complete their men now on the ground fit for dutyrdquo
General orders 23 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 110 ____________________________
23 June 1778 passage added from 10th Virginia order book Following ldquonow on the Ground fit for Duty
the Detachment to be on the Grand Parade Percisely at 4 oClock Fifty Black Men to Compose a Corps of
Poineers Genl Weedins a Subn and five Privates to parade with the Guards tomorrow morningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 53)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
10
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Wednesday June 24 1778 hellip
Officers are on no Account to be absent from their Encampment and are to be particularly vigilant to
prevent their men from stragling
The Troops in point of provision and every other respect are to be held in constant readiness for moving
when the General beats which will be the signal for marching
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to make accurate returns of the Axes Tomahawks and other
such tools in possession of their Corpsrdquo
General orders 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
111 ____________________________
The published Writings of George Washington contains a 23 June 1778 letter to Gen
Philemon Dickinson with the following note ldquoThere were no general orders issued June
25 or 26 Headquarters were at Kingston June 25 and the parole was Monmouth and the
countersigns Minden and Mexico [Headquarters for 25 June were actually at
Longbridge Farm four miles east of Kingston] June 26 headquarters were at Cranberry
the parole Lookout and the countersigns Sharp and Keen While no orders are
extant for 25 June the 10th Virginia order book does contain the following for the 26th Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoCramberry June 26
th 1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling Brigadier Woodford
Coll Vorce Lt Coll Cropper Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Coll Swift
B Majr McOrmick
B[rigade]O[rders] A Very Exact Affective Return to be made tomorrow Morning to the Brigade Major
Commanding Officers of Cores are Requested to Examine into the State of Arms and Ammunition amp
Accoutrements and have their Arms put in the best order amp if any Ammunition is Damagd they will Draw
a Sufficiency to Compleate their Men to 40 Rounds and return the Damagdrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
(The following order is not found in the George Washington Papers) Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoGO July [sic actually June] 27
th 1778
No Drum to be Beat on the March except for signals (Viz) to halt in front for the Rear to Come up three
long Rolls ndash to march when the Rear is come up a Common March to Quickin the March the Granadiers
March
These Signals to begin in the Rear under the Directions of the B Genl of the Day and are to be respected
by the Orderly Drum of every Battalion from to front An Orderly Drum is to be kept ready Braced with
each Battalion for that Purpose When the whole line is to halt for refreshment the first part of the Genl
will be Beat in front and is to be Respected by every orderly Drum down the Rear --- The Troops are to be
Compleated with Provision (salt Meat if Possible) up to the 29th
Inclusively amp have it Cookd The
Commanding Officers of Regts will see this order Executed as soon as possablerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-
57) American Revolution Center ____________________________
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
8
The Officers of the day are to report the names of those who are guilty of a breach thereofrdquo
(Note June 20 1778 To cash Gave Mr Shannons Servants by Ord Genl pound1176 -- Headquarters
Expense Account in the Washington Papers)
General orders 19 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 93 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Buckingham Saturday June 20 1778 hellip Each Regiment is to furnish a Sub each Brigade
a Captain and the line a Field Officer who are during the march to mount with the morning Guards and
under the direction of the Brigadier of the day collect all Straglers and march them to the Army
They are more over to see that nothing which can or ought to be brought away is left on the ground or
properly secured there That this business may be conducted with more ease a Subaltern and twelve
Dragoons are to assist The Commanding Officer of the Cavalry will give orders for having them furnished
in Rotation
If the morning should not be very wet the General Troop and March will be as this morning
If the Commissaries are provided the men are to have each a Gill of spirits served to them this
afternoonrdquo
General orders 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 98 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells-Ferry June 21 1778 hellip A Gill of spirits pr man to be issued to the Troops this
day Those Brigades which are out of provision will draw this afternoon at Mr Simpsons on the Hill the
West-Side of the Ferry No men are to be permitted to bathe till sunset The Troops are to begin to cross the
Ferry at half past three oClock tomorrow morning precisely at which time the new Guards are to parade on
the East Side the Ferry and the old ones on the West where the officers who are to march in the Rear will
also assemble
The General to beat at three quarters past two and the troop at a quarter past three in the morningrdquo
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104 ____________________________
Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoB[rigade] Orders June 22d 1778
Returns to be made out Immediately of Dammagd Cartridges in the Brigade and the Number wanting in
the Different Regts to Compleat each Man to Forty Rounds The Comanding Officers of Regts to be
Particular Carefull that the arms of the men belonging [to] their Respective Cores are in the Best Order
possible by tomorrow Morning
Field Returns are to be Made out Immediatly Specifying the Number of Officers Serjts amp rank amp File
Now in the Different Regts Fit for Immediate Action they are to note such as are in want of Arms and
Accoutrementsrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 46-
47) American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Coryells Ferry Monday June 22 1778 hellip
A Field return is to be made this afternoon under the immediate Inspection of the Brigadiers and Officers
commanding Brigades who are to be responsible for their Exactness These returns to comprehend those
men only who are actually on the spot fit for duty in time of Action among which the guards will be
included the unarmed men to be distinguished
The soldiers to have their Arms well cleaned and afterwards carefully inspected together with their
Ammunition by their respective Officers The tents and heavy baggage if there is any will be separated
from the Army for some days the Officers will content themselves with a few Necessaries during that time
The Quarter Master General will make his Arrangements accordingly He will give orders respecting the
movement of the separated baggage None but Invalids and men unfit for the fatigues of a march are to go
as guards to the baggage
Intrenching Tools are to be assigned to the Brigades in due proportion and delivered to the Care of the
Brigade Quarter Masters
When circumstances will permit the Artificers and Pioneers are to advance before the Van Guard of the
Army and repair the roads with Fascines and Earth instead of Rails which serve to cripple the horses
The Quarter Master General will fall upon some method to have straw equally and regularly distributed
to the men when they arrive at the ground of Encampment to prevent Confusion and Waste
9
On a march the Major General of the day will pay particular Attention that the Column advances in
compleat order and not so fast in front as to fatigue and distress the Rear
The Brigadier of the day with the Officers ordered to remain in the Rear will see that every thing is
properly conducted there the Guards kept to their duty and all damage to the fruit trees prevented of which
the whole road hitherto exhibits such shameful proofs
Commanding Officers of Companies will see that their men fill their Canteens before they begin the
march that they may not be under a necessity of tuning to every spring and injuring themselves by drinking
cold water when heated with marching
Each Brigade is to furnish an active spirited Officer and twenty five of its best marksmen immediately
These parties to join Colo Morgans Corps and continue under his command till the Enemy pass thro the
Jerseys after which they are to rejoin their Regiments without further orders
The General will beat at three oClock in the morning and the Army march at four oClock precisely
The Quarter Master General will communicate the order of March and the Route and will acquaint the
Major Generals with their respective Commands
After Orders
The following Brigades during the march are to compose the Right Wing of the Army and be
commanded by Major General Lee Woodfords Scotts No Carolina Poors Varnums and Huntingtons
First Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania Late Conways Glovers Larneds and Patersons are to compose the
Left Wing and be commanded by Major General Lord Stirling
The Second line is to consist of 1st and 2nd Maryland Muhlenbergs Weedons and Maxwells (when it
joins) and be commanded by Major General the Marquis De la Fayette The Army to march from the left
The Quarter Master Genl will furnish Guides
A Field Officer is to take Charge of the baggage guard
If the weather should prove very rainy in the morning the Troops are not to march in any case if they
march the tents are to be left standing and the baggage guards are when dry to strike and load them in the
Waggons Lieutt Colo Coleman will take command of the baggage guard
The Officer and twenty five men from each Brigade who are to be annexed to Colo Morgans Corps are
to be sent to his quarters early tomorrow morning about a mile in front of the Army
The two Light Infantry Companies in the North Carolina Brigade will be attached to Colo Morgans
Corps instead of the twenty five therefrom mentiond in the first order of this day
Lieutenant Colo Basset is appointed Bringer-up vice Lieutt Colo Colemanrdquo
General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Tuesday June 23 1778
Parole Philadelphia Countersigns Brunswick Boston
The Troops will cook their Provisions and in every respect be in the greatest readiness possible for a
march or Action very early in the morning
When the General beats the Army is to be put in immediate readiness to march on beating the troop the
march begins The Wings and the second line are each to furnish 2 Captains 3 Subs 3 Serjeants 3
Corporals and 117 Privates for guards daily till further Orders
The Guards parade tomorrow before Doctr De Camps quarters on the Road to Head Quarters when the
General beats
The Commissary of Military Stores will deliver out Arms tomorrow to the returns signed by
Commanding Officers of Regiments or Corps who will send very early to the Artillery Park for such
numbers as are wanting to complete their men now on the ground fit for dutyrdquo
General orders 23 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 110 ____________________________
23 June 1778 passage added from 10th Virginia order book Following ldquonow on the Ground fit for Duty
the Detachment to be on the Grand Parade Percisely at 4 oClock Fifty Black Men to Compose a Corps of
Poineers Genl Weedins a Subn and five Privates to parade with the Guards tomorrow morningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 53)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
10
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Wednesday June 24 1778 hellip
Officers are on no Account to be absent from their Encampment and are to be particularly vigilant to
prevent their men from stragling
The Troops in point of provision and every other respect are to be held in constant readiness for moving
when the General beats which will be the signal for marching
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to make accurate returns of the Axes Tomahawks and other
such tools in possession of their Corpsrdquo
General orders 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
111 ____________________________
The published Writings of George Washington contains a 23 June 1778 letter to Gen
Philemon Dickinson with the following note ldquoThere were no general orders issued June
25 or 26 Headquarters were at Kingston June 25 and the parole was Monmouth and the
countersigns Minden and Mexico [Headquarters for 25 June were actually at
Longbridge Farm four miles east of Kingston] June 26 headquarters were at Cranberry
the parole Lookout and the countersigns Sharp and Keen While no orders are
extant for 25 June the 10th Virginia order book does contain the following for the 26th Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoCramberry June 26
th 1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling Brigadier Woodford
Coll Vorce Lt Coll Cropper Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Coll Swift
B Majr McOrmick
B[rigade]O[rders] A Very Exact Affective Return to be made tomorrow Morning to the Brigade Major
Commanding Officers of Cores are Requested to Examine into the State of Arms and Ammunition amp
Accoutrements and have their Arms put in the best order amp if any Ammunition is Damagd they will Draw
a Sufficiency to Compleate their Men to 40 Rounds and return the Damagdrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
(The following order is not found in the George Washington Papers) Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoGO July [sic actually June] 27
th 1778
No Drum to be Beat on the March except for signals (Viz) to halt in front for the Rear to Come up three
