| Date |
Event |
| March 1776 |
To prepare for the coming campaign, Tallmadge set up a large circular tent for the
breaking and training of the horses at Wethersfield. Fewer than forty horses had arrived
and with so few, little could be done toward training the Regiment as a whole.
|
| March 1776 |
General Washington repeatedly pressed Sheldon to bring the Regiment to camp, during
spring, though Sheldon could not 'hasten' production.
|
| April 1776 |
There was complaint against Sheldon by member of church parish for breach of Sabbath,
yet it was suspended.
|
| April 04, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Dedham, Massachusetts |
| April 05, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Providence, Rhode Island Stephen Hopkins'
House
|
| April 08, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Norwich, Connecticut Leffingwell Inn (still
standing), Jedidiah Huntington's House
|
| April 09, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to New London, Connecticut Nathaniel Shaw's
Mansion
|
| April 10, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Old Lyme, Connecticut John McCurdy's House |
| April 11, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Fairfield, Connecticut Samuel Penfield's
Tavern
|
| April 12, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Westchester County, New York Guion's Tavern |
| April 13, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to New York City William Smith's |
| April 17, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to New York, New York Abraham Mortier's |
| May 1776 |
The Connecticut Assembly organized militia horse troops into regiments of light horse.
Sheldon was given command of the 5th Regiment and promoted to major. Soon after, his
regiment and others, served under Washington at New York which lasted seven days.
|
| May 22, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to On Road south through New Jersey, with a
stop at Princeton
|
| May 23, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Philadelphia |
| June 1776 |
General Sir William Howe had ploddingly pursued Washington from Long Island to White
Plains and finally across New Jersey.
|
| June 1776 |
Benjamin Tallmadge becomes Adjutant of Chester's Connecticut Regiment. As Brigade
Major of Wadsworth's Brigade, he was one of the last to evacuate Long Island after
that fateful battle.
|
| June 05, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to New Brunswick, New Jersey Minnie Van Voorhee's
Tavern
|
| June 06, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to New York City Abraham Mortier's |
| June 16, 1776 |
General Washington calls first dragoons to camp as his patience is nearly exhausted.
Only 16 men report to Peekskill.
|
| June 17, 1776 |
Washington calls dragoons to camp even if armed, accoutred or not. |
| June 21, 1776 |
Upon Washington's orders, Tallmadge departs Wethersfield on dapple grey horses with
three other troops, however they are undermanned and underequipped.
|
| July 1776 |
Colonel Thomas Seymour of the Connecticut Light Horse submitted claims for service
in New York which the paymaster declined to honor. Seeking more information, Washington
questioned Sheldon, who had commanded one of the regiments on that abortive tour of
duty. Sheldon replied that he knew nothing of the terms on which they were ordered
to New York. Further, he said that he had let Seymour know that he would never make
any demands upon the public for his service. Indeed, he was of the opinion that the
Light Horse was indebted to their country for quitting their service in so scandalous
a manner. Washington was forced to defer a decision until such time as he could get
his papers together.
|
| August 28, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Brooklyn Heights, Long Island, New York |
| August 30, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to New York City Abraham Mortier's or Mott's
Tavern & Robert Murray's
|
| September 1776 |
De Vernejoux appointed captain by brevet. |
| September 15, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Harlem Heights, New York Roger Morris's
Mansion (Morris-Jumel Mansion)
|
| October 1776 |
Affairs at New York worsened and Sheldon's regiment took the field once more. |
| October 1776 |
In the retreat across New Jersey, Sheldon gained the approbation of George Washington
and is nominated to command one of the new Continental cavalry regiments.
|
| October 20, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Mile Square, Westchester County, New York
Valentine's Hill
|
| October 23, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to White Plains, New York Jacob Purdy's House |
| October 28, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to White Plains, New York Elijah Miller's House |
| November 11, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Peekskill, New York |
| November 13, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Fort Lee, New Jersey |
| November 18, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Hackensack, New Jersey Peter Zabriskie's |
| November 21, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Passaic, New Jersey |
| November 23, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Newark, New Jersey Eagle Tavern |
| November 29, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Brunswick, New Jersey |
| December 02, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Princeton, New Jersey |
| December 03, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Trenton, New Jersey |
| December 08, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Trenton Falls on the Delaware River, Bucks
County, Pennsylvania Thomas Barclay's Summerseat
|
| December 11, 1776 |
Establishment of Sheldon's Horse Dragoons: General Washington proposed the establishment
of one or more corps of horse and recommends Major Elisha Sheldon as Lieutenant Colonel
Commandant of a regiment. Sheldon's Connecticut Light Horse had served him well during
the recent campaign. Congress speedily appointed Sheldon Lieutenant Colonel Commandant
of a regiment of Continental cavalry.
|
| December 14, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to 10 miles above Trenton Falls, Bucks County,
Pennsylvania William Keith's House (destroyed by fire in the 1980s)
|
| December 16, 1776 |
Washington orders Sheldon's immediately to go to Connecticut to raise the regiment. |
| December 16, 1776 |
Samuel Blagden appointed as Major of regiment, Josiah Stoddard of Salisbury appointed
as Captain of regiment. Both had served in the Ticonderoga expedition.
|
| December 16, 1776 |
Other Connecticut officers were Captain Benjamin Tallmadge and Lieutenants Ezeldel
Belden and John Webb of Wethersfield, Captain Epaphras Bull and Lieutenant Thomas
Y. Seymour of Hartford. Two troop commanders came from other states: Captain William
Barnett of New Jersey and Captain Nathaniel Crafts of Massachusetts. The sixth captain,
Jean de Vemejoux, was a French volunteer. Most of the men, however, came from Connecticut.
