EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON TO HIS SON, DATED CAMP, 21sT NOVEMBER, 1776. .......

We hear to-day that the enemy are at Hackensack new bridge, two miles below the town, and that our Army have taken up the bridge to prevent their passing. I expect to be stationed at this place all winter. Have orders to build barracks for my men, whichI am doing with logs. They make homely but very warm habitations.

.......

[November 21, 1776] While therefore some regiments were disposed along the Hackensack so as to of the semblance of intending to defend it, and thus for a time to cover, the few stores which could not immediately be removed; general Washington, with Beal's, Heard's, and part of Irvine's brigades, crossed over at Acquackanunck bridge, and took post at Newark, on the south side of the Passaic. Soon after he had marched, major general Vaughan appeared at the head of the dragoons, grenadiers, and light infantry, before the new bridge over Hackensack; and the American detachment, left as a rear guard, being totally unable to defend it, could only break up the bridge, and retire before him over the Passaic.

GENERAL SIR WILLIAM HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAIN.
New-York,30th November, 1776.

.......

Fort Lee being the next object for the entire command of the North River, and a ready road to penetrate into Jersey,^ an addition of boats under the command of Captain Phipps was sent by the Admiral to King's Bridge, in the night of the 17th [November, 1776], without being discovered by the enemy. .......

The next day [18 November 1776] Major-General Vaughan, with the Light Infantry and British Grenadiers, was detached to the new bridge upon Hackinsac river, and a detachment of the Sixteenth Dragoons, under the commandof Colonel Harcourt, was sent over to Fort Lee. This detachment, with some companies of Light Infantry, scoured the country on the 22d, as far as Pisaiclc river, and found the enemy had abandoned all the intermediate country, their advanced guard being at Aquakinunc. On the 24th, the Second and Fourth Brigades of British, and one battalion of the Seventy-First Regiment, joined his Lordship, who, leaving the Second Brigade at Fort Lee, advanced with the main body on the 25th [November 1776] to the new bridge. .......

I have the honour to be, &c., &c.,
W. HOWE.

As Greene listened to the startling news of the enemy's approach, the frightening thought flashed through his mind that Fort Lee was at least five miles from the New Bridge over the Hackensack while the British could reach it bytraveling less than three. Unequivocally, there was no time to lose. Down the road in full flight Greene led his troops until they came upon Washington with a group of aides on his way to help rescue the division. Leaving the troops with Washington, Greene hurried back to the fort to round up several hundred stragglers. Most of them were found quite drunk from rum stolen from sutlers. Though many were hiding in the woods and underbrush, Greene managed to get all but a few over the Hackensack by way of the ferry. The troops with Washington got to the bridge before the British who, misled perhaps by their maps, thought the New Bridge was farther south. The last man, however, was barely over the river when the British appeared. At the last moment the Americans chopped down the timbers holding the bridge, leaving the deep waters of the Hackensack between them and their enemy.

COLONEL MALCOM TO GENERAL HEATH.
Niack, December 9th, 1776.
SIR: I had the honour to write you a few lines on Saturday. A few hours thereafter, I was alarmed by repeated expresses, with accounts that a large body of the enemy were advancing within about three miles to cut off my detachment. I formed, and took post in the gorge of the mountains, the field-pieces in the road, and the wings of my little party extended to the heights on each side. Under this disposition, I ventured out three small scouts to give me timely notice of their approach; however, they returned, after the notable exploit of cutting down a liberty pole at Toppan, making prisoner the father of one of my Lieutenants, and stealing a horse and two oxen. Yesterday I marched a party within three miles of the newbridge, at Hackensack, raised a terrible uproar among the Tories as well as in the enemy's little camp. They abandoned their houses and guard-houses as the party advanced; however, one was not so light-footed as his companions, and got taken. His name is Pierson, an arch Tory, and was with the party who came up on Saturday. I have sent him and the negro to Colonel Hay's, to wait your orders. My men seem to expect something to fall to them out of the value of the Ethiopian. If they should be destined for Fishkill, Colonel Flay can send them over very speedily. The fleet is gone down last night, so that I shall be of little use here. I have some thoughts of moving up to Clerktown to-day. If your Honour should think fit to reinforce me, I would move downward; but dare not, (to make a road,) with my present force. I have harassed them so much that I have some doubts whether they will not endeavour to rout me, which they have threatened several days past. The country in general appears to be against us, either through fear or inclination, and I can get no intelligence upon which I can depend. I shall follow your Honour's orders; and am, with due respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
W.MALCOM.

GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Ramapough, December 23, 1776.

.......

This moment your letter of the 21st instant, with the en- closures, were delivered me. General Heath marched yesterday for Peekskill, where he is, with his division andall the field-pieces, before this time. General Lincoln, from Massachusetts-Bay, is at Danbury, or soon expected there, on his way to Peekskill, with six thousand men. The state of the enemy's Army on this side is as follows: Leslie's brigade is at and near Achquahanock and Newark; three hundred with three field-pieces, at Hackensack; six companies of Regulars and three of Buskirk's, at the new bridge, arrived there yesterday evening. The enclosed letter from Colonel Hathorn, and a party I had out as far as Paramus, confirm this account, though I am not certain but the three hundred at Hackensack is part of Leslie's brigade. By tomorrow, if I am not mistaken, my number will not be equal to the enemy's at Hackensack and the bridge.

.......

I am, with due respect, your most obedient and humble servant,
GEO. CLINTON.
To the Honourable Abraham Ten Brock, Esq., President of the Convention of the State of New-York, at Fishkill.

COLONEL HATHORN TO GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON.
Tapan, December 23, 1776.
SIR: This informs you that yesterday, early in the evening, we received information from one Mr. Cristy, whose character we found to be good, that there were six companies of Regulars and three of late inlisted Tories, at the new bridge. This news Christie had from one of the neighbour's sons, who, by the persuasions of his parents, had inlisted, had marched with them yesterday from Bergen, and is disposed to desert. A council of war was immediately called, and as there are three roads centre at Tapan, above the main body of our men, who lay many miles scattered, it was judged best to imbody and march to the north of said roads, place several sentries, and order scouts, which was soon done. We have heard nothing from the enemy this morning; shall be glad if our conduct is approved of, and are ready with great cheerfulness to comply with future orders.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JOHN HATHORN, Col.
N. B. We are now sending out our morning scouts, and determine, if possible, to know the situation of the enemy to-day. I am informed by the person who brought the letter, that the scouts could not go out for want of provision.
To Brigadier-General George Clinton, at Ramapough.