long Rolls ndash to march when the Rear is come up a Common March to Quickin the March the Granadiers
March
These Signals to begin in the Rear under the Directions of the B Genl of the Day and are to be respected
by the Orderly Drum of every Battalion from to front An Orderly Drum is to be kept ready Braced with
each Battalion for that Purpose When the whole line is to halt for refreshment the first part of the Genl
will be Beat in front and is to be Respected by every orderly Drum down the Rear --- The Troops are to be
Compleated with Provision (salt Meat if Possible) up to the 29th
Inclusively amp have it Cookd The
Commanding Officers of Regts will see this order Executed as soon as possablerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-
57) American Revolution Center ____________________________
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
9
On a march the Major General of the day will pay particular Attention that the Column advances in
compleat order and not so fast in front as to fatigue and distress the Rear
The Brigadier of the day with the Officers ordered to remain in the Rear will see that every thing is
properly conducted there the Guards kept to their duty and all damage to the fruit trees prevented of which
the whole road hitherto exhibits such shameful proofs
Commanding Officers of Companies will see that their men fill their Canteens before they begin the
march that they may not be under a necessity of tuning to every spring and injuring themselves by drinking
cold water when heated with marching
Each Brigade is to furnish an active spirited Officer and twenty five of its best marksmen immediately
These parties to join Colo Morgans Corps and continue under his command till the Enemy pass thro the
Jerseys after which they are to rejoin their Regiments without further orders
The General will beat at three oClock in the morning and the Army march at four oClock precisely
The Quarter Master General will communicate the order of March and the Route and will acquaint the
Major Generals with their respective Commands
After Orders
The following Brigades during the march are to compose the Right Wing of the Army and be
commanded by Major General Lee Woodfords Scotts No Carolina Poors Varnums and Huntingtons
First Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania Late Conways Glovers Larneds and Patersons are to compose the
Left Wing and be commanded by Major General Lord Stirling
The Second line is to consist of 1st and 2nd Maryland Muhlenbergs Weedons and Maxwells (when it
joins) and be commanded by Major General the Marquis De la Fayette The Army to march from the left
The Quarter Master Genl will furnish Guides
A Field Officer is to take Charge of the baggage guard
If the weather should prove very rainy in the morning the Troops are not to march in any case if they
march the tents are to be left standing and the baggage guards are when dry to strike and load them in the
Waggons Lieutt Colo Coleman will take command of the baggage guard
The Officer and twenty five men from each Brigade who are to be annexed to Colo Morgans Corps are
to be sent to his quarters early tomorrow morning about a mile in front of the Army
The two Light Infantry Companies in the North Carolina Brigade will be attached to Colo Morgans
Corps instead of the twenty five therefrom mentiond in the first order of this day
Lieutenant Colo Basset is appointed Bringer-up vice Lieutt Colo Colemanrdquo
General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106 ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Tuesday June 23 1778
Parole Philadelphia Countersigns Brunswick Boston
The Troops will cook their Provisions and in every respect be in the greatest readiness possible for a
march or Action very early in the morning
When the General beats the Army is to be put in immediate readiness to march on beating the troop the
march begins The Wings and the second line are each to furnish 2 Captains 3 Subs 3 Serjeants 3
Corporals and 117 Privates for guards daily till further Orders
The Guards parade tomorrow before Doctr De Camps quarters on the Road to Head Quarters when the
General beats
The Commissary of Military Stores will deliver out Arms tomorrow to the returns signed by
Commanding Officers of Regiments or Corps who will send very early to the Artillery Park for such
numbers as are wanting to complete their men now on the ground fit for dutyrdquo
General orders 23 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 110 ____________________________
23 June 1778 passage added from 10th Virginia order book Following ldquonow on the Ground fit for Duty
the Detachment to be on the Grand Parade Percisely at 4 oClock Fifty Black Men to Compose a Corps of
Poineers Genl Weedins a Subn and five Privates to parade with the Guards tomorrow morningrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 53)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
10
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Wednesday June 24 1778 hellip
Officers are on no Account to be absent from their Encampment and are to be particularly vigilant to
prevent their men from stragling
The Troops in point of provision and every other respect are to be held in constant readiness for moving
when the General beats which will be the signal for marching
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to make accurate returns of the Axes Tomahawks and other
such tools in possession of their Corpsrdquo
General orders 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
111 ____________________________
The published Writings of George Washington contains a 23 June 1778 letter to Gen
Philemon Dickinson with the following note ldquoThere were no general orders issued June
25 or 26 Headquarters were at Kingston June 25 and the parole was Monmouth and the
countersigns Minden and Mexico [Headquarters for 25 June were actually at
Longbridge Farm four miles east of Kingston] June 26 headquarters were at Cranberry
the parole Lookout and the countersigns Sharp and Keen While no orders are
extant for 25 June the 10th Virginia order book does contain the following for the 26th Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoCramberry June 26
th 1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling Brigadier Woodford
Coll Vorce Lt Coll Cropper Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Coll Swift
B Majr McOrmick
B[rigade]O[rders] A Very Exact Affective Return to be made tomorrow Morning to the Brigade Major
Commanding Officers of Cores are Requested to Examine into the State of Arms and Ammunition amp
Accoutrements and have their Arms put in the best order amp if any Ammunition is Damagd they will Draw
a Sufficiency to Compleate their Men to 40 Rounds and return the Damagdrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
(The following order is not found in the George Washington Papers) Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoGO July [sic actually June] 27
th 1778
No Drum to be Beat on the March except for signals (Viz) to halt in front for the Rear to Come up three
long Rolls ndash to march when the Rear is come up a Common March to Quickin the March the Granadiers
March
These Signals to begin in the Rear under the Directions of the B Genl of the Day and are to be respected
by the Orderly Drum of every Battalion from to front An Orderly Drum is to be kept ready Braced with
each Battalion for that Purpose When the whole line is to halt for refreshment the first part of the Genl
will be Beat in front and is to be Respected by every orderly Drum down the Rear --- The Troops are to be
Compleated with Provision (salt Meat if Possible) up to the 29th
Inclusively amp have it Cookd The
Commanding Officers of Regts will see this order Executed as soon as possablerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-
57) American Revolution Center ____________________________
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
10
ldquoHead Quarters Hunts House Wednesday June 24 1778 hellip
Officers are on no Account to be absent from their Encampment and are to be particularly vigilant to
prevent their men from stragling
The Troops in point of provision and every other respect are to be held in constant readiness for moving
when the General beats which will be the signal for marching
The Commanding Officers of Corps are to make accurate returns of the Axes Tomahawks and other
such tools in possession of their Corpsrdquo
General orders 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
111 ____________________________
The published Writings of George Washington contains a 23 June 1778 letter to Gen
Philemon Dickinson with the following note ldquoThere were no general orders issued June
25 or 26 Headquarters were at Kingston June 25 and the parole was Monmouth and the
countersigns Minden and Mexico [Headquarters for 25 June were actually at
Longbridge Farm four miles east of Kingston] June 26 headquarters were at Cranberry
the parole Lookout and the countersigns Sharp and Keen While no orders are
extant for 25 June the 10th Virginia order book does contain the following for the 26th Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoCramberry June 26
th 1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling Brigadier Woodford
Coll Vorce Lt Coll Cropper Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Coll Swift
B Majr McOrmick
B[rigade]O[rders] A Very Exact Affective Return to be made tomorrow Morning to the Brigade Major
Commanding Officers of Cores are Requested to Examine into the State of Arms and Ammunition amp
Accoutrements and have their Arms put in the best order amp if any Ammunition is Damagd they will Draw
a Sufficiency to Compleate their Men to 40 Rounds and return the Damagdrdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
(The following order is not found in the George Washington Papers) Woodfordrsquos Virginia Brigade ldquoGO July [sic actually June] 27
th 1778
No Drum to be Beat on the March except for signals (Viz) to halt in front for the Rear to Come up three
long Rolls ndash to march when the Rear is come up a Common March to Quickin the March the Granadiers
March
These Signals to begin in the Rear under the Directions of the B Genl of the Day and are to be respected
by the Orderly Drum of every Battalion from to front An Orderly Drum is to be kept ready Braced with
each Battalion for that Purpose When the whole line is to halt for refreshment the first part of the Genl
will be Beat in front and is to be Respected by every orderly Drum down the Rear --- The Troops are to be
Compleated with Provision (salt Meat if Possible) up to the 29th
Inclusively amp have it Cookd The
Commanding Officers of Regts will see this order Executed as soon as possablerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-
57) American Revolution Center ____________________________
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
11
Weedonrsquos Virginia Brigade
ldquoMonolopy June 27th
1778
[Officers of the day] Majr Genl Lord Stearling - Brigadier Patterson
Coll Patton Lt CollMillon and Lt Coll Ford Bringer up [in the rear of the army] Lt Coll Wigglesworth
Brid Majr Stag
As we are now nigh the enemy and of Consequence Vigilence amp precaution more Assentially necessary the
Commanr in Chief desires and injoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts amp their Soldiers Compact so
as to be ready for a March at a Moments Warning as Circumstances May requirerdquo
Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57)
American Revolution Center ____________________________
ldquoHead Quarters Penolopen Saturday June 27 1778 hellip As we are now nigh the Enemy and of
consequence Vigilance and Precaution more essentially necessary the Commander in Chief desires and
enjoins it upon all Officers to keep their Posts and their soldiers compact so as to be ready to form and
march at a moments warning as circumstances may requirerdquo
General orders 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
124
7 General Washingtonrsquos forces marched from Valley Forge to the Delaware River in five
divisions formed as follows Maj Gen Charles Leersquos Division
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Brig Gen Anthony Waynersquos Division
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
12
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayettersquos Division
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Maj Gen Johann DeKalbrsquos Division
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts (Sgt Ebenezer Wild)
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts (Lt Samuel Armstrong)
9th Massachusetts
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirlingrsquos Division
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
13
General orders 18 June 1778 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June
1778 after Gen Lees and Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from
Valley Forge) 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 90
91 Brigade troop strength based on the 22 June 1778 army return published in William S
Stryker Battle of Monmouth (Princeton NJ Princeton University Press 1927) 279
Artillery troop strength is from the 30 May 1778 army return for which see Charles H
Lesser Sinews of Independence Monthly Strength Reports of the Continental Army
(Chicago Il and London 1976) 68ndash69
Numbers and apportionment of vehicles and horses based on 30 May 1778 Valley
Forge wagon return including an allotment of two field pieces to each brigade for which
see ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778
Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Two horses have been allocated for each army baggage wagon and four
horses to every artillery ammunition wagon Wagon allotment for the two Maryland
brigades is conjectural based on the known allotment for other brigades The artillery
wagon allotment is conjectural based on the number of divisions and the artillery wagons