Most were farmers, but other occupations were also represented.
|
| December 20, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Upper Wakefield Township, Pennsylvania William
Keith's
|
| December 24, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Upper ford of the Delaware, Pennsylvania
Thompson-Neely House
|
| December 25, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Victory at Trenton, New Jersey |
| December 26, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Newtown, Pennsylvania Hannah Stewart (Mrs.
John) Harris' House
|
| December 30, 1776 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Trenton, New Jersey John Barnes' (loyalist) |
| Date |
Event |
| January 03, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Victory at Princeton, New Jersey |
| January 04, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Pluckamin, New Jersey |
| January 06, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Morristown, New Jersey Arnold's Tavern |
| May 1777 |
Elisha Smith joined Second Dragoons, after action at Trenton. |
| May 29, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Middlebrook, New Jersey |
| June 23, 1777 |
The squadron departed Litchfield for army headquaters in Morristown, New Jersey, crossing
the Hudson at King's Ferry on the way.
|
| June 24, 1777 |
Tallmadge reported to the Commander-in-Chiet at Middlebrook. Washington ordered the
squadron on to his command post, reviewed the troops and commended their appearance.
|
| June 25, 1777 |
At Middlebrook, the senior cavalry officer present was Colonel Theodorick Bland, a
medical doctor educated in England, who espoused the Patriot cause upon his return
to his native Virginia.
|
| June 25, 1777 |
Colonel Theodorick Bland mustered about 260 light horse. Supported by 300 infantry,
the American cavalry moved to reconnoiter the British at Brunswick. About nine miles
in advance of the main American force, Bland found a large body of British regulars
deployed on Strawberry Hill near Amboy. After some fruitless maneuvering and the loss
of a few men and horses, Bland ordered a withdrawal, during which they captured and
brought off one Hessian. In a satiric letter, Tallmadge criticized Bland's drawing
up the troops within range of the British muskets but beyond that of the American
carbines.
|
| June 25, 1777 |
Retiring six miles, Colonel Theodorick Bland halted for the night. |
| June 25, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Quibbletown, New Jersey H.P. Drake House |
| June 26, 1777 |
The next morning, the troops had just saddled up, when an enemy column appeared about
100 rods off. Hastily mounting, the Continentals scampered for camp to deploy behind
Stirling's infantry. In the ensuing engagement, Stirling lost three cannon to the
Redcoats.
|
| June 26, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Middlebrook, New Jersey |
| June 30, 1777 |
Howe departed for Staten Island, after this small success, though accomplishing very
little.
|
| July 02, 1777 |
Sheldon's Horse was parceled out to the divisions. At least one troop was east of
the Hudson. In a chatty letter, composed during the relative quiet following Howe's
evacuation of New Jersey, Tallmadge wrote that Captain Bull was at Peekskill. Other
troops were elsewhere. One was with General Sullivan at Pompton.
|
| July 03, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Morristown, New Jersey |
| July 08, 1777 |
A courtmartial was ordered there to try de Vernejoux. |
| July 11, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Pompton, New Jersey Arent Schuyler's house |
| July 13, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Pompton Plains, New Jersey Van Aulen's |
| July 15, 1777 |
Washington moved his divisions towards the Hudson Highlands, in the belief that Howe
would try a thrust northward. Twenty of Sheldon's Dragoons were detailed on to advance
on roads agreeable to the orders of General Maxwell. As the week progressed, Washington
began to have doubts as to Howe's destination.
|
| July 15, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Suffern's Tavern, New York |
| July 20, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Smith's Clove, New York |
| July 21, 1777 |
Washington ordered Colonel Theodorick Bland's Horse to return to Bound Brook to actively
seek intelligence of the enemy's movement, since as the week progressed, Washington
began to have doubts as to Howe's destination.
|
| July 21, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to 11 Miles in the Clove Galloway's |
| July 23, 1777 |
Sir William sailed south from Sandy Hook and Washington was shifting his army to counter
any move along the seaboard.
|
| July 23, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Ramapo, New Jersey |
| July 24, 1777 |
Sheldon was ordered to report to Washington at Ramapo, leaving one troop with Putnam. |
| July 25, 1777 |
Colonel Samuel Webb's journal notes that Sheldon's regiment was to return with Sullivan's
and Stirling's divisions across the Hudson to New Jersey.
|
| July 25, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Pompton Plains, New Jersey |
| July 26, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Near Morristown, New Jersey Mondevil's House |
| July 28, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Flemington, New Jersey |
| July 31, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Coryell's Ferry, New Jersey Holcombe House |
| August 01, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Chester, Pennsylvania |
| August 02, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Philadelphia Colo. Henry Hill's at Roxboro
on 4 August
|
| August 06, 1777 |
Sheldon was appointed president of a courtmartial to sit at Roxboro, Pennsylvania.
He was with his regimental headquarters in that area, while some of his troops were
deployed elsewhere. Bull's troop was still east of the Hudson near Peekskill.
|
| August 06, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Germantown, Pennsylvania |
| August 07, 1777 |
General Putnam directed Webb's regiment and the troop of Sheldon's Light Dragoons
to muster. At this time, four dragoons were reported missing. Captain Bamett's troop
was then attached to General Sullivan in eastern New Jersey.
|
| August 07, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Schuylkill Falls, Pennsylvania |
| August 09, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Germantown, Pennsylvania |
| August 10, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Neshaminy Camp near Hartsville, Pennsylvania
Moland House
|
| August 19, 1777 |
Captain Bamett's troop was then attached to General Sullivan in eastern New Jersey.