London, October 4. Copy of a letter from lieutenant general Sir Henry Clinton, to Gen. Sir William Howe, dated Kingsbridge, Sept, 23, 1777. "In the last letter which I had the honour of writing to your excellency of the 6th of this month, I mentioned my intention of making an incursion into Jersey ; the object of which was to make a small diversion in favour of both armies, at what, I supposed. a critical time; having learnt by rebel accounts that you had landed on Elkriver. My principal motive was, if posaible, to attempt a stroke against any detached corps of the enemy, if one offered, or, if not, to collect a considerable number of cattle, which would at the same time prove a seasonable refreshment to the troops, and deprive the enemy of resources which I understood they much depended upon, and finally to retire with our body, by the only road practicable with those emharassments, to re-embark, return to our camp, or proceed to some other expedition if any thing presented itself. All the arrangements being settled, the landing was made at the four following places, viz., at Elizabeth-town-point by brigadier general Campbell, with the 7th, 26th and 52d regiments, Anspach and Waldeck grenadiers, and 300 provincials. At Schuyler's-ferry by captain Drummond with two pieces of cannon, 250 recruits of the 71st regiment, and some convalescents. At Fort Lee by major-general Vaughan, with captain Emmerick's chasseurs, five companies of grenadiers and light infantry, the 57th, 63d, and prince Charles's regiment, and five pieces of very light artillery. And at Tapan by lieutenant-colonel Campbell with 200 provincials, and 40 marines. The corps which landed at Elizabeth-town-point to proceed towards Newark, driving cattle, disarming the inhabitants, and if it met with the enemy in any force, so as to prevent its proceeding to Aquakinack, its retreat over the Passaic-river was secured by a small corps with cannon on the heights of Schuyler, who had landed at Schuyler's-ferry, and were aportee to take possession of the high grounds which command the environs of Newark. &c. If the Elizabeth-town corps continued its march to Aquakinack, it was there received by the corps which had landed at Fort Lee, and marched by Newbridge, Hackinsack and Slatterdam, where it was in a situation to fulfil that object. A post was left at lIackinsack. and I Ordered general Vaughan to leave one battalion and two pieces of cannon at Newbridge, to cover that very important pass. Lieutenant-colonel Campbell, who had landed at Tapan, to remain there, and if pressed to fall back on Newbridge this, however, subject to any alterations that general Vaughan should think necessary to make. Finding that brigadier-general Campbell had landed on Friday the 12th about 4 o'clock in the morning, without opposition, I then went by Newark-bay to Schuyler's landing on Ilackinsack-river. The cannon were that instant landed, and I ordered them to proceed, through the cedar swamp, to the high grounds near Schuyler's house, where captain Sutherland, with 250 men had been for some time. Finding it necessary to amuse the enemy, who being informed of the landing at Elizabeth-town-point, were retiring with their cattle, the troops were ordered to chew themselves, and about noon the enemy were much increased in number, and had got one piece of cannon. They had all the boats on their side of the river.. Firing of musquetry and cannon continued the whole day with little or no loss on either side. Much loose firing was heard beyond Newark, and at night we had a private report that general Campbell had taken possession of that town. I sent immediately to tell him our situation, but soon afterwards, by the noise of cattle driving and march of troops, found he had continued his route, was opposite to us, and on his way to Aquakinack. I judged it best to order him to halt till morning. At day-break the rebels appeared in some force, and about noon they had three pieces of cannon in battery on their side of the Ravine. I went over to observe them, and had every reason to suppose, from their clothing and artillery, that they were reinforced by what is called continental troops. To try their countenance, and give no opportunity to the provincials, I ordered Buskirk's battalion to march through a corn field, with an intention of taking in flank a body of the rebels posted behind a stone-wall, and which it would have been difficult to have removed by a front attack. The regiment marched with great spirit, and their march, with some little movement to favour it, obliged the rebels to quit without a shot. I then repassed the river, desiring general Campbell to lose no opportunity of giving them a brush, and, if possible, of taking the cannon. In the evening the rebels retired, as we supposed, to the neighbouring woods, and I waited only to hear of the arrival of a squadron of cavalry, which I had ordered to join general Vaughan from Paulushook,' to settle a plan in which part of general Vaughan's corps might co-operate with general Campbell's in endeavoring to surround them. In the meantime I received a letter from general Vaughan, acquainting me, that, by information from his patrols, the rebels were assembling in great force at the Clove. This intelligence, and their leaving us so suddenly, gave me some suspicion of their intention, and made it necessary for me to assemble our little army as soon as possible, occupy Newbridge in some force, and send lieutenant-colonel Campbell from Newbridge towards Tapan, to observe their motions in that quarter. Gen. Campbell began his march at day-break and was not followed. I ordered the small corps on the Heights of Schuyler, reinforced with two companies of grenadiers, to fall back and cover the entry of the defile; and when the cattle we had got on that side had passed the river, they were to pass also, and remain with their cannon on the other side. I then went to general Vaughan at Slatterdam, and having assembled the little army and the cattle, I ordered him to march to Newbridge, and general Campbell towards Hackinsack. The whole assembled at Newbridge on the 15th, and then hearing nothing of the Enemy, having collected our cattle, the soldiers without tents or blankets, and the weather threatening, I thought it adviseable to fall back. I accordingly ordered general Campbell to continue his march to English neighbourhood, taking with him the cattle, amounting to 400 head, including 20 milch cows for the use of the hospital. (which was all I would suffer to be taken from the inhabitants) 400 sheep, and a few horses. On the 16th general Campbell marched to Bergen point, where he embarked for Staten-island and general Vaughan to Fort Lee, not followed by a single man, where he repassed the North-river, and the whole returned to their former stations by two o'clock. I wish upon this occasion to express the very great assistance I have received from the navy ; indeed I have experienced it in every instance; but the excellent arrangment of the boats in this affair, and the secrecy with which every thing was conducted, demand my particular acknowledgment. Your excellency will permit me to give the highest commendation to the regularity of the troops, both British, foreign, and provincials, during this excursion. Their strict attention to discipline did them and their officers great credit. Total of the killed, wounded, prisoners, and missing of the following corps during an excursion to Jersey from the 12th to the 16th of September. Total, 8 rank and file killed ; 1 lieutenant, 17 rank and file wounded ; 1 drummer, 9 rank and file, missing ; 5 rank and file taken prisoners. Lieut Heymer of the 7th regiment, wounded. (Signed)' H. Clinton, lieut. gen

