Revolutionary War Encampment

October 26, 2013 ~ Group gathers to announce the discovery of a Revolutionary War encampment site

in Delaware Township [from photos by Rick Epstein of the Hunterdon Co. Democrat].

 

 

 

Supporting documentation includes the 1851 Cornell map identifying the location [at flag]:

 

 

 

References from the Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution by Jeremiah Greenman:

In 1777, army troops were going from New Jersey to Pennsylvania via Old York Rd. (now parts of Route 179)… and the diary read [spelling unchanged]:

October 6:  “this morn from Badmister came as far as Flemton where made a small halt / then

proceeded on our March to Amwell  [early village south of Ringoes]  where we drew Provision, then

pushed on to Mount fair  [Mt. Airy]  where we put up”

October 7:  “this morning from Mount fair came to Correlis ferry where we crossed the Dilleware”

 

In 1778, the troops were coming from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, headed for the Battle of Monmouth…

and the diary read [spelling unchanged]:

June 20, 1778:  “Crost the dilliware / pushed about 5 milds to Amwell ware we piched our tents in a field”

June 21:  “this morn att the beet of the Genl struck our tents.  march about a mild then was order’d to march

back in to the field ware we incampt ware we continued all day.  Exspecting Genl. Washington to cros the dilliware.  very hot whether.  order’d to be in readiness for to march in the morn.

June 22:  “Continuing in amwell / wraining wether / Genl Washington crost the river with a large Number

of troops”

June 23:  this morn started from amwell / the hole army marcht toward prince town / marcht about ten milds

& stopt hopewill”

 

 

 

Research paper by David Blackwell & Tom Ogren, published 2013 in the Hopewell Valley Historical Society newsletter, includes the following references:

Correspondences from General Charles Lee, referencing his request for supplies to be sent to Coryell’s Ferry  [Lambertville]  “or to Ringos Tavern (where we shall halt tomorrow)”.  Further… “the whole army encamped

near the new meeting house  [Mt. Airy] “.  And… “The whole army is now across the River incamped about

three miles from it  [also Mt. Airy] .”

 

PLEASE NOTE:  These encampments involved Washington’s troops, but NOT Washington himself, as he was headquartered in Coryell’s Ferry [Lambertville] prior to the march to Monmouth.

 

*This five-page research paper can be read in its entirety on request.*