Governor William Livingston complained that no person was more guilty of abusing the
privilege of flags to the British lines than was Barnett. He accused the captain of
being a drunkard with little discretion even when sober, and he suspected him of disaffection
for the American cause.
|
| August 19, 1777 |
Washington reluctantly complied with a Congressional directive to send a troop of
horse to serve with General Gates. De Vemejoux's troop had been detached to the Northern
Army.
|
| August 20, 1777 |
In Bucks County, Sheldon sent to Gates at Albany an arrest order for de Vernejoux
and requested a courtmartial for the Gallic adventurer. The charges were serious.
At Rhinebeck, he had allegedly turned a woman out of her bed to make lodgings for
himself, and he had threatened to kill the woman with his sword. At Staatsburgh, he
was alleged to have dismounted one of his dragoons and to have hitched the horse to
the carriage of a Doctor Bards. and to have taken it to Albany, contrary to orders
and his certified word of honor. Lastly, he was accused of abusive language to, and
threats against, Colonel Sheldon. Witnesses were Lieutenant Seymour and Quartermaster
Sergeant Wetmore of his troop and a Doctor Stoddard.
|
| August 21, 1777 |
The balance of Sheldon's Horse had been attached to Stirling's division. Washington's
order of battle for August 23 placed the Regiment on the left wing.
|
| August 22, 1777 |
Another detachment of Second Light Dragoons under Lieutenant Colonel Blagden swept
through Westchester taking cows, oxen, and horses from the enemy near Fort Independence.
|
| August 23, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Germantown, Pennsylvania Stenton |
| August 24, 1777 |
For the march through Philadelphia, Bland's and Baylor's regiments led the column,
while Sheldon's and Moylan's brought up the rear. The march through the city took
more than two hours, after which the army proceeded to Derby
|
| August 25, 1777 |
In the morning, two divisions and the horse moved toward Wilmington. |
| August 25, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Wilmington, Delaware 303 West Street |
| August 26, 1777 |
Washington, with all the cavalry except Sheldon's, reconnoitered to within two miles
of Howe's camp at Head of Elk.
|
| August 27, 1777 |
The Troop with Gates was tested under fire during this in a strength report. Lieutenant
Seymour noted that one man had been killed and three men wounded in a skirmish with
Tories and Indians at Schoharie. The wounded were in the hospital at Albany. Seymour
also listed two deserters, but whether they had run from the enemy or had simply tired
of soldiering he did not state. De Vernejoux was reported absent, sick at Albany,
while Sergeant Wetmore with the drill sergeant and two men were absent by command
of the Captain. Another man sent as an express to Peekskill by De Vernejoux was still
absent. One corporal and four men, though expected hourly, had never joined the troop.
Trumpeter John Conley was present sick. These losses and absences left Seymour with
one comet, four corporals, and fourteen privates present and fit for duty. Six of
their twenty-one horses were unfit. A note on the report stated that most of the horses
were much worn down by hard service.
|
| August 28, 1777 |
To celebrate the sale of this loot, Putnam authorized Blagden's dragoons to fire their
pieces at retreat.
|
| August 28, 1777 |
Blagden's dragoons, less Captain Bull's troop, were recalled to the main army near
Wilmington.
|
| August 28, 1777 |
Sheldon's Horse was advanced to the White Clay Creek area and put under Greene's command. |
| September 01, 1777 |
General Sullivan reported Livingston's complaint against Captain Barnett to Washington |
| September 01, 1777 |
Moylan's Fourth Regiment wore red uniforms when Washington ordered fifty of them on
a mission to confuse the Loyalists and British spies.
|
| September 05, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to New Port and Wilmington, Delaware |
| September 07, 1777 |
General Sullivan advised the Governor that the accused officer would be recalled from
the area. The order was written by Washington's aide, Robert H. Harrison.
|
| September 07, 1777 |
Barnett was peremptorily directed to repair to headquarters with all his men, horses,
and accoutrement without delay, on pain of being tried and dismissed for disobedience
to orders.
|
| September 10, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Chadd's ford, Pennsylvania Benjamin Ring's
House
|
| September 11, 1777 |
Defeat at Brandywine. This was reportedly due, in part, to a shortage of light horse
and poor reconnaissance.
|
| September 11, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Battle of Brandywine, Pennsylvania Now Brandywine
Battlefield Park
|
| September 12, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Derby, Pennsylvania |
| September 13, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Schuylkill Falls and Germantown, Pennsylvania
Col. Henry Hill's House
|
| September 15, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Buck's Tavern, Pennsylvania |
| September 16, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Near White Horse Tavern, Pennsylvania Randall
Malin's
|
| September 17, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Yellow Springs & Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania
Pottsgrove Manor/Red Lion Tavern
|
| September 18, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Warwick Furnace, Pennsylvania |
| September 19, 1777 |
In the post-battle maneuvering along the Schuylldll northwest of Philadelphia, Washington
sent General Wayne's division with four field pieces to lie near the enemy rear. Serving
with Wayne was Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Temple of Bland's Virginia Horse. His cavalry
task force included a detachment under Captain Josiah Stoddard.
|
| September 19, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Parker's ford, Pennsylvania |
| September 21, 1777 |
Stoddard had a horse piquette well advanced on the Swede's Ford Road to guard the
main body at Paoli. The piquette challenged an advancing body of men. Despite getting
the proper password, Stoddard was uneasy. He fired his pistol and attempted to stem
the rush of General 'No Flint' Grey's silent Redcoats. The chilling efficiency of
the British regular was not to be denied. In short minutes, British steel cut down
fifty Americans, wounded and captured a hundred more, and routed the rest, Stoddard
with them.
|
| September 21, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania Pottsgrove Manor |
| September 22, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Camp 28 miles from Philadelphia on Reading
Road Mr. Kennedy's House
|
| September 22, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Camp 34 miles from Philadelphia on the Schuylkill
William Artes' House
|
| September 26, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Pottsgrove & Yellow Springs, Pennsylvania
Henry Keely's
|
| September 27, 1777 |
Americans had been maneuvered out of Philadelphia. Washington gathered his forces
twenty miles from the city and prepared an ambitious attack against the enemy encamped
at Germantown.
