New York & New Jersey Campaign > Battle of Millstone

Battle of Millstone

Background

The Battle of Millstone, also known as the Battle of Van Nest's Mill, took place on January 20, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War. This skirmish occurred near the Millstone River in what is now Manville, New Jersey. It involved a surprise attack by American militia forces on a British foraging party, resulting in an American victory and the capture of valuable supplies.

Background:

1. Strategic Context:

   • Following the Continental Army's victories at Trenton and Princeton in late 1776 and early 1777, General George Washington sought to disrupt British operations and maintain pressure on British forces in New Jersey.
   • The British, seeking to resupply their troops in New Brunswick, sent out foraging parties to gather food and other supplies from the surrounding countryside.

2. British Foraging Party:

   • A British foraging party, numbering around 500 men and commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Abercromby, was sent from New Brunswick to gather supplies, including flour, from the area around the Millstone River.
   • The foraging party included both British regulars and Hessian troops, who were collecting supplies at Van Nest's Mill.

3. American Forces:

   • The American forces, primarily composed of New Jersey militia and Continental troops, were commanded by General Philemon Dickinson. Dickinson had received intelligence about the British foraging activities and decided to intercept them.
   • Dickinson's force numbered approximately 450 men, including elements of the New Jersey militia and the Pennsylvania Line.

The Battle:

1. American Maneuvers:

   • On the morning of January 20, 1777, General Dickinson and his men crossed the icy Millstone River to reach the foraging party's position. Despite the harsh winter conditions, the Americans managed to cross the river without detection.
   • The American forces approached Van Nest's Mill, where the British and Hessian troops were busy gathering supplies.

2. Surprise Attack:

   • Dickinson's men launched a surprise attack on the foraging party, catching them off guard. The British and Hessian troops, scattered and unprepared for an assault, were quickly overwhelmed.
   • The Americans engaged the enemy with musket fire, and close-quarters combat ensued. The British and Hessian troops, realizing they were outnumbered and outmaneuvered, began to retreat.

3. Capture of Supplies:

   • In the confusion of the attack, the British and Hessian forces abandoned their wagons and supplies. The Americans captured a significant amount of flour, cattle, wagons, and other provisions.
   • The successful raid deprived the British of much-needed supplies and boosted American morale.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties:

   • American casualties were light, with a few men wounded. The British and Hessian casualties were also minimal, with a few killed and wounded, but the primary impact was the loss of supplies rather than significant troop losses.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • The Battle of Millstone demonstrated the effectiveness of American militia and Continental forces in executing surprise attacks and disrupting British foraging operations.
   • The capture of supplies provided a logistical boost to the Continental Army and hindered British efforts to sustain their troops in New Jersey.

3. Boost to Morale:

   • The victory at Millstone was a morale booster for the American forces, coming on the heels of the successes at Trenton and Princeton. It reinforced the perception of American resilience and capability in the face of British regulars and Hessian troops.
   • The engagement highlighted the importance of local militia in supporting the Continental Army and contributing to the overall war effort.

Significance:

• Guerrilla Tactics: The Battle of Millstone exemplified the use of guerrilla tactics by American forces, leveraging surprise and local knowledge to achieve strategic objectives against a superior enemy.
• Local Militia Role: The battle underscored the critical role of local militia in the Revolutionary War, demonstrating their ability to conduct effective operations and support the broader Continental Army strategy.
• Continued Resistance: The success at Millstone contributed to the continued American resistance in New Jersey, disrupting British operations and maintaining pressure on their forces in the region.

The Battle of Millstone, while a relatively small engagement, played a significant role in the broader context of the American Revolutionary War. It showcased the tactical ingenuity of American forces and their ability to disrupt British operations, contributing to the ongoing struggle for independence.

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

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