In December 1776, Monmouth County’s militia largely laid down their arms during Loyalist insurrections, with hundreds signing British loyalty oaths. When Pennsylvania troops crushed the uprising in January 1777, most Monmouth militiamen stayed home.

Late that month, Dr. Nathaniel Scudder reassembled the 1st Regiment. The Pennsylvania Post reported that many who had received British protections were now determined to return them “in [gun] cartridges.”

In early February, roughly 140 militiamen marched to the Navesink Highlands and camped near the Hartshorne family homes. They built a beacon to warn the Shrewsbury militia of any British approach.

On February 13, 1777, a British force of 170–200 men from the 26th Regiment under Major Gordon launched a surprise attack after landing from Sandy Hook. British officer Thomas Sullivan described how they overran the picket and routed the militia. The British captured 72–74 men (including officers), seized powder, cartridges, and provisions, and suffered only one killed. Many prisoners carried recent certificates of allegiance to the Crown.

American accounts survive mainly in postwar pension applications. Henry Vunck recalled being drafted, surprised at the Highlands, captured, and enduring a year of harsh imprisonment on ships and in New York’s Sugar House. Others told of narrow escapes and comrades killed beside them.

The Battle of the Navesink was the worst defeat of the war for the Monmouth militia and temporarily set back efforts to restore local defense and civil government. (198 words)