listed on the 30 May return Twentyndashnine field pieces are listed in the 30 May Valley
Forge return Four cannon were absent with Brig Gen William Smallwoodrsquos two
Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware plus artillery wagon support Two pieces
were also absent with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New Jersey brigade in their home
state That gives a total of thirty-five cannon with the main armyrsquos brigades both present
with General Washington and absent in New Jersey
Washingtonrsquos army vehicle allotment for the march to Coryellrsquos Ferry based on the 30
May 1778 return and other documents (NOTE Of the vehicles and horses listed on the 30 May 1778 return 265 wagons and 1183 horses
were property of the United States 43 wagons and 189 horses were private property)
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
14
1 Leersquos Division Varnumrsquos RI and Poorrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Ct brigades
McDougalrsquos Division Varnumrsquos and Huntingdonrsquos Brigades
8 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 6 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
63 wagon horses 3 riding horses 3 wagons at artificers 1 wagon and 3 horses on command (ie detached
duty)
Poorrsquos Brigade
6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 3 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
40 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
103 wagon horses
5 riding horses
plus ldquoon commandrdquo 1 wagon and 3 horses
3 wagons being repaired
Total Leersquos Division 26 wagons 103 wagon horses 5 riding horses
2 Waynersquos Division three Pennsylvania brigades
Waynersquos two Pennsylvania Brigades
11 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
76 wagon horses 2 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Van Schaickrsquos 1st New York)
late Conwayrsquos Brigade 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
36 wagon horses 1 riding horse
TOTAL
17 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
2 foraging wagons
112 wagon horses
3 riding horses
Total Waynersquo Division 30 wagons 120 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
3 Lafayettersquos Division the North Carolina and Scottrsquos and Woodfordrsquos Va brigades
McIntoshrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 4 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
41 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Woodfordrsquos and Scottrsquos Brigades 13 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 5 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
75 wagon horses 2 riding horses
TOTAL 18 baggage wagons
2 ammunition wagons
9 commissary wagons
1 traveling forge
116 wagon horses
5 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos Division 30 wagons 116 wagon horses 5 riding horses
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
15
4 DeKalbrsquos Division Gloverrsquos Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Mass brigades
Pattersonrsquos and Learnedrsquos Brigades 9 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 0 foraging wagons
60 wagon horses 2 riding horses
Gloverrsquos Brigade
5 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2 commissary wagons
0 foraging wagons
32 wagon horses 0 riding horses
TOTAL 14 baggage wagons
3 ammunition wagons
6 commissary wagons
92 wagon horses
2 riding horses
Total DeKalbrsquos Division 23 wagons 92 wagon horses 2 riding horses
5 Stirlingrsquos Division two Maryland and Weedonrsquos and Muhlenbergrsquos Va brigades
Muhlenbergrsquos and Weedonrsquos Brigades
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses (plus 2 wagons and 8 wagon horses for Smithrsquos 2d Virginia State
Regt)
Two Maryland Brigades
(Given the lack of a wagon return for the Maryland regiments under Brig Gen William Smallwood
absent from Valley Forge at their station at Wilmington Delaware the numbers for Muhlenbergrsquos
and Weedonrsquos brigades are used as an estimate)
14 baggage wagons 2 ammunition wagons 4 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons
80 wagon horses 4 riding horses
TOTAL 28 baggage wagons
4 ammunition wagons
8 commissary wagons
4 foraging wagons
160 wagon horses
8 riding horses
Total Stirlingrsquos Division 46 wagons 168 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
6 Artillery field pieces and wagons
1069 troops (34 men per field piece)
29 (or 33) field pieces
(2 field pieces detached to each brigade = 32 field pieces 3 short 4 field pieces were absent with the two
Maryland brigades garrisoned at Wilmington Delaware during the Valley Forge winter and spring
Also note 2 field pieces were also detached and serving with Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos New
Jersey Brigade at or near Mount Holly New Jersey)
(4 field pieces with Smallwood 4 plus 29 makes 33 field pieces in all)
(Note Modified replacing Harrisonrsquos Regt for Proctorrsquos) 8 baggage wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
21 ammunition wagons (plus 1 for Maryland artillery)
107 wagon horses
108 artillery horses
6 riding horses
5 bat horses
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
16
Cranersquos Artillery 10 field pieces 3 baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons
39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
Lambrsquos Artillery 9 field pieces 2 baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
29 wagon horses 32 artillery horses 2 riding horses 5 bat horses
Harrisonrsquos Artillery (estimated but had the same number of men as Cranersquos) 10 field pieces 3
baggage wagons 8 ammunition wagons 39 wagon horses 38 artillery horses 2 riding horses
(Note Proctorrsquos Artillery Regt or a portion of it was sent to Philadelphia to garrison the city
Sometime before 30 May 1778 Col Charles Harrisonrsquos Artillery Regt joined the army at Valley
Forge Harrisonrsquos Regiment then participated in the Monmouth Campaign and battle The number
of cannon with Harrisonrsquos Regiment is unknown but unit strength was recorded on the May 1778
army return as 35 officers 102 non-commissioned officers 4 staff 148 rank amp file (total strength
289) By way of comparison Cranersquos Artillery had 29 officers 118 non-commissioned officers 2 staff
140 rank amp file (total strength 289 30 May 1778 army return Lesser Sinews of Independence 68-
70)
Proctorrsquos Artillery was allotted to garrison Philadelphia following the British evacuation and did
not as a whole march into New Jersey Some elements evidently fight in the Monmouth battle as
related byDr William Read who observed a portion of Proctorrsquos artillery on Perrine Hill during the
action of 28 June Proctorrsquos Artillery had 10 field pieces 6 baggage wagons 7 ammunition wagons
37 wagon horses 42 artillery horses 2 riding horses
_________________________
Artillery vehicle allotment calculated by division
9 baggage wagons 22 ammunition wagons 5 bat [pack] horses (Note 1 baggage wagon and 1
ammunition wagon have been added for the Maryland Brigade artillery)
Stirlingrsquos and Leersquos Divisions - 2 artillery baggage wagons 5 ammunition wagons
Other three divisions ndash One division with 1 artillery baggage wagon two divisions each 2 artillery
baggage wagons These three division each had 4 ammunition wagons
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions 33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons
197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
( 215 wagon and artillery horses were listed in 30 May 1778 return) __________________________
7 Artillery Support
Spare Ammunition 7 ammunition wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse 14 wagons and 56 horses on
command
Commissary to the Artillery Park 2 commissary wagons 8 wagon horses
Foraging for the Artillery Park 18 foraging wagons 72 wagon horses 4 riding horses
Total Artillery Support 41 wagons 166 wagon horses 5 riding horses 1 spare field piece
8 Army Baggage
ldquoThe whole Baggage to fall in the Rear of the Column of Troopsrdquo
The disposition for the Baggage of the Army to be as follows
The Commander in Chiefs Baggage is to march in the front
The Adjutant Generals
Paymaster Generals
Engineers
Muster Master General
Auditor of Accounts
(Baggage detailed below)
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
17
Commander-in-Chiefrsquos baggage
7 baggage wagons 28 wagon horses
Staff baggage
13 baggage wagons 52 wagon horses
Commissary to the Staff
3 commissary wagons 12 wagon horses 1 riding horse
Estimated baggage for
Adjutant Gen Paymaster Gen Muster Master Gen Auditor 2 wagons 8 horses
Engineers 2 wagons 8 horses
(Sub-total 27 wagons 109 horses)
and then the Waggons of the Quarter Master Generals department
Quartermaster General
10 wagons 40 horses
Artificers
1 baggage wagon 5 artificerrsquos wagons 2 traveling forges 29 wagon horses
Flying Hospital
1 baggage wagon 1 store wagon 1 extra purpose wagon 12 wagon horses
1 riding horse
Comy and Forage Master Generals Waggons Estimated for Commissary General
20 wagons 80 horses
Foraging for the Continental Yard
7 foraging wagons 28 wagon horses 1 riding horse
(Sub-total 48 wagons 191 horses)
The divisions that left Valley Forge with General Washington on 19 June marched without their
baggage wagons All the army baggage followed Stirlingrsquos division
Repairing (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
60 wagons at artificers
10 wagons sent to Reading to be repaired
Reserve Teams (not included with army marching to Monmouth)
78 baggage wagons
326 wagon horses
4 riding horses
7 wagons on command
28 horses on command
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc 75 wagons
297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
____________________
Miscellaneous
Col Goose Van Schaickrsquos (1st New York Regt) and Col [Gregory] Smithrsquos (2d Virginia State Regt)
Detachments
5 baggage wagons (possibly 3 with Van Schaickrsquos Regt 2 with Smithrsquos Regt)
20 wagon horses
NOTE 2 wagons and 8 horses added to Waynersquos Pennsylvania Division for the 1st New York joining
to replace the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment sent to western Pennsylvania on 31 May 1778) 2 wagons
and 8 horses added to Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade for 2d Virginia State Regiment
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
18
Maxwellrsquos New Jersey Brigade
(Estimated) 3 baggage wagons 3 commissary wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons without horses 2
wagons on command (possibly with Col Israel Shreversquos 2d New Jersey Regt in New Jersey) 18
wagon horses 3 riding horses Total 11 wagons (if sufficient wagon horses could be found) Lt John
Shreve recalled 6 baggage wagons for the brigade in June 1778)
30 May 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1187 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1059
4 July 1778 Conwayrsquos Brigade strength 1152 Maxwellrsquos Brigade strength 1691
Late Conwayrsquos Brigade (Stirlingrsquos Division) returned 6 baggage wagons 1 ammunition wagon 2
commissary wagons 36 wagon horses and 1 riding horse The 7 April 1778 return listed Stirlingrsquos
Division with Conwayrsquos and Maxwellrsquos Brigades having together 9 baggage wagons 5 commissary
wagons 2 foraging wagons 3 wagons in camp but no horses 54 wagon horses 4 riding horses 1
wagon at the artificers and 2 wagons on command
Col Henry Jacksonrsquos Regiment
Jacksonrsquos Additional Regiment was stationed at the Gulph (modern-day Gulph Mills Pennsylvania) in
spring 1778 and marched separately to Englishtown taking possession of Philadelphia first
ldquoHead Quarters V Forge Thursday May 28 1778 hellip Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of
former orders to hold themselves in readiness to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master
General for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective
Brigades supplied as completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite
towards taking the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to
issue to the Army when calld for As we may expect every moment to march the Army is to be prepared in
all respects for that purpose hellip The Detachment under Colo Jackson to March into Philadelphia and
receive orders from General Arnold who will comd there
Vanscoicks Regiment to replace the 8th Pensyla in the 2d Pensa Brigade
The Seed State Regimt of Virginia to replace the 13th Virga Regt in Muhlenbergs Brig
The Parke of Artillery to be divided among the several divisions above equally and March with them
(General orders 28 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 11 (1934) 463-465)
Total Leersquos Two Divisions
56 wagons 223 wagon horses 8 riding horses
Total Artillery with Marching Divisions
33 field pieces 5 bat horses 31 wagons 197 wagon and artillery horses 6 riding horses
Total Lafayettersquos DeKalbrsquos Stirlingrsquos Divisions
99 wagons 376 wagon horses 15 riding horses
Total Artillery Support
41 wagons 166 wagon horses 1 spare field piece 5 riding horses
Total C-in-Crsquos and Staff Baggage Commissary Hospital Quartermaster etc
75 wagons 297 wagon horses 3 riding horses
Total for Washingtonrsquos Army June 1778
33 field pieces 302 wagons 1259 wagon and artillery horses 5 bat horses 38 riding horses
These numbers do not take into account riding horses for commanders staff officers
and regimental field officers
(Note Number of vehicles and wagon horses are based on returns some estimates have been
formulated where concrete information is unavailable)
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
19
Wheeled Transportation The types of baggage wagons used by Washingtonrsquos army
cannot be certainly known but must have been a bit of a hodge-podge Some vehicles
most notably the large English wagons brought by over from Britain in 1776 to serve
General Sir William Howersquos troops as well as the larger Conestoga wagons were