|
| September 27, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Pennypacker's Mill, Pennsylvania Pennypacker's
Mansion
|
| September 30, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Shippack, Pennsylvania Peter Wentz's |
| October 02, 1777 |
Brigadier General Count Casimir Pulaski, now the Commander of the Horse, was directed
to assemble all cavalry, except that on necessary duty, as near headquarters as possible.
|
| October 04, 1777 |
Washington planned for four columns to make a coordinated assault at daybreak. Tallmadge
was attached to Sullivan's column. Despite early success, the stubborn resistance
of some Redcoats in the Chew mansion, and the professional competence of others in
the British lines, finally forced the Americans to retire. The retirement turned into
something of a rout. Washington, in an ineffectual attempt to prevent the retreat
of his infantry, threw Tallmadge's squadron across the road.
|
| October 04, 1777 |
The Americans fell back behind Chestnut Hill. Elisha Johnson of the First Troop died
in the battle.
|
| October 04, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Pennypacker's Mill, Pennsylvania |
| October 05, 1777 |
Following Germantown, the army collected supplies. Some requisitioning was overzealous.
Washington issued a circular to all dragoon commanders deploring the requisition of
horses. During this period, some Second Dragoons drove in a British piquette and afterward
brought off a mare, a filly, and two colts from a pasture a mile or more outside the
enemy lines.
|
| October 05, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Pennypacker's Mill, Pennsylvania Pennypacker's
Mansion
|
| October 06, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Pawlin's Mill, Pennsylvania |
| October 09, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Towamencin, Pennsylvania Frederick Wampole's |
| October 12, 1777 |
Stoddard sent Dorman back to Norwalk to send on some forage for the horses, possibly
the very same located previously. In any event, Dorman was arrested by the civil authorities.
He sent a message to his captain, requesting his presence at a trial to be held the
next day before a Justice of the peace.
|
| October 13, 1777 |
Trial of Private Gershom Dorman. |
| October 16, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Worcester, Pennsylvania Peter Wentz's |
| October 20, 1777 |
De Vernoux had been dismissed by Gates, and Seymour's promotion was effective. To
the north, Seymour succeeded to the command of the troop with Gates. Following the
British surrender at Saratoga, Gates assigned the Light Dragoons as guards to protect
Burgoyne from insult, as much as for any other reason.
|
| October 21, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania Dawesfield (James
Morris' House)
|
| November 02, 1777 |
At the main army, another escort assignment was being pondered. John Hancock, leaving
office as President of the Continental Congress, wished to return in a manner befitting
his own estimate of his im- portance. He requested an escort of dragoons to accompany
his carriage to Boston. After cautious debate, Washington did indulge him with twelve
dragoons under Cornet Thomas Burkman of Massachusetts.
|
| November 04, 1777 |
John Adams recorded the dissatisfaction of some innkeepers when he traveled over Hancock's
route. The escort angered the taverners by not paying their lodging bills.
|
| November 04, 1777 |
Yet the effect desired by Hancock was achieved. William Ellery, a Congressman from
Massachusetts, met the party at Fishkill, New York, and was duly awed.
|
| November 04, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania Emlen House |
| November 14, 1777 |
Seymour escorted the captive general to Cambridge, and was dispatched from there to
Gates with the British troop returns.
|
| November 14, 1777 |
In appreciation, Burgoyne gave Seymour a beautiful leopard skin. In later years, Seymour
proudly used it as a saddle cloth for parades and other ceremonial affairs.
|
| November 14, 1777 |
The escort broke no speed records, for it did not reach Boston until November 14. |
| December 04, 1777 |
At Whitemarsh, Washington annexed Bland's and Baylor's regiments to the right, Sullivan's
wing to use small detachments to watch the enemy and prevent surpise. Moylan's and
Sheldon's were to perform the same service for Greene's left wing.
|
| December 04, 1777 |
The Americans, hoping to gain another Saratoga, desired, rather than avoided battle.
Two dragoons, Chaunoey and Brown of the First Troop, were killed.
|
| December 07, 1777 |
After continuing several days at Chestnut Hill, Howe took a new position opposite
the American left wing at daybreak. Tallmadge's squadron was on the flank with Morgan's
riflemen. They engaged the British light infantry and dragoons, but neither side gained
enough advantage for a general battle.
|
| December 08, 1777 |
Howe retired to winter quarters in Philadelphia. Shortly thereafter, Washington and
his forces repaired to Valley Forge. To protect the camp, Washington stationed his
light troops as advanced corps of observation. Tallmadge had a detachment on this
duty. His assignment was to scout from the Schuylkill to the Dela- ware, watching
the enemy movements and preventing the flow of supplies to Philadelphia. The active
British light horse made it neces- sary to shift station frequently. Tallmadge deemed
it unsafe to permit his dragoons to unsaddle their mounts even for an hour, and he
rarely stayed in one place through the night.
|
| December 12, 1777 |
General Charles Lee stopped at White's Tavern in Basking Ridge and de Vernejoux was
one of the party there.
|
| December 12, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Swede's ford, Pennsylvania |
| December 13, 1777 |
During Lord Harcourt's surprise attack on the morning, de Vernejoux vigorously defended
the front door and was not taken when Lee surrendered.
|
| December 14, 1777 |
Tallmadge, while near Germantown, in the evening, got word that a large body of British
cavalry was approaching on the opposite bank of the Schuylkill. He immediately mounted
about ten or twelve of his dragoons and formed up on the road. A noncom was sent back
to hasten the rest of his men, but before he could return, the British opened fire.