The following account of an exploit performed about one and a half mites from the New Bridge, by the celebrated Aaron Burr, then in the revolutionary army, is from a statement made by Judge G. Gardner. "In September, 1777, the regiment called Malcom’s regiment lay at Suifren’s, in the Clove, under the command of Lieutenant colonel Burr. Intelligence having been received that the enemy were in Hackensack in great force, and advancing into the country, Col. Burr immediately marched with the effective men, except a guard to take care of the camp We arrived at Paramus, a distance of 16 miles, before sunset. There were considerable bodies of militia in great alarm and disorder, and doing much mischief to the neighboring farms. They could give no intelligence of the enemy but from rumor. They supposed them to be within a few miles and advancing. “Col. Burr set some of the militia to repair the fences they had destroyed, and arranged them as well as time would permit; and having taken measures to secure the troops from surprise, and also for the protection of the cornfields, he marched immediately, with about 30 of the most active of the regiment, and a few of the militia, to ascertain the position and numbers of the enemy. About 10 o'clock at night, being 3 miles from Hackensack we got certain intelligence that we were within a mile of the picket guard of the enemy. Cot. Burr then led the men into a wood, and ordered them to sleep till he should awake them, of which we had great need, having marched more than 30 miles since noon. Col. Burr then went alone to discover the position of the enemy. He returned about half an hour before day and waked us, and told us that he was going to attack the picket of the enemy; that we had only to follow him, and then forbid any man to speak or to fire, on pain of death. He then led us between the sentinels in such a way, that we were within a few yards of the picket guard before they suspected our approach. He then gave the word, and we rushed upon them bethre they had time to take their arms, and the greater part were killed. A few prisoners and some accoutrements were brought off without the loss of one man. Go!. Burr immediately sent off an express to Pararnus, to order all the troops to move, and to rally the country. Our little success had so encouraged the inhabitants, that they turned. oat with great alacrity and put themselves under the command of Col. Burr. Bat the enemy, probably alarmed by these threatening appearances, retreated the next day, leaving behind them the greater part of the plunder which they had taken.”

Map snippet from Leiby, Adrian C., The Revolutionary War in the Hackensack Valley, Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, 1968,1980,1992. Map by E. Tone, 1962 (done on period map). From unknown source, location is shown as immediately north of the bridge on the west side.

A large Tory purse was subscribed to reward anyone who would bring in Brouwer and Lozier. Within a week after the shooting [of Tory John Richards], on February 6, 1778, Brouwer was captured and brought to New York. One of the four men who accomplished the speedy capture was Wiert Banta, born and raised within a stone's throw of Brouwer's Hill in New Bridge, a Tory who had more than once put the New York refugees in his debt. It was a daring exploit, made more difficult by two successive heavy snowstorms, and and Banta and his party deserved great credit for it. Dutch patriots had taken too long to learn that unguarded farms were distinctly unsafe quarters fo militiamen.