considered too heavy and cumbersome to follow a campaigning army others like the
ldquoDutchrdquo wagons of Long and Staten Islands and northern New Jersey were too fragile
for hard service Francis Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision
Train of Wagons and Horses reconfigured the large English wagons lessening their weight
by about five hundred pounds and also devised an even lighter ldquonew Waggonrdquo with rope
sides Continental commanders depended on the Quartermaster Department to build
purchase or hire wagons for the army It is known that large numbers of vehicles were
hired or purchased in Pennsylvania and very likely during the Monmouth campaign
some portion of Continental Army baggage was carried in smaller Conestoga-style
wagons Other vehicle types were also undoubtedly used for baggage Below are images
of several wagons available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the War for
American Independence (See endnote 33 for further discussion of army wagons)
ldquoA relatively small but graceful nine-bow Conestoga owned by [the late] DH Berkebilerdquo
George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York
Pa 1964) 51
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
20
Three mid-18
th century Conestoga wagons of differing design reconstructed for Fort
Ligonier Ligonier Pennsylvania (httpfortligonierorg )
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
21
(Above and below)
Side and rear view of the large Burgner Conestoga wagon said to have ben built in 1762 at
Waynesboro Pennsylvania for Cumberland Valley miller Jonathan Keefer The wagon bed
is four feet deep fourteen feet long at the bottom and nineteen at the top It held a ten ton
load John Omwake The Conestoga Six-Horse Bell Teams of Eastern Pennsylvania (Cincinnati
OH 1930) 32 33
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
22
A Philadelphia Waggon used by the British army in Pennsylvania Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
23
A Country Waggon from Long Island amp New York (drawn circa 1778) also known as a
Dutch wagon Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys
Provision Train of Wagons and Horses wrote These were taken promiscuously from the
Farmers on Long amp Island Staten Island amp some from the Jerseys Many of them in a
wretchd Condition amp none having any Cover to protect their Loading Narrative of
Occurences relative to His Majestys Provision Train in North America (circa 1778) Francis
Rush Clark Papers (no 2338) Sol Feinstone Collection David Library of the American
Revolution Drawing courtesy of the David Library Washington Crossing Pa)
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
24
Early 18th century New York Dutch two-horse farm wagon Detail from Van Bergen
Overmantel circa 1733 NO36654 New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown)
Francis Rush Clark Inspector and Superintendent of His Majestys Provision Train of
Wagons and Horses sketched the same vehicle in the 1770s (My thanks to Garry W Stone
for bringing the Van Bergen Overmantel to my attention)
English Tumbrel circa 1757 The body measures approximately 3 feet 8 inches wide 4 feet
10 inches long by 2 feet high Muller Treatise of Artillery plate XVIII
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
25
There were several specialized vehicles supporting the army in 1778 Purpose-built
ammunition wagons and traveling forges were produced for the Quartermaster General
at first under contract then beginning in the winter of 1778 by the Artillery Artificers at
manufactories at Carlisle Pennsylvania and Springfield Massachusetts In January 1777
General Washington recommended using Chaises marine [two-wheeled carts] made for the
Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered Whether or not these carts
were adopted by the Continental Armyin his Treatise of Artillery (first published 1757)
John Muller shows a similar vehicle the two-wheeled English Powder Cart whose
features included a roof covered with oil cloth to prevent dampness from coming to the
powder and shot locker[s] divided into four parts by boards an inch thick Muller
noted several defects in these carts our powder carts hold no more than four barrels and
[as] a great quantity is required in all expeditions they are not sufficient there should be
powder waggons to hold twelve barrels each It is true that the powder carts carry leaden
bullets and flints at the same time and are therefore more convenient to follow the
battalions but the rest should be carried in much larger quantities He then gave his
objections to two-wheeled transport in general which though they may be useful upon
some particular occasions yet they should not be used in carrying great quantities of any
kind for the whole weight lying upon one axle-tree must require more horses to draw a
weight than when the same weight lies upon two This every carrier must know and
therefore no more carts should be used than are necessary By adopting four-wheel
ammunition wagons both the British and American armies remedied some of these
shortcomings Several of these vehicles were assigned to each brigade for carrying spare
ammunition and arms Muller noted that the British ammunition wagon serves likewise to
carry bread it being lined around in the inside with basket work
In response to the commander-in-chiefrsquos query about wagons needed for the artillery
Brig Gen Henry Knox replied that the ldquoArtillery Artificers will make the coverrsquod
ammunition Waggons and travelling forges I expect they will be able at Carlisle and
Springfield to make 200 ammunition Waggons by the Spring which in addition to those
we already have will be nearly sufficient I have given to the QuarterMaster Genl Colo
[Henry Emanuel] Lutterlohrsquos [deputy quartermaster general for main Continental Army]
return for the Horses and Harness to complete themrdquo Knox estimated that the artillery
alone would require 1049 horses to pull 106 field pieces (at an average of four draft
animals each) 50 ammunition wagons with teams of 5 horses and 60 wagons for spare
ammunition needing 6 horses each The cannon traveling with Washingtonrsquos army and
used at Monmouth ranged from three to six pound guns with the majority fours and
sixes This is based on a letter by Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon written
from Croton Bridge 19 July 1778 to John Ruddock Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at
Fishkill
Sir the great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition in the late Battle at Monmouth Renders
it Necessary that a Supply be sent With all posable dispatch to Camp
200 six pound strap shott
200 four pound Ditto
100 three pound Ditto is Much Wanted also
100 Good Arms amp Accutrements
I have sent by Mr Giles QrM Stores five Load of Damaged Arms amp Ammunition Who
Will Conduct the Above stores to Camp
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
26
When the army was on the move each piece needed a two-wheel limber plus two to
four draft horses Drivers for the artillery limbers and horse teams were often provided by
taking common soldiers from infantry regiment for temporary detached duty though in
some cases hired civilian wagoners may also have served ___________________________________________
An English Powder Cart circa 1757 Overall length is approximately 13 12 feet In January
1777 General Washington recommended for the Continental army Chaises marine [two-
wheeled carts] made for the Artillery and Regimental amunition light strong and covered
It is not known if such vehicles were adopted John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition
(London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service
Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XIX Washington to Thomas Mifflin 31 January 1777 John
C Fitzpatrick ed The Writings of George Washington 7 (Washington GPO 1932) 83 (see
also pagenote)
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
27
Travelling forge circa 1757 Overall length 15 12 feet
Explanation for plate
a The bellows
b Place boarded up to put the tools in
c Iron plate for the fire place
d Wooden trough for water
f Iron plate to receive the cinders and to lay
the hammers and tongs upon
g Iron plate to prevent the flame setting fire to
the carriage
This forge is very ill contrived it should have four wheels that it might stand firm and be
easier carried the French use such as this last described Since the first impression of this
work these forges have been made with four wheels helliprdquo
John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st edition 1757
reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XXV 140
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
28
English ammunition wagon circa 1757 Overall length is 26 feet the cargo-carrying body is 14
feet long by 4 feet wide Most Continental army ammunition wagons were likely made with
four wheels John Muller A Treatise of Artillery 3rd edition (London John Millan 1780 1st
edition 1757 reprinted by Museum Restoration Service Bloomfield Ontario 1977) plate XX
Artillery piece on the move attached to limber and horse team Detail from Phillippe
Jacques de Loutherbourg (1740-1812) ldquoWarley Camp The Reviewrdquo (1780) Oil on canvas
1213 x 1835 cm Painted for George III RCIN 406349 The Royal Collection
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
29
Artillery piece and limber can be seen in the background of this detail from the painting
ldquoRoyal Artillery in the Low Countries 1748rdquo Attributed to David Morier (1705-70)
Oil on canvas 1361 x 1708 cm Commissioned by William Augustus Duke of Cumberland
RCIN 407454 The Royal Collection
Image of artillery field piece and two-horse limber from a powder horn engraving This
drawing is from Harold L Peterson Round Shot and Rammers An Introduction to Muzzle-
loading Land Artillery in the United States (South Bend In South Bend Replicas 1969) 59
Also see photograph of powder horn in Harold L Peterson The Book of the Continental Soldier
(Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 132
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
30
Side and overhead views of British 6-pounder field gun Harold L Peterson The Book of the
Continental Soldier (Harrisburg Pa Stackpole Books 1968) 116 121
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
31
Continental Army field artillery in action Detail from William Mercer ldquoBattle of Princeton
on 3rd January 1777rdquo (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Wheeled Vehicle Sources
Erna Risch Supplying Washingtons Army (Washington DC 1981) 64-90 J
Henry Knox to Washington 8 January 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC) series 4
reel 45
John U Rees `Employed in carrying cloathing amp provisions Wagons and Watercraft
During the War for Independence Part I `Country Waggons `Tumbrils and `Philadelphia
Carts Wheeled Transport in The Armies of the Revolution ALHFAM Bulletin vol XXIX no
3 (Fall 1999) 4-9 and The Continental Soldier vol XII no 2 (Winter 1999) 18-25
httpwwwcontinentallineorgarticlesarticlephpdate=9902amparticle=990202
ldquo`Little chariots painted red helliprsquo Continental Army Vehicle Paint Colorsrdquo
Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 2 (Summer 2008) 154-156
httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfspaintpdf
ldquo`The road appeared to be full of red Coats helliprsquo The Battle of Millstone 20 January
1777 An Episode in the Forage Warrdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 62 no 1
(Spring 2010) 24-35 httprevwar75comlibraryreespdfsmillstonepdf
ldquorsquoThe great Consumption of Cannon Ammunition helliprsquo Continental Artillery at
Monmouth 28 June 1778rdquo Military Collector amp Historian vol 60 no 1 (Spring 2008)
38-39)
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
32
ldquoOne of the largest of the Conestoga freighters this is known as the Burgner wagon The
cloth cover is supported by thirteen bows George Shumway Edward Durell and Howard C
Frey Conestoga Wagon 1750-1850 (York Pa 1964) 4
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
33
Wagoner with team of oxen Horses were the preferred draft animal in the Continental
Army for most of the War for Independence (Image from the 2012 Fair at New Boston
September 1-2 2012 George Rogers Clark Park Springfield Ohio
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
34
The Maryland brigades at Wilmington Delaware 1777-78
General Washington to Brig Gen William Smallwood commanding the Maryland
brigades ldquoGulph Mill December 19 1777
Dr Sir With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan you are to March immediately for
Wilmington and take Post there You are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of
defence to do which and for the security of it afterwards I have written in urgent terms to the President of
the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia I have also directed an Engineer to attend
you for the purpose of constructing and superintending the Works and you will fix with the Quarter
Master on the number of Tools necessary for the business but do not let any neglect or deficiency on his
part impede your operations as you are hereby vested with full power to sieze and take (passing receipts)
such articles as are wanted The Commissary and Forage Master will receive directions respecting your
Supplies in their way but I earnestly request that you will see that these Supplies are drawn from the
Country between you and Philadelphia as it will be depriving the Enemy of all chance of getting them and
in this point of view becomes an object to us of importance
I earnestly exhort you to keep both Officers and Men to their duty and to avoid furloughs but in cases of
absolute necessity You will also use your utmost endeavours to collect all the straglers ampca from both
Brigades and you are also to use your best endeavours to get the Men Cloathed in the most comfortable
manner you can
