The Continental Army at Morristown, N.J., 1779-80.

Abstract

During the American Revolution, the Continental Army regularly went into winter encampments and in the years 17791780 the encampment was located in Morristown, New Jersey, which was approximately thirty miles west of New York City. This winter hibernation took place from December until the following June. This particular winter was referred to as the "Hard Winter" due to the severity of the weather, which included twenty-two major snowstorms. The colonial troops arrived amidst two feet of snow and immediately set upon construction of the camp. The camp was not fully completed until February, 1780. Morristown was a small, rustic village which the army had used previously for an encampment. It was selected again for numerous reasons: food, water, geographical location to New York City, and an area large enough for ten thousand troops. Morristown's approaches were guarded by a ridge of mountains and a swamp. Therefore, the Jockey Hollow area, the location of the troops' encampment, was more than satisfactory to General George Washington. Camp life was dull, tedious, but necessary in order to prepare for the upcoming campaign. The daily routine consisted of drill work, guard duty and other camp duties. The actual number of men who occupied the winter encampment was lower than the records indicate. Enlistments were up and along with desertions and deaths the Army was never sure of its true strength. Washington was quite concerned over the number of officers who were on leave during the winter months because it became a contributing factor to the laxity in discipline throughout the Army. During the encampment the lack of provisions forced the soldiers in many instances to set out in small bands to plunder the local populace of its foodstuffs. The early months of 1780 brought near starvation to the Army when it was known the local farmers had more than an ample supply. Washington was eventually forced to confiscate the needed supplies and pay the farmers in worthless currency. Morristown's role in the American Revolution was an important one; however, history has not given it the recognition it so richly deserves. A large part of the military action was centered in the New Jersey region and the winter encampment of 1779-1780 has been virtually ignored while the Valley Forge winter has received the largest attention.