New York & New Jersey Campaign > Forage War

Forage War

Background

The Forage War, which took place from late 1776 to early 1777 during the American Revolutionary War, was a series of skirmishes and raids conducted by the Continental Army and local militias against British and Hessian forces in New Jersey. The objective of these operations was to disrupt British foraging parties, deny them supplies, and weaken their hold on the region. This guerrilla warfare tactic effectively harassed British troops and contributed to the American strategy of attrition.

Background:

1. Strategic Context:

   • Following the British capture of New York City in 1776, General George Washington's Continental Army was forced to retreat across New Jersey. The British, led by General Sir William Howe, sought to consolidate their control over the region and maintain their supply lines.
   • During the winter of 1776-1777, the British established a series of outposts and garrisons across New Jersey to support their operations and secure provisions for their troops. However, these outposts were vulnerable to attack due to their isolation and the need to send out foraging parties to gather supplies.

2. American Strategy:

   • General Washington recognized the opportunity to exploit the British reliance on foraging and their dispersed positions. He encouraged the use of guerrilla tactics by the Continental Army and local militia to harass British foraging parties and outposts.
   • The goal was to disrupt British supply lines, inflict casualties, and weaken the enemy's ability to sustain their forces in the field.

Key Skirmishes and Operations:

1. Ambushes and Raids:

   • The Forage War involved numerous small-scale engagements, ambushes, and raids by American forces against British and Hessian troops. These operations were characterized by hit-and-run tactics, leveraging local knowledge of the terrain.
   • American forces targeted British foraging parties, supply wagons, and isolated outposts, aiming to capture supplies and prisoners while inflicting maximum damage.

2. Notable Engagements:

   • Battle of Millstone (January 20, 1777): A significant skirmish where American forces under General Philemon Dickinson ambushed and defeated a British foraging party at Millstone River, capturing supplies and inflicting casualties.
   • Battle of Drake's Farm (January 23, 1777): Another notable skirmish where American militia ambushed a British foraging party near Drake's Farm, resulting in the capture of supplies and prisoners.

3. Local Militia Involvement:

   • Local militias played a crucial role in the Forage War, leveraging their intimate knowledge of the terrain and employing guerrilla tactics to harass and disrupt British operations.
   • The participation of local militia helped maintain pressure on the British and provided valuable support to the Continental Army.

Impact and Aftermath:

1. Casualties and Losses:

   • The Forage War resulted in significant British and Hessian casualties, as well as the capture of supplies and prisoners by American forces. While the exact numbers are not well-documented, the cumulative effect was substantial.
   • American casualties were generally lower due to the nature of the engagements and the use of guerrilla tactics.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • The Forage War effectively disrupted British foraging efforts and supply lines, making it difficult for British forces to sustain their operations in New Jersey.
   • The continuous harassment forced the British to consolidate their positions and reduce the number of outposts, limiting their control over the region.

3. Boost to American Morale:

   • The success of the Forage War provided a significant morale boost to the American forces and local militia. It demonstrated the effectiveness of guerrilla tactics and the ability to challenge British dominance despite the overall strength of British forces.
   • The operations during the Forage War helped maintain American resistance during a critical period and set the stage for future successes, including the victories at Trenton and Princeton.

Significance:

• Guerrilla Warfare: The Forage War highlighted the effectiveness of guerrilla warfare and hit-and-run tactics in disrupting and weakening a superior conventional force.
• Local Militia: The involvement of local militia underscored the importance of popular support and local knowledge in the Revolutionary War. Their contributions were crucial to the success of the Forage War.
• Strategic Impact: The cumulative effect of the Forage War forced the British to alter their strategy, reducing their ability to project power and sustain their forces in New Jersey. This disruption played a role in the broader American strategy of attrition against British forces.

The Forage War was a pivotal series of engagements that demonstrated the resilience and tactical ingenuity of American forces during the Revolutionary War. It played a significant role in weakening British control in New Jersey and contributed to the overall success of the American war effort.

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

Secondary Sources