New Jersey. Militia. Hunterdon Brigade

The provisions noted in the document were for the use of the Hunterdon Brigade, 3rd Battalion stationed in Woodbridge, New Jersey. During this time, General George Washington was defeated twice by British forces at the Battle of Long Island and Brooklyn Heights, New York, which devastated his hopes of preventing British possession of New York City and its valuable harbors and ports. Following these defeats and the ensuing retreat by Washington, the New Jersey militia, including the 3rd Battalion of the Hunterdon Brigade, prepared to meet the British invaders if the battle were to enter New Jersey. The group was led by Colonel David Chambers (1730-1795) who would eventually command additional men from Somerset and Sussex counties as well as other Revolutionary units disputed by the descendants of Abraham Hewlings.

From the description of New Jersey Militia, Hunterdon Brigade, provisions document, 1776. (New Jersey Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 57186069