On Monday evening, May 18,...the 63rd Regiment crossed the river further south, at Fort Lee, earlier in the evening, to cover Ferguson's flank, and Van Buskirk's corp was moved up from Paulus Hook in support of the 63rd. ... The regiment which had landed from Fort Lee moved toward Hackensack and New Bridge. "When we appeared before New Bridge a party of about fourty rebels attempted to take up the planks of the bridge, which they could not effect. Several shots were exchanged without damage I believe on either side." Fifty of Van Buskirk's corp, with two companies of the 63rd, were placed at New Bridge...

Bald Hill, 18 July, 1779.
DEAR GENERAL,
Yesterday, at half past nine o clock, A. M., I received your orders to march for Peekskill. At twelve, the division began their march ; marched fifteen miles,, and halted ; at three, this morning, pursued the march, and reached Peekskill at half past three, P. M. On my arrival, I found General Howe had sent off his cannon, and his division was filing off towards the Highlands. The enemy appeared to be advancing in force near the New Bridge. I threw my division in the rear, sent Patterson's to the Gorge, and Nixon's, Parsons's, and Huntington's to these heights, not being able to get further with the baggage.
Early in the morning I shall send on the baggage into the Highlands, and follow with the troops, giving the enemy an offer of attacking us in rear, if they choose it. Sir Henry Clinton is once more disappointed, after marching all day on my flank. Fortutely, I have formed a junction. Since I arrived here, I have been honored with yours of yesterday, inclosing one to General Glover. Immediately on the receipt of your letter, I sent off an express to hurry his brigade on, with all possible expedition, by the shortest and best route ; and directed the express to take fresh horses. I < shall critically observe the motions of the enemy in the morning. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient servant,
WILLIAM HEATH.

Mandeville's, 19 July, 1779.
DEAR GENERAL,
I was honored with your favor of yesterday, on my way from Bald Hill to this place. I had before ordered Parsons's brigade to encamp near Robinson's ; Huntington's, near the place where Parsons's encamped before they left this place; Patterson's, between that place and Danforth's ; Nixon's, at the gorge of the mountains. Glover's is not yet arrived. May I be permitted to request that, when it does, it may be attached to General Howe's division?
By intelligence received since I had the honor to write in the morning, I learn that the enemy's advanced sentinels and videttes were posted, the last night, on the New Bridge. They appear to advance with the greatest caution. I think Major-General Howe was very fortunate in making his retreat the instant he did. Had he remained, I think he would have been Burgoyned; his intelligence being good, he escaped it. I have taken measures to obtain intelligence from every quarter on this side the river. Such as I receive shall be transmitted. I have ordered the light-horse to the left, and am determined to harass the enemy, if possible. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient servant,
WILLIAM HEATH.

April 15 [1780] British units cross from Staten Island to Bergen Neck and reconnoiter with Hessians. They capture an American outpost in New Bridge and proceed to Hopperstown. There they skirmish with elements of the Pennsylvania Line before retreating.

CHATHAM, May 17. [1780]

...........

Lieutenant Bryson being a few days before detached by Major Byles with a small party to the New Bridge, defended that post for some time with great gallantry and coolness, he sustaining in person, with his espontoon, the attack of four horsemen, and received several wounds ; but being overpowered with numbers, surrendered to one of their officers. It is said he received marks of politeness from them, on account of the great bravery and deliberate courage displayed by him during the skirmish.

