1777
In New Jersey, the “Forage War” continued during the winter following the battles of Trenton and Princeton. Skirmishes between local Patriot militia and British foraging parties occurred near Westfield on this day. These constant, small-scale engagements successfully confined the British to their outposts near Perth Amboy and New Brunswick for the remainder of the winter.
1781
At dawn on January 27, 1781, a detachment of 500 loyal New England troops under Major General Robert Howe surrounded the mutineers' camp near Pompton. Howe ordered the men to fall in without arms and surrender unconditionally, which they did without resistance. Washington ordered the immediate execution of the ringleaders to set a severe example. A field court-martial quickly sentenced two leaders, David Gilmore and John Tuttle, to death. In a grim display of authority, they were executed by a firing squad made up of 12 of their own former comrades. This harsh suppression ended the second major mutiny of the winter and reestablished discipline in the Continental Army.
British General Lord Cornwallis, having crossed the flooded Catawba River on January 25, continued his intense pursuit of American General Daniel Morgan’s forces across North Carolina. Frustrated by his light-marching American opponents, Cornwallis made the controversial decision on this day to burn most of his own army's baggage and supply wagons to lighten his load and speed up the chase. This made his army more mobile but entirely dependent on foraging for the rest of the campaign.
2026 Commemorations in New Jersey
As part of New Jersey's Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) celebrations today:
- Music of the American Revolution (Whippany) The Morris County Library is hosting “Celebrate 250: Music of Colonial America" from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The performance features 18th-century "liberty songs,” ballads, and dance tunes.
- State Parks Celebrate 250 Challenge: Visitors can participate in the yearlong NJ State Parks Celebrate 250 Challenge by exploring over 50 historic sites across the state.
- Princeton Battlefield Ghost Tour (Princeton) A guided historical and paranormal tour is available tonight at Princeton Battlefield State Park, focusing on the events of January 1777.