Springfield remembers Revolutionary War battle 230 years ago

Star Ledger ^ | Friday, June 25, 2010 | Karl de Vries

[Pharmboy]

Springfield celebrated the 230th anniversary of the
Battle of Springfield with a dedication of a clock and
benches in Patriot Park on Wednesday. Springfield
resident and member of the 3rd New Jersey Regiment Mark Hurwitz
tells the story of the battle. Springfield was burned to the ground
by the English.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield paused this week to remember a time 230 years ago when it was under siege.

snip...

On June 23, 1780, Springfield stood in the way of the British army’s attempt to attack Washington’s Morristown headquarters. The Americans held their ground there, despite being outnumbered nearly three to one by Redcoats and Hessian troops.

Most of the defenders were merely farmers trying to protect their property and their families. More coverage:

The fighting became so intense that, on the steps of the First Presbyterian Church on Morris Avenue, the Rev. James Caldwell ripped out pages of Isaac Watts hymn books to use as cannon wadding as the rebels fought off advancing troops.

Thus, the reverend’s cry of “Give em’ Watts, boys!” became an unofficial township motto.

By the end of the day, the British advance had been thwarted, ending the last major northern battle of the Revolutionary War.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

No doubt because they left these communications systems in the barracks...