New Jersey. Militia. Regiment, 2nd

The Second Regiment (Infantry) of Brigadier General William Colfax's brigade of the New Jersey Militia was mustered into service in September 1814. Until December 1814, the Second Regiment was a detached militia unit in service of the United States in its war effort against Great Britain during the War of 1812. The Second Regiment was stationed in Paulus Hook, New Jersey (now Jersey City, New Jersey). Hostilities between the two nations were at a stalemate by 1814, however, Great Britain went on the offensive when it attacked and burned Washington, DC that summer. Fearful of a subsequent attack on New Jersey by the British, Governor William Pennington called out the state militia. Especially important to the country's protection was to hold key geographical positions throughout New Jersey, such as Sandy Hook, which protected the entrance to New York's harbor. Since British warships were sighted maneuvering off the New Jersey coast, a portion of the Second Regiment was reassigned to Sandy Hook as the year 1814 drew to a close. Upon the return of peace between the United States and Great Britain in 1815, the Second Regiment, along with other militia units, was mustered out of service.

From the description of Records, 1814-1815. (New Jersey Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 52717734