Support for the rebellion against British rule was weak in December 1776 as the British held a strategic area in New Jersey and Washington's army had retreated across the Delaware River. The British commander in New Jersey sent Cornet Geary and a squad of dragoons on a raid to Flemington to destroy colonial supplies and test whether determined patriot resistance existed. After leaving the main body at Pennington on December 14, 1776, the force carried out the raid, but on its return it was intercepted by the Amwell Militia. Capt. John Schenck had gathered citizen soldiers to repel the intrusion, and in the fierce firefight that followed, Geary was shot dead and the other dragoons fled in disorder. The action contributed to Gen. Washington's ability to conceal Durham Boats at Bulls Island and maintain the Old York Road supply line.

Photo: Alan Edelson

Photo: Alan Edelson

Raritan, New Jersey · USA