An exchange of a few shots followed, and Tallmadge found it impossible to oppose the
more numerous Redcoats, especially after they leaped the fences and got on his flanks.
He withdrew, intending to circle into the Germantown road to resume the fight. He
was pursued only a short distance. The British returned to his vacated quarters in
an attempt to capture the Americans cut off by the attack. All but three of those,
however, were able to escape. Those captured were reportedly subjected to atrocities,
particularly Quartermaster Sergeant Samuel Mills.
|
| December 14, 1777 |
While patrolling between Germantown and Philadelphia, Tallmadge met a country girl
who had been sent into the city to gather intelligence on the pretext of selling eggs.
On her return, she stopped at the Rising Sun Tavern, which was in sight of the British
outpost, and was talking to Tallmadge when some British horse approached. He mounted
swiftly, took the girl up behind him, and brought her off three miles to Germantown.
Despite much pistol firing and the wild ride, she was unmoved and never complained.
|
| December 14, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Gulph Mill, Pennsylvania |
| December 18, 1777 |
De Vernejoux was commissioned in the Second Dragoons. The charges to be tried before
Colonel Thomas Price's court were disobedience of orders and insult to Colonel John
Stone.
|
| December 19, 1777 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Deborah Hewe's
House
|
| December 24, 1777 |
In an account of a raiding party, an American surgeon, Albigence Waldo, noted the
confusion caused by the similarity of the cloaks worn by the British to those of the
Connecticut Light Horse, meaning probably the Second Light Dragoons. Moylan's Fourth
Regiment had worn red uniforms in September 1777.
|
| December 26, 1777 |
Tallmadge returned some American deserters to Washington, notifying him that his troop
would operate jointly with that of Lieutenant Lewis of Bland's Virginians, which he
had encountered at Chestnut Hill.
|
| December 30, 1777 |
In an effort to reform the cavalry into a brigade on the European model, Pulaski suggested
that a quartermaster general for cavalry be appointed. He nominated Blagden for the
position. Although Blagden did not get the appointment, he was ordered to go to Boston
to get clothes and equipment for the Regiment.
|
| December 30, 1777 |
It became evident that the cavalry could no longer operate effectively. Snow covered
the ground, and most efforts of both armies were directed to surviving the winter.
|
| December 30, 1777 |
Pulaski was ordered to take his brigade into quarters at Trenton, not too far from
the main army, it was hoped he could refit and reform the light horse for a better
day.
|
| Date |
Event |
| January 1778 |
Sheldon's Horse won few honors on its first campaign. It had seen action on three
fronts, but never in strength. Its contribution had often been important, but never
decisive. The recently-appointed Commander of the Horse hoped to bring about change
in the employment of all the American cavalry. Count Pulaski's elaborate plan for
the cavalry was suited more to the Polish plains than to the American terrain. His
lack of fluency in English inevitably brought misunderstanding. Personality clashes
created distrust, and serious quarrels developed. Regimental commanders and officers
resented the 'foreigners,' and unrest stirred the troops.
|
| January 1778 |
Coming into year 1778, the Regiment had lost three troop commanders. Captain de Vernejoux
had been cashiered, while Captains Barnett and Crafts and Lieutenant Hazard had resigned.
Although only ten troopers had been killed, fifty-one had either deserted or been
discharged.
|
| January 01, 1778 |
Washington ordered the officer in command at Albany to issue the sabers captured at
Bennington to Sheldon's regiment. These broadswords had been carried by Riedesel's
Brunswick Dragoons when they marched, on foot, into the Vermont hills. Long straight
weapons with double-edged blades, the German swords proved heavier than Scottish claymores
and less manageable than sabers.
|
| January 01, 1778 |
Elisha Smith began in role as Stoddard's waiter or orderly which lasted eight months
until he deserted.
|
| January 12, 1778 |
The choice of the winter rendezvous was unfortunate. Tallmadge, decried the inadequacy
of the cavalry quarters at Trenton.
|
| January 12, 1778 |
Stables were available for less than a fourth of the horses, and hay was virtually
non-existent. Moreover, the presence of several hundred sailors in town made it necessary
to billet the troops in small groups among the 'jacks'.
|
| January 13, 1778 |
Sheldon was leaving to go to Fishkill to further the refitting of the Regiment, one-third
of which still lay east of the Hudson. He was also going to petition the Connecticut
Assembly. He wanted the four troops raised in Connecticut declared eligible for the
benefits enjoyed by the Connecticut Continental Line. Since Samuel Blagden already
departed for Boston, the command, with all its headaches, fell to Tallmadge. A partial
remedy of the billeting problem was attempted by moving the Regiment to Maidenhead
about six miles from Trenton and quartering the men on the neighboring farms. Tallmadge
believed that the whole of the cavalry could not be accommodated in that area, and
he preferred returning to camp so as to permit the men to forage for themselves. As
a final solution, the regiment moved to Chatham, New Jersey. (estimated date)
|
| February 09, 1778 |
Tallmadge wrote that he received 149 of the Brunswick swords. From the surrounding
area he had obtained 100 pairs of leather breeches, and he had contracted for more,
plus 250 pairs of boots. The table of organization at that time called for thirty
sergeants and corporals, twelve farriers and trumpeters, and 204 privates.
|
| February 09, 1778 |
A return on this date, gave strength of twenty sergeants and corporals, six farriers
and trumpeters, and 104 privates, about half of the planned organization.
|
| February 23, 1778 |
Tallmadge sought General Washington's advice regarding the contracted price (for breeches),
which was higher than that set by Congress after the contract had been let.
|
| March 03, 1778 |
Pleased with Tallmadge's procurement activities, Washington requested that he try
to get more breeches for the other regiments.
|
| March 10, 1778 |
Washington's immediate reply was to honor the bargained rate. |
| March 20, 1778 |
Washington had been forced to conclude that Pulaski had no alternative but to resign.