“In the latter part of March, 1780, a party of about 400 British, Hessians, and refugees, passed through Hackensack on their way to attack some Pennsylvania troops at Paramus. It was about 3 o’clock in the night when they entered the lower part of the town. All was quiet. A small company of 20 or 30 militia, under Capt. John Outwater, had retired for the night to the barracks, barns, and out-houses, where those friendly to the American cause generally resorted to rest. One half of the enemy marched quietly through. When the rear, consisting mostly of Hessians, arrived, they broke open the doors and windows, robbed and plundered, and took prisoners a few peaceable inhabitants, among whom was Mr. Archibald Campbell. This gentleman, who had been for several weeks confined to his bed with the rheumatism, they forced into the street and compelled to follow them. Often in their rear, they threatened to shoot him if he did not hasten his pace. In the subsequent confusion he escaped and hid in the cellar of a house opposite the New Bridge. He lived until 1798, and never experienced a return of the rheumatism. The Hessians burnt 2 dwellings and the courthouse. The latter stood on the west side of the green, 8 or 10 rods from Campbell’s tavern. Fortunately the wind was from the west and drove the flames and sparks over the green, and the tavern was saved by the family throwing water over the roof. At this time those in the outhouses were aroused, and the militia hastened across the fields, mounted horses, and alarmed the troops at Patamus. By the time the enemy had arrived at what is itow the Red Mills, 4 miles from Hackensack, they ascertained the Americans were on their way to meet them. Disappointed, they retraced their steps, and when near Hackensack turned off to the north, on the road leading to the New Bridge, to the left of which there is a range about half a mile distant from the road, the intervening ground being level. Here the continentals and militia were hurrying over, kept however at a distance by large flanking parties of the enemy, who, on arriving at the bridge, were detained about two hours in replacing the plank torn off by the Americans. In the mean time their parties were skirmishing with our people. Having crossed over, they marched down the east side of the Hackensack through the English Neighborhood, being pursued 12 miles, to a considerable distance within their lines, down to Bergen woods: They lost many killed and wounded. There were none killed on our side. A young man of the town was wounded by a spent ball, which cut his upper lip, knocked out lour front teeth, and was caught in his mouth. Capt. Outwater received a ball below the knee, which was never extracted. He carried it for many years, and it was buried with him.

Paulus Hook is a long, low point of the Jersey shore, stretching into the Hudson, and connected to the mainland by a sandy isthmus. A fort had been erected on it, and garrisoned with four or five hundred men, under the command of Major Sutherland. It was a strong position ; a creek, fordable onjy in two places, rendered the Hook difficult of access—within this, a deep trench had been cut across the isthmus, traversed by a drawbridge with a barred gate ; and still within this a double row of abatis, extending into the water. The whole position, with the country immediately adjacent, was separated from the rest of Jersey by the Hackensack river, running parallel to the Hudson, at the distance of a very few miles, and only traversable in boats, excepting at the new bridge about fourteen miles from Paulus Hook.

THE AFFAIR AT BLOCK-HOUSE POINT, 1780

.......

[p.164] A source of yet greater danger to an attacking force lay in the ease with which a body of the enemy could cross the river from Dobbs Ferry to Closter, pass up the road there constructed, and by a short march seize upon the New Bridge. This pass over the Hackensack occupied, and the body marching below seizing the " Little Ferry," an attacking force would be effectually entrapped, with no way of escape except by cutting its way through the enemy. .......

[p.166] Accompanied by Robert Erskine, Geographer of the Continental army, Wayne visited Closter on the 17th of July, and carefully considered the possibilities of the British crossing the river from Phillips' farm, and pushing on to New Bridge by way of Closter landing.

.......

Wayne was apprehensive that they would cross in force and push on to New Bridge for the purpose of cutting off his retreat.

.......

With the force mentioned and four six-pounders belonging to Colonel Proctor's artillery, in all about eighteen hundred men, Wayne moved from his camp at Totowa at three o'clock in the afternoon of the loth by the road leading to Hackensack. At nine in the evening he arrived at the New Bridge. This was a little above the village, and was the only bridge over the Hackensack River south of the old bridge.

.......

[p.167] To ensure the safety of the New Bridge and his line of retreat, a field officer, with one hundred rank and file, properly officered, was left at this point.

.......

[p.169] fter destroying some wood-boats at the landing near the mouth of the ravine, and capturing the deck-hands and cabin-boys, the disappointed troops marched back to New Bridge, taking with them the killed and wounded, except three who lay dead under the stockade. General Wayne remained at New Bridge that night, and reached his headquarters at Totowa on the following day.

.......

The results of this expedition were not gratifying to the Americans. They drove off, between the Three Pigeons and New Bridge, " several hundred quadrupeds, consisting of horses, horned cattle, sheep and hogs ; "

.......

They captured a few men in charge of the wood-boats at the landing, and burned the boats. They killed six and wounded fifteen refugees. Nothing more than this was accomplished, notwithstanding the comparatively large force employed, the labor performed and the bravery exhibited.