You will be particular in your observation of every thing passing on the River and will communicate
every matter of Importance to Dear Sir etcrdquo
General Washington to Brigadier General Smallwood ldquoHead Quarters Valley Forge May 25 1778
Dear Sir I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your
command with all their Baggage Artillery ampca to join this Army With the second and their Baggage
ampca you will move to some strong grounds in the Neighbourhood of Chads ford and take a position from
whence you will have it in your power either to cover the Stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt
should be formed against them or to proceed to this Camp on further orders Tho you leave Wilmington it
will be necessary to send parties of observation thither and to employ persons in whom you can confide to
give you the earliest notice of any movements the Enemy may make and to inform of the departure or
arrival of any Ships and as correctly as circumstances will admit whether Troops or what other contents
they may have on board It will also be equally and I think more necessary that trusty persons should be
kept at New Castle for the same purpose as from the small distance between that place and the Head of
Elk it is most probable the Enemy will land there if they should undertake an expedition to destroy the
Storesrdquo
Washington to William Smallwood 19 December 1777 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 10 (1933) 171-172 Washington to William Smallwood 25 May 1778
ibid 11 (1934) 449
8 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
9 General orders 18 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington vol 12
(1934) 91-92
10 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108 Robert C Bray and Paul E
Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution An Annotated
Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb Northern Illinois
University Press 1978) 120
11 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
12 Joseph Lee Boyle ed ldquoFrom Saratoga to Valley Forge The Diary of Lt Samuel
Armstrongrdquo The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography vol CXXI no 3
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
35
(July 1997) 269-270 Ebenezer Wild Journal of Ebenezer Wild Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society 2nd series vol VI (Boston Ma 1891) 108
13 Norristown Farm Park Montgomery County Parks (including link to map of park)
httpwwwparksmontcopaorgparkscwpviewA1441Q37325parksNav7Casp
14 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 120
15 ldquoWashington put the Continental army in march from Valley Forge hellip the 18th
of June hellipGeneral Lee
with six brigades led the advance via Doylestown to New Hope where he crossed the night of the 20th
and Washington encamped at Doylestown the same evening with the main body The weather was very
stormy and the army remained [t]here until the next afternoon occupying three encampments [1] on the
south side of State street west of Main [2] on the ridge east of the Presbyterian church and [3] along the
New Hope pike east of the borough mill Washington pitched his tent near the dwelling of Jonathan Fell
late Frank G Mannrsquos farm house and General Lafayette quartered at the house of Thomas Jones New
Britain helliprdquo WWH Davis History of Bucks County Pennsylvania (3 volumes) 2d edition
vol 2 (Pipersville Pa AE Lear Inc Publishers 1975) 130
16 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-2
17 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108
18 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120
19 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania (Cornwall NY
The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) New Britain Borough 260ndash261 New Britain Township
261ndash266 HolicongGrintown 195
20 Nathanael Greenes orders Verplanks Point 3 August 1780 Richard K Showman
ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol VI (Chapel Hill and London
University of North Carolina Press 1991) 177
21 New Hope bridge ldquoThe original structure at this site a covered wooden bridge consisting of six
arch spans was completed September 12 1814 The bridge was 32 feet wide and was divided into two
wagon-ways and two footways After being carried away by the flood of January 9 1841 it was replaced
with another wooden structure which in turn was claimed by the flood of October 10 1903 The current
bridge superstructure constructed in 1904 is a six-span pin-connected Pratt truss with a total length of
1046 feet All substructure units are from the original construction in 1814rdquo httpwwwdrjtbcorgdefaultaspxpageid=175 Distance of Kingrsquos Ferry crossing (ldquo34
mile (3960 feet)rdquo) courtesy of Alan A Morrison Jr 22 Benjamin Eyre (builder of watercraft for the Continental Army since 1776 and in 1778
appointed ldquosuperintendent of naval businessrdquo under QMG Nathanael Greene) to Maj Gen
Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Notes and letter
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
36
ldquoAfording Place two Miles above trentown Not Rapped
4 feet amp half Wauter
Yar[d]leys ferrey Not Rapped 4 feet Wauter 300 yds Wide
4 miles from trentown a Road Leading from Maidenhead to it
Scudders falls 2 miles higher up 4 or 5 feet Wauter Rapped
at the head of the Island 150 Yds mane Channel
Browns ferrey 2 miles above Scudders falls 250 Yds across
Nolesy Cove 2 miles above Browns 125 Yds Rapped amp Deep
Pettets ferrey 1 mile above Noleses Cove Good fording Plaice
4 frac12 [feet] Wauter300 Yds wide Good Road amp Good Road from Penney town
Wellses falls One mile amp frac14 from Coreyels a Good Plaice
for abridg 250 Yds across Good Road amp Good Ground
Coreyels ferrey Rapped Deep amp wide 400 Yds across
Deare Genl I have mad[e] InQuirerey about All the fording Plaices Betwen this amp trentown Where it is
Likely the Enemy Will Cross Welses falls will Be the Best Plaice for them on Accompt of the Hights
Half of the Boats I have Got movd 10 miles higher up from this [place] By Genl [Benedict] Annalds orders
Genl arnald thinks He can Stop the Enemy should they move on until Genl Washington Comes up With
them with 4000 Men the troops Comes in Very fast the Enemy is Entrenching at Somerset the Jersey
malatia took one serjeant of the Brittish Light horse Yesterday hellip Genl [John] Solovan is at Flemingtown
With His Division Princetown Road is all Left open for the Enemy Would it Not Be Prudent to send Afew
Brass Cannon to Welses falls I am Now Going up ten miles higher up to Vew the Ground I[n] Case Genl
Washing[ton] should Want to Cross above this
I am Deare Sir Your
Assurd Benjn Eyre
Corells ferrey June 17th 1777
Half Past 6 ocloockrdquo
Benjamin Eyre to Thomas Mifflin 17 June 1777 Roland M Baumann ed Records of
Pennsylvaniarsquos Revolutionary Governments 1775ndash1790 in the Pennsylvania State Archives
(microfilm edition 54 reels) Record Group 27 reel 12 (Harrisburg Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission 1978)
23 Thomas Mifflin to Washington 8 June 1777 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers Microfilm (Washington Library of Congress 1961) series 4 (General
Correspondence 1697ndash1799) reel 42
24 Edmund Dalrymple deposition (S988) Index of Revolutionary War Pension
Applications in the National Archives (Washington DC Government Printing Office
1976) copies of depositions and related materials in National Archives Microfilm
Publication M804 (2670 reels) reel 732 John U Rees ldquorsquoI hellip am Determined to serve you
hellip If Possiblersquo- John Coryell (1778) General Washingtonrsquos Request for Assistance
during the Valley Forge Winterrdquo (New Hope Historical Society newsletter vol 4 no 1
(May 2006) 4ndash5 ldquoCoryellrsquos Ferry the town name at the time of the Revolution was a river
trade hub before the war and the scene of much activity prior to and during the December 1776
Trenton campaign In 1777 the townrsquos contribution centered on its role as a major Delaware
River ferry crossing and during that year the river was traversed innumerable times by wagon
trains and bodies of Continental troops large and small Following the capture of the capital
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
37
Philadelphia by British forces on 22 September 1777 Coryellrsquos Ferryrsquos importance grew as one
of the few safe crossing points near the city free from enemy interference
The ferry crossing was known from about 1722 to 1748 as Wellrsquos Ferry then from 1748 to the
end of the 1760s as Canbyrsquos Ferry after the first ferry owners and proprietors of the tavern on the
Pennsylvania side of the river John Coryell acquired the New Jersey side of the ferry sometime
in the late 1750s or early 60s and in 1765 purchased part of the Pennsylvania ferry tract plus the
associated tavern from Canbyrsquos daughter and son-in-law (Johnrsquos father Emanual had purchased
the Jersey side of the crossing in 1728 but evidently never acquired the ferry rights which
remained with the Pennsylvania proprietors) By 1770 the crossing was known as Coryellrsquos
Ferry and John Coryell remained in charge of ferry and tavern almost to the end of the conflict
having to sell the property in May 1782 due to large debts
With the British occupation of Philadelphia the Delaware River was closed to the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean but traffic above the city was still necessary and at times crucial Some
merchant vessels and several ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State navies were caught
upriver perhaps more importantly a number of flat boats used for crossing troops animals
vehicles and equipment over waterways were located nearer the city than was thought safe It
was this type of craft that served at Coryellrsquos Ferry in 1777 and would do so again in June 1778
ferrying Washingtonrsquos army across the Delaware on the march from Valley Forge to battle at
Monmouth Courthouse New Jersey
On 1 March 1778 General George Washington wrote the Continental Congress Navy Board
his concerns
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 1 1778
Gentlemen I am informed that a Number of the continental flat Boats still remain at
Bordentown I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River but
why he has not done it I do not know I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or
other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place To prevent as
much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a favour if you will upon your return have all the flat
Boats sent up as far as Trenton and if Commodore Hazelwood has not hands enough with him to
carry them up the Falls [above Trenton] I will write to Coryell and desire him to employ people to
do it These Boats may probably be of the greatest importance to us in the course of the Campaign
and I therefore beg that your first attention may be paid to them
The commander-in-chief then added
PS If the Commodore carries the Boats no further than Trenton he should give Coryell notice that
he may come down for them It will be worth considering whether the Cannon cannot be carried
up the River in the Boats
The same day he wrote John Coryell
Sir I am very anxious to have all the continental Flat Boats below Trenton carried up the
River as far as Easton or near it that they may be intirely out of the enemys reach I have desired
the Gentlemen of the Navy Board to order Commodore Hazlewood to collect all those and carry
them up as far as Trenton and when he has got them there to let you know it I shall therefore be
exceedingly obliged to you if you will collect a proper number of hands who are used to carry
Boats thro the Falls and go down for them when you have notice Or if you do not receive such
notice in a few days the Men may as well go down to Bordentown where the boats are and bring
them up from thence There are a number of Cannon and some Stores there which I want carried
to a place of safety If you think the Boats can be taken thro the falls with the Cannon in them it
will save much expence and secure them perfectly You are to apply to Messrs Hopkinson and
Wharton of the Continental Navy Board at Bordentown for the Cannon if they can be carried up
in the Boats
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
38
I see by a Letter of yours to Colo Lutterloh that you want Money for these purposes You may
hire the Men for doing this Service upon an assurance of their being paid the moment it is
performed And you will therefore make out the account when you have finished and apply
directly to me for the Money when it shall be paid with thanks I am ampc
Coryell replied to Washingtonrsquos query on March 6th
I Red yours of the 1st instant the third at night amp am Determined to serve you according to your
Directions If Possible the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more
Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three days that I now have at my
Ferry amp when they are gone I Will go after the Rest I am afraid I Cant Bring up any Cannon in
the Flat Boats If ther should be any Durm [Durham] boats below as I Expect there is I Kno I Can
Bring up Cannon in Them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave Watermen for the Purpose
amp I am
your Humble sevt
Jno Coryell
It is interesting that Coryell mentioned Durham boats in his letter For a river crossing
especially where numbers of cannon wagons or animals were involved flat boats served best
but when moving upriver against fast shallow water Durham boats were in their elementrdquo
John Coryell to George Washington 6 March 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 47 George MacReynolds Place Names in Bucks County Pennsylvania
(Cornwall NY The Cornwall Press Inc 1955) 270-27 Willis M Rivinus Early
Taverns of Bucks County (New Hope Pa 1965) 53 George Washington to Francis
Hopkinson and John Wharton (Continental Congress Navy Board) 1 March 1778