Washington designated Colonel Moylan as commander, but he neither promoted him nor
removed him from command of his own regiment.
|
| April 15, 1778 |
For some time in April, Tallmadge was absent from Chatham, being then with the troops
that had been with Gates at Saratoga and Putnam in the Hudson Highlands. While he
was gone, Moylan, as the senior cavalry officer, inspected the troops at Chatham and
found them ill-prepared for the coming campaign. His report to Washington inspired
a blistering letter to 'the Officer Commanding the Second Continental Dragoons.' The
General sternly reproved the Regiment's officers for laxity in caring for the mounts.
|
| May 02, 1778 |
On resigning, as Commander of the Horse, Pulaski was authorized to raise an independent
legion of horse and foot. He had re- quested that Washington allow him to draft four
men from each of the cavalry regiments to serve as a nucleus of the new organization.
He was permitted to enlist only two troopers from each regiment, plus one sergeant
from Sheldon's Horse. The quota for the Second Dragoons all came from the First Troop.
Corporal Joseph Cone may have transferred as a step towards promotion. Why Privates
Nathan Fenton and Joseph Weeks made the move is less apparent.
|
| May 03, 1778 |
Tallmadge, on his return to Chatham, responded in an aggrieved but polite manner,
citing the many problems of forage, arms, and saddlery, with which he and the other
officers were trying to cope.
|
| May 12-, 1778 |
After a visit from Sheldon, Washington replied to Tallmadge, and, in a somewhat mollifying
tone, explained his reasons for the scorching reprimand, when he sternly reproved
the Regiment's officers for laxity in caring for the mounts.
|
| May 14, 1778 |
Mid-May found the Regiment in its not-unusual, dispersed state. Sheldon was absent
once more, east of the Hudson, possibly at Hartford where, on May 14, the Assembly
approved his petition to get his Connecticut Dragoons the same benefits granted the
men of the Connecticut Line.
|
| May 29, 1778 |
Washington ordered the Regiment to join Gates at Fishkill, New York. |
| June 01, 1778 |
Although American intelligence predicted that Sir Henry Clinton would soon evacuate
Philadelphia, the extent of the country under Gates required mobile troops to patrol
it and to counter any movement from New York. Tallmadge received the order, and he
immediately notified Gates that he was preparing to join his command. He recalled
the several detachments on the lines to rendezvous at Newburgh, and he wrote Sheldon
to inform him of the order. The prospect of seeing the entire Regiment united, something
that had not occurred since its raising, pleased the young major greatly.
|
| June 02, 1778 |
With Blagden still absent, the command of the Regiment at Chatham fell to Tallmadge.
His command was somewhat abbreviated. Frequent drafts for special duty left only a
few men fit for general service, and even those were short of arms and accoutrement.
Special duty assginments often had a pleasing aspect. Captain Stoddard, while on one
of these, got to visit the charming young Quaker, Sally Wister. Her journal noted
that he was escorting a wagon when he stopped at her house in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
|
| June 03, 1778 |
After some delay in getting horses and wagons fitted and waiting out an easterly storm,
Tallmadge began to march. The reception given Colonel Sheldon by Gates was not exactly
warm. In a fit of pique, the General apparently let off steam by abusive language,
damning Sheldon, and calling him neither an officer nor a gentleman. Sheldon retained
his self-control, only telling Lieutenant Jedidiah Rogers, one of his subalterns,
that as soon as Washington arrived he would call Gates to account. After cooling off.
Gates recalled Sheldon and Blagden, and, in the presence of his aide, Colonel Troup,
made his apologies.
|
| June 03, 1778 |
Washington was, of course, delayed by the action at Monmouth Court House. Had he retained
Sheldon's Horse in New Jersey, it is entirely possible that their harassment of Clinton's
march might have resulted in a more decisive outcome of that encounter. (estimated
date)
|
| June 17, 1778 |
Instead of the opportunity for more a decisive outcome in New Jersey with Clinton,
the Regiment was deployed by Gates to posts in Westchester. From his station at King
Street, Sheldon, sent an officer to the Saw Pits to determine whether the Connecticut
militia foot and horse called to active service for the summer had yet arrived.
|
| June 20, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Doylestown, Pennsylvania |
| June 21, 1778 |
Stoddard dispatched a squad to take into custody a Tory, Israel Underbill, accused
of espionage and dealing in contraband. They took not only Underbill, but also large
quantities of sugar and other supplies found at his house as well. In his report to
Gates, Stoddard mentioned rumors that attributed excessive zeal to his treatment of
other Tories and suspected persons.
|
| June 22, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Coryell's Ferry, New Jersey Holcombe House |
| June 23, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Hopewell, New Jersey John Hunt's |
| June 25, 1778 |
Sheldon reported to Gates, that he had posted parties from Rye to Dobbs Ferry, and
that he had ordered cavalry patrols for night duty.
|
| June 26, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Cranberry, New Jersey |
| June 27, 1778 |
Two days after Sheldon posted parties from Rye to Dobbs Ferry, a sergeant and four
men from Tallmadge's detachment, while escorting a Tory near Philipse Manor, were
fired upon by a British galley on the Hudson. Suspecting that some of the ship's officers
and men might be in the house, the sergeant sent word to Tallmadge, who immediately
moved with a party of eighteen horse and thirty foot to effect a search of the house.
|
| June 27, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Englishtown, New Jersey |
| June 28, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Middlesex County, New Jersey |
| June 29, 1778 |
By the time the party of eighteen horse and thirty foot arrived, the galley had sailed
farther north, but the troop found that the enemy had been ashore. After searching
the property (Philipse Manor), Tallmadge confiscated some cordage to be made into
halters for his mounts.
