During the harsh winter of 1777–1778, British commanders sought the rich agricultural supplies of lower New Jersey, while colonists tried to deny them access by moving livestock below Alloways Creek. Colonel Charles Mawhood, determined both to seize provisions and to “chastise the rebels,” sent out foraging parties, but the entrenched Cumberland and Salem militia turned them back at every bridge crossing. After two days of skirmishing, Mawhood focused on the community around Hancock’s Bridge and dispatched Major John G. Simcoe with 300 trained guerilla fighters under orders to spare no one. In the early morning darkness of March 21, 1778, Simcoe’s troops surrounded Judge William Hancock’s house, where a small Quaker garrison of about 30 colonial militia, including Hancock, slept, entered from both front and back, and bayoneted the occupants; some survived, but Judge Hancock was among those killed.