Washington to John Coryell 1 March 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington
11 (1934) 5 7 After 1778 the focus of the War for Independence moved to the southern states and Coryellrsquos
Ferry never saw another large-scale troop crossing being mostly relegated to ferrying civilian
traffic and supply trains destined for Washingtonrsquos army in northern New Jersey and New York
The ferries on the lower Delaware accommodated larger military forces moving north and south
and the crossings in and around Trenton were particularly busy during the 1781 Yorktown
Campaign when both French and American troops passed through on their way to Virginia
25 Supposing 45 minutes per crossing back and forth six trips carrying troops artillery
wagons and horses (5 hours) would cover all the soldiers and cannon plus 30 wagons
The remaining trips could carry 7 wagons supposing the artillery flats could carry
wagons five trips would cross 35 wagons Total time for eleven trips 9 hours At 35
minutes per back and forth crossing total time would be 7 hours For weather during the
Monmouth Campaign see John U Rees ldquorsquoExceeding Hot amp water is scarce helliprsquo
Monmouth Campaign Weather 15 June to 7 July 1778rdquoAppendix Q of rsquoWhat is this
you have been about to dayrsquo The New Jersey Brigade at the Battle of Monmouthrdquo
httprevwar75comlibraryreesmonmouthMonmouthTochtm
26 Washington to Lee 18 June 1778 (added directive on verso of 30 May 1778 march
instructions) Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 85
27 Washington to the President of Congress 400 PM 20 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934)
97
28 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 600 AM 21 June 1778 to Benedict Arnold 21
June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June 1778 ibid 100 101 103
29 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
39
30 Washington to William Livingston 21 June 1778 to Philemon Dickinson 21 June
1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 100 103
31 Orders relative to the March from Valley Forge June 1778 after Gen Lees and
Genl Mifflins Divisns had Marched (order of march from Valley Forge) 18 June 1778
ibid 90
32 Nathanael Greene to Moore Furman deputy quartermaster for New Jersey 21 June
1778 Richard K Showman ed The Papers of General Nathanael Greene vol II
(Chapel Hill and London University of North Carolina Press 1980) 442
33 The army and artillery baggage train has been calculated from the 30 May 1778
Valley Forge wagon return after artillery ammunition wagons and some baggage wagons
were allotted each marching brigade (See ldquoGeneral Return of Waggons ampca with the
Armyrdquo Valley Forge 30 May 1778 Chaloner and White Mss box 6 folder 3 Historical
Society of Pennsylvania Philadelphia) On 17 May 1778 General Washington wrote Maj
Gen Nathanael Greene his quartermaster general about army transportation
it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions
in your department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention
will be the procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and
some good horses for the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in
your power for a supply The scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought
into Camp but it is essential the horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the
vicinity of Camp where they can be furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army
hellip PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be
provided on the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and
Trenton Boundbrook Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels
ferry Goshen ampca You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got
ready in all respects to transport the army across Those which want it must be repaired
On 14 January 1777 regimental transport had been set at ldquoone waggon with four horses
or four oxen will be allowed to 80 Men and in proportion for a greater or less number and
forage for four Saddle Horses to a Regiment arranged as follows Colonel one Major one
Quarter Master and Adjutant one to both Surgeon one While no baggage train reduction
prior to the Monmouth Campaign is known in March 1778 the commander-in-chief
complained of ldquoThe numerous Inconveniences of a large train of baggage [that] must be
apparent to every officer rdquo He went on to inform his officer corps
an Army by means of it is rendered unwieldy and incapable of acting with that ease and Celerity
which are essential either to its own Security and defence or to Vigor and Enterprize in its offensive
Operations The Public is burdened with a Fruitless Expence in an additional number of Horses and
Waggons and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required
for their protection These disadvantages and many more have been heretofore severely felt by this
Army many instances will be recollected in the course of last Campaign and among others the great
loss which attended the sending the superfluous baggage during the more active part of it to a
distance from the Army The Commander in Chief hopes these considerations will influence officers
in the ensuing Campaign to provide themselves with those necessaries only which cannot be
dispensed with and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner In
order to which he strongly recommends the disndashuse of Chests and Boxes and that Portmanteaus or
Valises made of Duck may be substituted instead of them this will be the more requisite as it is in
Contemplation to employ as few Waggons as possible and to make use of PackndashHorses as far as may
be practicable
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
40
By 28 May 1778 wagons were still be sought to support the troops when they marched
from Valley Forge
Commanding Officers of Brigades in pursuance of former orders to hold themselves in readiness
to march are to apply immediately to the Quarter Master General for a sufficient number of
Waggons to transport their Baggage and are to have their respective Brigades supplied as
completely as possible with Camp Utensils and Necessaries of every kind requisite towards taking
the Field The Commissary will have a quantity of hard bread and salt meat prepared to issue to
the Army when calld for
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404 General orders 14 January 1777 ibid 7 (1932) 9
General orders 27 March 1778 28 May 1778 ibid 11 (1934) 161ndash162 463-464
34 General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
35 James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
36 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier 120
General orders 21 June 1778 ibid 12 (1934) 104
37 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
38 Washington to the President of Congress 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of
George Washington 12 (1934) 108-109
39 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 ibid 107
40 James McHenry Journal of a March 3
41 Richard Holcombe to Washington 22 June 1778 Revolutionary War Accounts
Vouchers and Receipted Accounts George Washington Papers Library of Congress
microfilm series 5 (Financial Papers) reel 116 vol 24
42 General orders 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
105-106
43 Ibid 106-107 Right Wing
Maj Gen Charles Lee
Brig Gen William Woodfordrsquos Brigade
3d Virginia
7th Virginia
11th Virginia
15th Virginia
Brig Gen Charles Scottrsquos Brigade
4th8th12th Virginia (composite)
Graysonrsquos Additional
Pattonrsquos Additional
North Carolina Brigade
1st North Carolina
2d North Carolina
Brig Gen Enoch Poorrsquos Brigade
1st New Hampshire
2d New Hampshire
3d New Hampshire
2d New York
4th New York
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
41
Brig Gen James Varnums Brigade
4th Connecticut (Capt Paul Brigham)
8th Connecticut (Pvt Joseph Martin)
2d Rhode Island (including Arnoldrsquos detachment of the 1st Rhode Island) (Sgt Jeremiah Greenman)
Brig Gen Jedediah Huntingtons Brigade
1st 7th Connecticut (composite)
2d5th Connecticut (composite)
Left Wing
Maj Gen William Alexander Lord Stirling
1st Pennsylvania Brigade
1st Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania
7th Pennsylvania
10th Pennsylvania
2d Pennsylvania Brigade
4th Pennsylvania
5th Pennsylvania
11th Pennsylvania
1st New York
3d (late Conwayrsquos) Brigade
3d Pennsylvania
6th Pennsylvania
12th Pennsylvania
Malcolmrsquos Additional
Spencerrsquos Additional
Brig Gen John Gloverrsquos Brigade
1st Massachusetts
4th Massachusetts
13th Massachusetts
15th Massachusetts
Late Learnedrsquos Brigade
2d Massachusetts
8th Massachusetts
9th Massachusetts
Brig Gen John Patersonrsquos Brigade
10th Massachusetts
11th Massachusetts
12th Massachusetts
14th Massachusetts
Second line
Maj Gen Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette
1st Maryland Brigade
1st Maryland
3d Maryland
5th Maryland
7th Maryland
Delaware Regiment
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
42
2d Maryland Brigade
2d Maryland
4th Maryland
6th Maryland
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
Brig Gen Peter Muhlenbergrsquos Brigade
1st5th 9th Virginia (composite)
1st Virginia State
2d Virginia State
German Battalion
Late Weedonrsquos Brigade
2d Virginia
6th Virginia
10th Virginia
14th Virginia
Brig Gen William Maxwellrsquos Brigade
1st New Jersey
2d New Jersey
3d New Jersey
4th New Jersey
44 Continental Army Disposition Order for Baggage 22 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
45 General orders 22 June 1778 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 105-106 107
46 General orders 22 June 1778 ibid 105-106
47 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
48 Washington to Philemon Dickinson 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 110
38 For more on the June 1778 Hopewell encampment see TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos
Sourland Mountain (Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29 The army
camped on the Golden Blackwell and Hart farms ldquoThe army bivouacked on the hill
above Hopewell between Van Dyke and Rileyville Roads at the invitation of John Hart
signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned some of the landrdquo Cleon E
Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of Independence
(Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69 (map of march route and encampment) 69-
73 167 Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary
Heroes (reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908)
44 (pagenote) ldquoIt is said that Jesse and Nathaniel Hart the two oldest sons of Hon John Hart served as
guides to Washington on the march from Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip to Hopewell hellip and knowing full well the
damage an army would do during an encampment they guided them to their fatherrsquos farm and the farms of
their next neighbors the Goldens It rained incessantly during the march and while they were in camp and
under the circumstances no better location could have been selected lsquoLake Tommyrsquo located on the top of
the hill on Mr Hartrsquos farm was quite a body of water at that time and furnished an ample supply for the
army during their stay The army ruined growing crops and burned and destroyed fences but it can be said
to the credit of both families that they never brought in any bill for damages although many others did
whose damages were very trivial compared with theirsrdquo 154 155-156 255 Alice Blackwell
Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell Museum 1973) 57-58
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
43
See also Richard W Hunter and Richard L Porter Hopewell A Historical Geography
(Titusville NJ Township of Hopewell Historic Site Commission 1990)
49 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Order Book 10th Virginia 23 June 1778 (p 53) American Revolution Center
50 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 108-109
51 Continental Army War Council 24 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 115-116
52 Ibid
53 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 123-129
54 General orders 24 June 1778 Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 111
55 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 Richard Hunter Nadine Sergejeff and
Damon Tvaryanas Longbridge Farm South Brunswick Township Middlesex County
New Jersey (Prepared fir the Township of South Brunswick by Hunter Research Inc
Historical Research Consultants 120 West State St Trenton NJ March 2002)
wwwhunterresearchcom
56 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109
57 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Writings of George Washington 12
(1934) 139-141
58 Ibid
59 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 109-110
60 James McHenry Journal of a March 5 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778
Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
61 Washington to Lafayette 26 June 1778 ibid 121-122
62 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
63 Charles Lee to Washington 25 June 1778 George Washington Papers Presidential
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
64 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
65 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the American
Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman (DeKalb
Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 121
66 Brigade orders 26 June Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 55) American Revolution Center
67 Samuel Adamss Private Miscellaneous Diary Ann Dom 1778 helliprdquo Samuel Adams
Diaries New York Public Library
68 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
69 Johann Ewald Diary of the American War A Hessian Journal Joseph P Tustin ed
(New Haven and London Yale University Press 1979) 132-139 Edward A Hoyt ed A
Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham November 19 1777-September 4 1778
Vermont History vol 34 (1966) 25-30 Sylvanus Seely Diary original in Morristown
National Historic Park Collection transcription (World Wide Web)
httpwwwpopenoecomDiarySeely20Diary203htm James P Parke Diary 1751-
1850 (three volumes) vol I Historical Society of Pennsylvania 1564 Henry Clinton
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
44
The American Rebellion Sir Henry Clintons Narrative of His Campaigns 1775-1782
with an Appendix of Original Documents William B Willcox ed (New Haven Yale
University Press 1954) 94 Henry Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle 11 July 1778
Nottingham University Library (UK) Newcastle Collection NeC 2645 Courtesy of
Joseph Lee Boyle and Garry Wheeler Stone (For more on weather see narrative
Addenda)
70 Washiington to William Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 124
71 Washiington to Horatio Gates 27 June 1778 ibid 125
72 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig en William
Woodfordrsquos brigade (p 57) American Revolution Center See also General orders 27
June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
73 General orders 27 June 1778 Order book 10th Virginia Regiment Brig Gen
William Woodfordrsquos brigade (pp 56-57) American Revolution Center
74 Journal of Ebenezer Wildrdquo 110
75 Washiington to Horatio Gates 28 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 127
76 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 ibid 139-141
77 James McHenry Journal of a March 5
78 For detachment of the New Jersey regiments to their home state in Spring 1778 see
John U Rees rsquoI Expect to be stationed in Jersey sometimersquo An Account of the
Services of the Second New Jersey Regimentrdquo Part I December 1777 to June 1778
(1994 unpublished copy held in the collections of the David Library of the American
Revolution Washington Crossing Pa)
79 Philemon Dickinson ldquoDisposition of the Militia belonging to the State of New Jersey
helliprdquo 25 June 1778 The Lee Papers vol II 1776-1778 Collections of the New-York
Historical Society for the Year 1872 (New York 1873) 413
80 General orders 23 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934)
110 Washington to Danuel Morgan 23 June 1778 George Washington Papers (LOC)
series 4 reel 50
81 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
82 James McHenry Journal of a March 4 5
83 23 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778
courtesy of Department of Rare Books and Special Collections Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester My thanks to Mr Bob McDonald for bringing it to my attention
(If the writer was a captain probable identity is Jonathan Forman 4th New Jersey it is also
possible that the author was a subaltern in the same regiment Contact John U Rees
ju_reesmsncom for reasoning regarding the Forman attribution)
84 24 June 1778 entry ibid
85 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of
Henry Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md
Heritage Books Inc 1994) 124
86 24 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout 2nd New York Regiment 10 November
1777-9 June 1783 Bernardus Swartwout Papers New-York Historical Society 4-6
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
45
87 25 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
88 Alexander Hamilton to the Marquis de Lafayette 25 June 1778 George Washington
Papers (LOC) series 4 reel 50
89 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
90 25 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
91 26 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
92 Alexander Hamilton to Washington 26 June 1778 George Washington Papers
(LOC) series 4 reel 50
93 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125
94 26 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
95 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
96 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
97 27 June 1778 entry New Jersey Officerrsquos Diary 26 June 1777 to 31 August 1778 Rush
Rhees Library University of Rochester
98 Alexander Hamilton to Charles Scott 27 June 1778 original in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum New York City Text from the footnote to Washington to William
Alexander 27 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George Washington 12 (1934) 124
99 27 June entry Diary of Bernardus Swartwout Swartwout Papers N-YHS 4-6
100 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 125-126
101 Bray and Bushnell Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution 121
102 Hoyt A Revolutionary Diary of Captain Paul Brigham 25-30
103 Brown and Peckham Revolutionary War Journals of Henry Dearborn 126
104 Washington to Henry Laurens 1 July 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 139-141
105 Enos Reeves ldquoExtracts from the Letter-Books of Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the
Pennsylvania Linerdquo John B Reeves ed Pennsylvania Magazine of History and
Biography 21 (1897) 235-236
106 York Road ldquoThe chief Indian Trail was the Nanticong which by 1765 had become
the Old York Road beginning in New Jersey at Coryellrsquos Ferry hellip and passing through
Mt Airy Ringoes Larisonrsquos Corner and Reaville (Routes 179 and 514) hellip It was
probably over the part between Coryellrsquos Ferry and Ringoes that Washington and the
main body of his troops marched in June of 1778 continuing on to Hopewell via
Snydertown and Van Dyke Roads helliprdquo TJ Luce New Jerseyrsquos Sourland Mountain
(Hamilton NJ Sourland Planning Council 2001) 29-30 49
Correspondence Regarding Intended Continental Army March Route and British
Movements June 1778
General Washington to Maj Gen Nathanael Greene ldquoHead Quarters May 17 1778
Sir Every piece of intelligence from Philadelphia makes me think it more and more probable that the
Enemy are preparing to evacuate it Whether they intend to leave the Continent or only go to some other
part of it must be uncertain There are some reasons that induce a suspicion they may intend for New York
In any case it is absolutely necessary we should be ready for an instant movement of the army I have
therefore to request you will strain every nerve to prepare without delay the necessary provisions in your
department for that purpose The most pressing and immediate object of your attention will be the
procuring a large number of Waggons for transporting baggage provisions ampca and some good horses for
the Artillery You will call upon this State and use every other means in your power for a supply The
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
46
scarcity of forage will not allow any number of horses being brought into Camp but it is essential the
horses and Waggons should be collected at different places in the vicinity of Camp where they can be
furnished with forage and drawn expeditiously to the Army Tents should also be provided and hastened
forward with all possible speed not only with a view to a general movement but also an account of the
advancing hot season from which we already begin to experience very unhappy effects and have reason to
apprehend worse if we keep the men much longer in huts We probably have no time to lose and I shall
rely upon your exertions that every thing will be done on your part to enable us to be prepared for events
Let me know what prospects you have and when you think you will have it in your power to answer the
present exigency I am ampca
PS As we may have to go to the North River Magazines of forage should immediately be provided on
the different routes particularly those by way of Coryells Morris Town ampca and Trenton Boundbrook
Westfield ampca smaller ones should be formed on the road by Howels ferry [present-day Center Bridge
PaStockton NJ] Goshen ampca
You will also immediately have the boats on the Delaware inspected and got ready in all respects to
transport the army across Those which want it must be repairedrdquo
Washington to Nathanael Greene 17 May 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 11 (1934) 403-404
General Washington to Maj Gen Charles Lee ldquoJune 18 [1778]
The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions but circumstances having varied since
they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till
further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct
rout to South Amboy (or still lower) In this case you will continue your March to the No River agreeably
to former orders and by the rout already given you If my memory does not deceive me there is an
advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the Waterrdquo
Washington to Charles Lee 18 June 1778 (verso of 30 May 1778 instructions) ibid 12
(1934) 85
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne ldquoHead Quarters June 18 1778
Sir You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways by the direct
route to Coryells Ferry leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees so as to prevent
their interfering with each other The instructions given to General Lee are to halt on the first strong
ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry until further orders Unless he should receive authentic
intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by the direct road to South Amboy (or still lower) in this case
he is to continue his march to the North Riverrdquo
On June 18 Washington wrote also to an unidentified Pennsylvania officer that
General Wayne having very pressing business at Philadelphia I have consented to his going there
tomorrow and returning the next day You are to join the division commanded by him and take charge of it
during his absence When he returns you will rejoin your brigade
NB The division is about a mile and half on the other side the Bridge It will march to-morrow morning 4
oclock toward Coryels ferry (This letter was sold at auction in the Cohen sale Philadelphia 1907)
Washington to Brig Gen Anthony Wayne 18 June 1778 ibid 86-87
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates ldquoHead Quarters in Jersey Coryels ferry June 21 1778
Sir I arrived here this day at noon Two divisions of the army have crossed the Delaware the remainder
will cross tomorrow The enemy by the last intelligence was moving on slowly the head of their column
had only reached Mount Holly Their shipping had gone down the River below Reedy Island except two
which lay opposite to it These appearances seem to decide that they intend to traverse the Jerseys though
they do not appear to be in any hurry While they continue in their present or a similar posture no
detachments can with propriety be made from this army to reinforce you but if they proceed on towards
New York we shall endeavour according to circumstances to keep pace with them and be in time to give
succour to the Highland passes and counteract any attempt they may meditate that way In the mean time
you will no doubt exert yourself to be in the best state of defence your situation will admit I am etcrdquo
Washington to Maj Gen Horatio Gates 21 June 1778 ibid 104
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
47
Washington to Henry Laurens President of Congress ldquoHead Quarters near Coryels June 22 1778
Sir I have the Honor to inform you that I am now in Jersey and that the Troops are passing the River at
Coryels and are mostly over The latest intelligence I have had respecting the Enemy was yesterday from
General Dickinson He says that they were in the morning at Mores Town and Mount Holly but that he had
not been able to learn what rout they would pursue from thence nor was it easy to determine as from their
then situation they might either proceed to South Amboy or by way of Brunswick We have been a good
deal impeded in our march by rainy weather As soon as we have cleaned the Arms and can get matters in
train we propose moving towards Princetown in order to avail ourselves of any favourable occasions that
may present themselves of attacking or annoying the Enmey I have the Honor etcrdquo
Washington to Henry Laurens 22 June 1778 ibid 108-109
Driftway Driftway` n 1 A common way road or path for driving cattle --Cowell
Burrill Source Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
107 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached to the Continental Army May 1777 to November
1778 Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society vol 7 (1854) 105-107
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 69
Dr James McHenryrsquos narrative 22 to 25 June 1778 ldquo 22d Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy advance ndash That he is at the draw bridge 4 miles below
Trenton and preparing for a vigorous defense of that post ndash The enemyrsquos superiority in horse making it
impossible for our handful of calvary to stand their ground
Genl du Portail Engineer ordered forward to reconnoiter a position near Princetown
Sourland hills and Rocky hill reported by the Engineer The nearest part of the former chain of hills 5
miles distant from Princetown ndash running in the direction of North by East Rocky hill has the advantage in
point of water ndash The roads of retreat from Sourland must be opened towards Aimwel road ndash The country
rocky and difficult
23d The army takes the road from the Stone Schoolhouse to Rocky hill Hault near Sourland hights ndash
Hopewell 4 miles from Princetown
Rocky hill reconnoitered A good position relative to Kingston in case that should be the enemyrsquos route
The Millstone river unfordable The order of march ndash 3 orsquoclock 600 men detached under Col Morgan to
hang upon the enemy in conjunction with the militia
24 In consequence of intelligence from Gen Dickinson we remain on the ground we took yesterday ndash
The day spent in digesting intelligence and in decyphering the enemyrsquos intentions
1400 picked men ordered to march towards the enemy under Brigadier General Scott