|
| June 29, 1778 |
In Major Tallmadge's report to Gates, the major mentioned that he had received twelve
horses for his dismounted men. Per Washington's directive, he had purchased the animals
on credit, and he now sought instruction on method of payment. He also wished permission
to recruit Continental dragoons from the short-term troops brought on for the summer
campaign. (date estimated)
|
| June 29, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Near Monmouth, New Jersey |
| July 03, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Brunswick, New Jersey |
| July 09, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Newark, New Jersey |
| July 10, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Paramus, New Jersey The Hermitage (Ms. Theodosia
Prevost's)
|
| July 15, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Haverstraw, New York (visit to West Point
on16 July) Udny Hay's
|
| July 19, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to 7 miles from King's Ferry, New York Captain
Drake's Delavan House
|
| July 20, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to White Plains, New York Elijah Miller's House/Reuben
Wright's Mill
|
| September 17, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Fredericksburg, New York |
| October 01, 1778 |
Elisha Smith was sentenced to death for deserting, after service with Captain Stoddard
as orderly, which lasted eight months He was charged with desertion and with aiding
the enemy by guiding them in an attack on the Americans. Tried by a court of which
Blagden as president, Washington immediately approved the sentence.
|
| October 01, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Fishkill, New York Brinkerhoff's House |
| October 09, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Fredericksburg, New York |
| October 13, 1778 |
Stoddard obtained an order from Scott to procure the release of his trooper, and,
with four dragoons, he made haste to Norwalk. Arriving just as the trial was getting
under way, Stoddard and his men, over the objections of the litigants, and by a display
of weapons, forcibly removed Dorman from the custody of the constable. On the complaint
of the Norwalk officials, Washington ordered the private's return to their custody
and directed Scott to send Stoddard to headquarters to explain his actions.
|
| October 14, 1778 |
As for poor Elisha Smith, Washington responded to Stoddard's appeal by expressing
regret that he was unable to pardon the convicted deserter.
|
| October 15, 1778 |
Captain Stoddard petitioned Washington for clemency regarding Elisha Smith's death
sentence, citing Smith's youth and previous good service. It was an unpropitious time
for Stoddard to intercede, for Washington was dealing with another incident involving
Stoddard and his men. Civil officials from Norwalk, Connecticut had presented a complaint
against Stoddard that very day. Relations between Stoddard's troopers and some citizens
of Norwalk had been severely strained during the proceeding weeks. Corporal David
Hamilton and Private Gershom Dorman had been foraging in the area earlier and had
forced their way into the barn of a Mr. Comstock to determine whether he had any corn
which could be requisitioned for the cavalry. The corporal said that he would not
take any corn without permission, but the aggrieved citizens resented the use of arms
to make an unwarranted search.
|
| October 21, 1778 |
Stoddard's deposition explaining the Dorman incident and a contradicting document
by James Lockwood, a witness, were submitted to the Commander-in-Chief. Of eighteen
company officers then on duty, fourteen signed the document, indicating a general
feeling of dissatisfaction in the Regiment. Despite the shocking charges and forthright
language of the document, Sheldon made no immediate move to act on it. Keeping his
own counsel, he apparently informed no one, neither on his staff nor in higher authority,
quietly riding out the most threatening storm he had yet encountered.
|
| October 21, 1778 |
The outcome of the Stoddard deposition so rankled Stoddard that he then instigated
a most serious threat to Sheldon's authority. Stoddard composed a list of charges
and grievances that, in unequivocal language, blamed the Colonel for all the troubles
of the regiment which he described as a once-respected organization, now transformed
to a banditti of refugees from the justice of their country and the halter. He accused
his commander of indolence in procuring horses, of failing to establish his influence
at headquarters, and of meanly giving up the fairest pretensions to rank in the army.
The colonel was, according to Stoddard's screed, indolent, ignorant, capricious, and
disinterested in the welfare of his men. In a final burst of rhetoric, the petition
most earnestly requested the colonel to retire from command.
|
| October 21, 1778 |
Beginning of Culper Spy Ring: Talmadge opened a private correspondence with some persons
in New York, which continued through out the American Revolution. It became one of
the most successful American espionage operations. It involved a whaleboat link across
Long Island Sound with Culper Spy Ring member, Caleb Brewster, based in Black Rock,
Connecticut, who picked up spy letters from a courier who travelled the 55 miles by
horseback to and from the New York city. So carefully was it conducted that the British
never learned the identity of the agent in place. In fact, it was only by accident
by that all the spy names were revealed, when a chest with correspondence was discovered
and historian Morton Pennypacker made the connection, 160 years later.
|
| November 02, 1778 |
Tallmadge and John Webb went in on a flag as far as Valentine's Hill. While Webb went
on to meet his brother, a prisoner of war in New York, Talmadge remained at the outpost.
