The 2nd New Jersey Regiment was part of Maxwell’s Brigade in the Continental Army. Richard Howell served as Major of this regiment — the military role that defined the first half of his public life.
History#
The regiment was organized in December 1775 at Burlington and Trenton, drawing recruits from Gloucester, Huntington, Burlington, Salem, and Sussex Counties, New Jersey.
At Valley Forge (Winter 1777–1778)
The regiment entered Valley Forge with 275 men assigned, of whom 204 were fit for duty — a testament to the brutal attrition of that winter encampment. By the time the army departed in March 1778, the regiment had been reinforced: 443 assigned, 373 fit for duty.
Previous Engagements
- Defense of Canada
- Lake Champlain
- Northern New Jersey
- Defense of Philadelphia
- Philadelphia–Monmouth
Field Officers#
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Colonel | Israel Shreve |
| Lt. Colonel | William D’Hart |
| Major | Richard Howell |
Company Commanders#
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Captain | John Cumming |
| Captain | John Sparks |
| Captain | John Hollingshead |
| Captain | Nathaniel Bowman |
| Captain | Henry Luce |
| Captain | William Helms |
| Captain | Samuel Heading |
| Captain | Jonathan Phillips |
| Captain | James Dillen |
Regimental Staff#
| Rank | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quartermaster | Benjamin Osmon | |
| Adjutant | Luther Halsey | |
| Paymaster | John Peck | |
| Paymaster | William Shute | |
| Surgeon | Lewis Howell | Brother of Richard Howell; also a Greenwich Tea Burner |
| Surgeon’s Mate | Ebenezer Elmer | Also a Greenwich Tea Burner |
| Quartermaster Sergeant | George McDonald | |
| Sergeant Major | William Barr | |
| Drum Major | William Burtless |
Related#
- Richard Howell’s letter to Col. Israel Shreve, 5 October 1778
- Valley Forge Muster Roll — 2nd New Jersey