General Arnold orders Jacksonrsquos detachment to cross the Delaware
Gen Cadwalader endeavours to induce the Philadelphia Volunteers to march with him to the enemyrsquos
rear
The seventh day since the evacuation of Philadelphia and the enemy tent near Allenrsquos Town This gives
rise to a conjecture that their slow movement is not the consequence of obstructions ndash broken bridges ampc
but that it proceeds from a desire to give us battle I donrsquot think so
Gen Dickinson writes that the enemy failed in an attempt to rebuild a bridge 4 miles from Trenton
owing to the fire of his militia
A Council of War ndash The majority against putting the enemy in a situation which might bring on a general
engagement ndash The General however determines to attack
25th
March to Rocky hill Cross the Millstone by a bridge and hault at Kingstonrdquo
James McHenry Journal of a March 1-5
108 Robert C Bray and Paul E Bushnell eds Diary of a Common Soldier in the
American Revolution An Annotated Edition of the Military Journal of Jeremiah Greenman
(DeKalb Northern Illinois University Press 1978) 120-121
109 Lloyd A Brown and Howard H Peckham eds Revolutionary War Journals of Henry
Dearborn 1775-1783 (Chicago The Caxton Club 1939 reprinted Bowie Md Heritage
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
48
Books Inc 1994) 124 Journal of Ebenezer Wild 109 Diary of Joseph Clark Attached
to the Continental Army 105-107 West Amwell Township A Brief Early History West Amwell was right in the middle of the early history of the United States A nice
description was produced by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt Circa 1975 Its
forward stated the following
By and for the people of West Amwell Township from material
gathered and prepared in celebration of Hunterdon Countys three
hundredth year by Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Abbott Nordfeldt
It was in 1754 that the Second Amwell Church was established by early Presbyterians who wanted to
lessen the distance members had to travel to the First Church The oldest decipherable stone we could
find is dated September 25 1760 and marks an infants grave There are also stones bearing the Ringo name
dated 1776 and 1777 On some stones which may be even older the inscriptions are no longer there The
loss of early church records makes them impossible to trace unless there are family records available to
descendants
The old stone building in Mount Airy familiar to us all was built around 1743 by Samuel Holcombe son of
John The house next to it was a tavern which served as a Stage Coach stop in the early days of the Swift-
Sure Line It was bought by Solomon Holcombe in 1814 and turned into a dwelling as such it is now
occupied by the Runkles
More About Mount Airy
In the search for the origin of the name Mount Airy we find its location marked on a map dated 1777 as
Amwell Meeting The church is the only site marked
In 1795 it is marked Amwell Mg H with the small symbol used to designate a church This map appears in
an early Geography
By 1828 a map shows a small group of buildings but no name at all which makes us wonder if there was
some doubt as to the proper name of the settlement
Six years later in 1834 the same location is marked Amwell But among the road records in Flemington the
laying out of the Rocktown Road in 1829 states that after crossing certain lands the road was to go To the
road leading from MOUNT AIRY to HARBERTOWN and finally to the Trenton and Sussex Road at
Rocktown
[Among the notable buildings and sites presently in Mount Airy are (numbers coincide with a walking tour
map)] hellip
4 Mount Airy Cemetery
Directly to the south of the church the cemetery is bordered by a low stone wall with wrought iron gate It
has been in use since the mid-eighteenth century and includes headstones marked as early as 1760
5 Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell
A Gothic Revival structure with a tall slate octagonal spire and point arched and triangular gable windows
The congregation dates to 1754 however the present church the second to be built was erected in 1874 A
parchment dated 1786 is still in existence which recorded the swearing of church trustees renouncing ties to
the King of Britain hellip
9 Storehouse (Presently a dwelling)
A sandstone two and a half story gable roofed three bay structure built in the late eighteenth century It
still retains the overhanging gable hoist complete with pulley and rope which surmounts the west gable-end
principal facade Probably the only storehouse of this kind remaining in the county Farmers used such
community storehouses to store their farm products until spring when they could be carted to the Delaware
River and floated during the high water season down to Philadelphia and other coastal markets This
structure also served as a general store for many years as it was noted in Rural Hunterdon by Hubert G
Schmit that the Holcombe store was charging only fifty cents per bushel of plaster in 1824 and in January
1869 Solomon Holcombe paid three cents each for eggs
10 Mount Airy Tavern (Presently a dwelling)
A frame four bay building with west gable-end chimney with overhanging eaves and gable dormers Built
prior to the Revolutionary War this house was enlarged and remodeled in the Craftsman style in this
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
49
century and renovated again more recently It is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining taverns or
stage houses of Revolutionary War days At one time it was connected with the adjacent stone storehouse
In 1814 the tavern was converted into a private dwelling hellip
Acknowledgements Mrs Van Syckle co-authored with Mrs Emily Abbott Nordfeldt a brief history of our Township which was
included in a Report to the Taxpayers in 1963
Henrietta Van Syckle was one of the original members of the West Amwell Environmental Commission
when it was first established She devoted much time and enthusiasm to the Commission over the years but
perhaps her greatest contribution was her special knowledge and interest in the sites and structures that are
historically important in the Township
The Environmental Commission produced and dedicated this revised edition of an earlier Report in
memory of Henrietta Van Syckle and Emily Nordfeldt
The brochure was transformed to this computer file in 1997 by Fred H Bowers PhD the grandson of
Marion Mulholland (spelling corrected) (nee Harbourt) mentioned in the section West Amwell in the
Scientific World
ldquoAbout West Amwellrdquo (World Wide Web)
httpwwwwestamwelltwporgWAT20About20webpagehtm The History of Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwell ldquoIn 1754 hellip Presbytery was petitioned lsquoby the people bordering on the Delawarersquo to give them the
privilege of building a meeting house for their own convenience This was granted and a separate
congregation was formed and a church built at Mount Airy which was called the Second Amwell Churchrdquo
Thus was our church founded an offshoot of Amwell First Church known also as the First English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell (Reaville) under the aegis of their first minister Reverend Elias Byram
Continuing as a united charge the two Amwell churches were served by the same pastors until 1813
The first of these was the Reverend Benjamin Hait a graduate of the College of New Jersey who was
pastor of both churches from 1755 to 1765 The last to serve both churches was the Reverend Jacob
Kirkpatrick He preached 3 years in the three Amwell churches (1810 to 1813) which were known locally
as the Old House the New House and the Stone House The Old House was Amwell First the New House
Amwell Second and the Stone House the church at Larisonrsquos Corner
The earliest official document of the Mount Airy church still in existence is the declaration on March
16 1786 preserved on sheepskin and signed by the trustees renouncing allegiance to the King of England
and pledging allegiance to the new government of the colonies Also in our possession on sheepskin is a
deed to the church property dated 1810 The land on which the church schoolhouse and part of the
cemetery are located had been given by Benjamin Skillman who possessed 133 acres of land
On July 20 1854 the old manse at the foot of the Mount Airy hill with land consisting of 4 acres and 45
perches was purchased from Ambrose Holcombe and his wife Anna The old manse was sold on March 3
1955 for $815000 and the money used for the new manse which was built in 1956 Most of the work was
done by volunteers from the congregation
The church was rebuilt in 1867 and in 1874 the present edifice was erected The certificate for
incorporation presented to the State of New Jersey was accepted and recorded in 1873
On July 2 1876 Edward B Holcombe presented to the church a chapel ldquofree of debt for religious
purposes To be under the care and charge of said session and trustees with the consultation of myself while
I remain here with you May it be dedicated holy to the Lord for the fields are already ripe for harvest and
may this be a place to win souls for the harvest of our Lordrdquo This chapel was used for Sunday School
classes session meetings and numerous church suppers It was torn down in 1956 to make way for the new
manse
The present school building was erected in 1832 It was leased to the township under a 99-year lease In the
lease was a clause stating that when West Amwell no longer needed the building it would revert back to
the church This occurred on January 1 1954 soon after the elementary school was built on what is now
State Highway 179
ldquoMt Airy Church The Second English Presbyterian Church of Amwellrdquo (World Wide
Web) httpwwwmtairychurchcomhistoryhtm
110 General Washington informed New Jersey Brig Gen Philemon Dickinson on 22
June ldquoThe whole army is now across the River incamped about three miles from it Tomorrow morning
very early we march towards Princetonrdquo He then told him ldquoAll the effective [light] horse under Colo
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West
50
[Stephen] Moylan will instantly march to join you I am augmenting Colo Morgans [rifle] Corps which
will also speedily march to your assistance I need not observe to you that every thing ought to be done to
keep up the spirits of your Militiardquo
Washington to Philemon Dickinson 22 June 1778 Fitzpatrick Writings of George
Washington 12 (1934) 107
Although one late source (Sarah Gallagherrsquos Early History Of Lambertville) claims the
army marched via Bungtown Road and a primary account (Dr McHenryrsquos) mentions
marching from the Stone Schoolhouse taken by some to mean the one at
FurmanrsquosMarshallrsquos Corner the other accounts without doubt show the army camping at
present-day Mount Airy on the York Road and marching to Hopewell from there
BooksArticles Mentioning Old Bungtown Road
Cleon E Hammond John Hart The Biography of a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence (Newfane Vt The Pioneer Press 1977) 274-275 (discussion of march
route and road net)
Ralph Ege Pioneers of Old Hopewell With Sketches of Her Revolutionary Heroes
(reprint Hopewell NJ Hopewell Museum 1963 originally published in 1908) 43-44
258
Alice Blackwell Lewis Hopewell Valley Heritage (Hopewell NJ The Hopewell
Museum 1973) 57-58
Sarah A Gallagher Early History Of Lambertville NJ (Lambertville Lambertville
Historical Society 1995 Originally published 1903) 18
httpwwwnewhopepacomLambertvillelam_hist_Gallagherhtm
Following the June 1778 Delaware River crossing ldquoWhen the soldiers again took up their line of
march it was through a valley between two heavily timbered hills That valley is now known to us as The
Hook The road was at the foot of the north hill crossed Swanrsquos Creek then ascended the Old Saw-mill
Road to the high ground or Farmersrsquo Highway which was a steep ascent Following this route the army
reached Hopewell where they again rested The onward march from there was to Rocky Hill
Kingston Cranbury and then to Monmouth where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable
battle June 28th The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct as the writer
heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell and grandson of Emanuel at
whose house some of the officers were entertained he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or
fourteen years of agerdquo
111 Regarding the old BungtownStymiestRock Road leading west from Coryellrsquos Ferry New
Jersey (Lambertville) the author has walked the course of the road to its junction with Rock Road
West Regarding the now-defunct portion of the Bungtown Road beginning on the Lambertville
side dead-end and adjacent 19th century farmhouse the old road actually ran straight through the
woods now marked by a water-eroded bramble-filled depression lined with stone walls along
much of its length The road continues across a power line cut and into the woods on the opposite
side bearing left along and inside the wood line then bearing right again where the wood line
bears right (About 75 yards inside this wooded corner you will find the remains of an old stone
house) Walking in the field you can still see and occasionally travel along the old weed-filled
road Following the edge of the woods you will come to a small pond encircled by reeds in the
field on the left The road continues into the woods becoming an easily traveled path lined with
intermittent sections of stonewall After walking a downgrade portion the road bears to the right
A short distance further you will see on the left the single remaining abutment of an old stone
bridge From a vantage point along the small watercourse alongside the abutment the bridgersquos
well made stone arch can be better appreciated From this point the road continues through
marshy ground wending its way uphill and eventually forms a junction with Rock Crest Road a
small dead-end gravel thoroughfare that leads in from Rock Road West