There, he got the impression that his enemy counterparts wished for an accommodation
with the Americans to join forces against the French. Although French repute after
Newport was not high in the American forces, Tallmadge disabused the Redcoats of any
hope for simple reconciliation.
|
| November 10, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Poughkeepsie, New York Glebe House |
| November 11, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Fredericksburg, New York |
| November 16, 1778 |
Elisha Smith came to his unhappy end. He was not the last of the Second Dragoons to
be hanged for desertion, for in later campaigns, three more unfortunates were to suffer
the same.
|
| November 29, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Fishkill, New York |
| December 02, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Elizabethtown, New Jersey |
| December 06, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Paramus, New Jersey |
| December 11, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Middlebrook, New Jersey |
| December 23, 1778 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Philadelphia Guest of Henry Laurens |
| December 26, 1778 |
Orders to move to winter quarters were sent by Washington. The site chosen was Durham,
Connecticut, about twenty miles south of Wethersfield. Strict instructions had been
included in Washington's directive of November 26. The horses Were to be especially
cared for. Neither officer nor trooper was to use them on personal business, and every
precaution was to be taken to bring them into the field next spring in the best possible
condition.
|
| December 31, 1778 |
The second campaign ended for Sheldon's Horse. Many of the mistakes in employing cavalry
on the first campaign had been repeated. High hopes had seen low realization. Furthermore,
a serious orale problem had not been resolved, but was left to fester and to cause
more trouble in the spring to come.
|
| Date |
Event |
| January 01, 1779 |
The Colonel took advantage of his proximity to Hartford to petition the Assembly for
blankets, clothing, and other necessities on the same basis as the Connecticut Line.
The appeal was denied.
|
| January 02, 1779 |
Tallmadge busied himself with his intelligence chain from New York, a duty which took
him often to Greenfield near the Sound. From there he could slip over to Long Island
to confer with the agent known as Samuel Culper, Senior. In Philadelphia, Washington
advised that he had no new instructions for Culper, and he directed the Major to use
the regular express service from Danbury to headquarters at Middlebrook in New Jersey.
|
| January 08, 1779 |
Washington ordered Sheldon to furnish a non-commissioned officer and six dragoons
to General Putnam. This detail was to be relieved as often as Sheldon saw fit.
|
| January 29, 1779 |
Captain Stoddard requested extended leave to go to France for his health. With his
request was his physician's certificate recommending such action. Washington referred
it to Congress, stating that he did not think he was authorized to grant permission
for an officer to leave the country. Congress approved the request the same day, and
on January, 29 Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens sent the order to Stoddard.
|
| February 05, 1779 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Middlebrook, New Jersey Wallace House |
| February 14, 1779 |
In mid-February, all three field officers were absent from the regiment. Tallmadge
was in Boston, while Blagden was at Hartford. In a letter to Tallmadge, Blagden related
that Stoddard had obtained leave to go to France and that Sheldon had gone home for
the present. He underlined the phrase for the present and stated further that he,
Blagden, was going to Durham, where he hoped something would be concluded for the
general good. He apparently had some knowledge of Stoddard's petition and expected
Sheldon to take some action regarding all three field officers were absent from the
regiment. Tallmadge was in Boston, while Blagden was at Hartford. In a letter to Tallmadge,
Blagden related that Stoddard had obtained leave to go to France and that Sheldon
had gone home for the present. He underlined the phrase for the present and stated
further that he, Blagden, was going to Durham, where he hoped something would be concluded
for the general good. He apparently had some knowledge of Stoddard's petition and
expected Sheldon to take some action regarding Tallmadge's spy ring kept on working.
|
| February 26, 1779 |
Caleb Brewster, his whaleboat commander, and Samuel Culper each forwarded information
regarding the British on Long Island. The intelligence net functioned quite well with
its coordinator absent. During a second absence in March, reports continued to come
in from Culper. Tallmadge was off in Philadelphia on this trip and quite disgusted
with conditions he found in the capital. During Tallmadge's absence, a recently-joined
cornet, Sylvanus Dickinson, served as the spy ring coordinator.
|
| March 20, 1779 |
In a letter from Raritan, New Jersey, he expressed his low opinion of congressmen
who were too involved in trivial affairs to act on weightier military matters.
|
| March 21, 1779 |
He forwarded reports from Culper. So enamoured of his work was Dickinson that he expressed
the wish to be stationed at Fairfield in order to continue it.
|
| March 22, 1779 |
Washington gives Tallmadge fifty guineas for Culper and requested that he seek a faster
route for the flow of intelligence.(Estimated date, being investigated)
|
| May 13, 1779 |
The Connecticut Assembly, which began monthlong session, ordered a draft of 150 men
of the Connecticut Light Horse to serve with Sheldon's Regiment or in the state-raised
foot battalions until January 15, 1780
|
| May 13, 1779 |
The Connecticut Assembly resolution to allow the light dragoons and artillery all
privileges given the Connecticut Line was passed (Estimated date, need date resolution
passed)
|
| May 13, 1779 |
An act to outlaw dueling was passed by the Connecticut Assembly. This would have legally
prevented a duel from occurring due to a quarrel between Josiah Stoddard and William
Nichols of Hartford, regarding Stoddard's conduct on an expedition to Skenesborough
in May 1775, though records have not yet indicated such a duel took place. (estimated
date, need date resolution passed)
|
| May 16, 1779 |
Sheldon sent Stoddard a certificate of settled accounts. |
| May 23, 1779 |
Doctor Darius Stoddard bore a letter from his brother to Washington. |
| May 29, 1779 |
A warning order on put the Regiment on alert to take the field on a moment's notice. |
| May 31, 1779 |
Washington followed with marching orders. Sheldon's Horse was directed to the North
River posts under General Alexander McDougall who had succeeded to Putnam's command.
The orders were prompted by the opening of the 1779 campaign. Sir Henry Clinton's
troops had marched to White Plains and threatened West Point, the key to the American
defenses in the Hudson Highlands.
|
| May 31, 1779 |
Combined British land and naval forces seized both Stony Point and Verplanck's Point. |
| June 05, 1779 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Ringwood, New Jersey Robert Erskine's Iron
Works
|
| June 07, 1779 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Smith's Clove, New York Near the Tavern |
| June 15, 1779 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to New Windsor, New York William Ellison's |
| July 21, 1779 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to West Point, New York Moore House |
| December 01, 1779 |
George Washington's headquarters moves to Morristown, New Jersey Ford Mansion |
