New York & New Jersey Campaign > Ambush of Geary

Ambush of Geary

Background

The Ambush of Geary, also known as the Geary Ambush, took place on December 14, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. This skirmish occurred near Ringoes, New Jersey, and involved an American militia ambush on a British foraging party. The engagement highlighted the effectiveness of guerrilla tactics employed by American forces against British troops in New Jersey.

Background:

1. Strategic Context:

   • Following the British capture of New York City in 1776, British forces, commanded by General Sir William Howe, sought to consolidate their control over the surrounding areas and secure supplies for their troops.
   • The Continental Army, under General George Washington, had suffered defeats and was retreating through New Jersey. Despite these setbacks, Washington aimed to disrupt British operations through hit-and-run tactics and guerrilla warfare.

2. British Foraging Parties:

   • To sustain their forces, the British regularly sent out foraging parties to gather food and supplies from the New Jersey countryside. These parties were often vulnerable to ambushes by local militia.

3. American Forces:

   • The American forces involved in the ambush were local New Jersey militia, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John Rhea. These militia units were familiar with the terrain and adept at guerrilla tactics, making them effective in ambush operations.

The Ambush:

1. The British Foraging Party:

   • Captain Richard Geary, a British officer, led a foraging party consisting of about 100 men. This group was tasked with gathering supplies from the area around Ringoes, New Jersey.
   • The foraging party was lightly armed and not expecting significant resistance, making them an ideal target for an ambush.

2. Setting the Ambush:

   • Lieutenant Colonel John Rhea and his militia learned of the British foraging party's movements and decided to set an ambush along their expected route.
   • The militia positioned themselves in concealed locations along a narrow road near Ringoes, where the terrain provided a tactical advantage.

3. Execution of the Ambush:

   • On December 14, 1776, as Captain Geary's foraging party approached the ambush site, the militia opened fire from their concealed positions.
   • The surprise attack caused confusion and panic among the British troops. The militia’s accurate and concentrated fire inflicted significant casualties on the foraging party.

4. Outcome of the Ambush:

   • Captain Richard Geary was killed in the ambush, and his party suffered several casualties. The survivors were forced to retreat, abandoning their mission to gather supplies.
   • The militia quickly dispersed after the ambush, avoiding a prolonged engagement and minimizing their own casualties.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties:

   • The British foraging party suffered several casualties, including the death of Captain Geary. The exact number of British casualties is not well-documented, but the loss of their officer and the failure of the foraging mission were significant.
   • The American militia suffered minimal, if any, casualties due to the element of surprise and their quick withdrawal after the ambush.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • The ambush disrupted British supply lines and highlighted the vulnerability of British foraging parties to guerrilla tactics.
   • The success of the ambush contributed to the larger strategy of harassing British forces and undermining their control over the New Jersey countryside.

3. Boost to American Morale:

   • The ambush provided a morale boost to the American forces and local militia. It demonstrated the effectiveness of guerrilla tactics and the potential for small, mobile units to inflict damage on British operations.
   • The ambush also showcased the determination of local militia to resist British occupation and support the Patriot cause.

Significance:

• Guerrilla Warfare: The Ambush of Geary exemplified the use of guerrilla tactics by American forces, highlighting the effectiveness of ambushes and hit-and-run attacks against a conventional military force.
• Local Resistance: The engagement demonstrated the important role of local militia in the Revolutionary War, contributing to the broader effort to resist and disrupt British control.
• Strategic Disruption: The ambush disrupted British supply lines and operations, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by British forces in maintaining control over contested territories.

The Ambush of Geary, while a relatively small engagement, played a significant role in the larger context of the American Revolutionary War. It illustrated the potential of guerrilla tactics and local militia to challenge and disrupt British operations, contributing to the overall strategy of resistance and eventual American victory.

New York & New Jersey Campaign Battles

• Ambush of Geary
• Battle of Fort Lee
• Fort Washington
• Battle of Harlem Heights
• Battle of Iron Works Hill
• Battle of Long Island
• Battle of Millstone
• Battle of Pell's Point
• Battle of Princeton
• Battle of the Assunpink Creek
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of White Plains
• Crossing the Delaware River
• Forage War
• Great Fire of New York
• Landing at Kips Bay
• Staten Island Peace Conference

Sources

Primary Sources

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