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.

Dr. Lewis Howell (1754–1778)

Surgeon for the 2nd New Jersey Battalion

Dr. Lewis Howell was the twin brother of Richard Howell. Lewis Howell was a participant in the Greenwich Tea Party. Dr. Howell was the Surgeon for the 2nd New Jersey Regiment from December 1774 until his death on 5 June 1778.

Dr. Howell inoculated his regiment by pulling a thread infected with the small pox virus through the skin with a needle. During the bitter winter at Valley Forge he purchased blankets with his own money for the men in his regiment. With the assistance of his Surgeon’s mate, Ebenezer Elmer, he performed amputations, musket ball extractions, sutured wounds, tended the sick and administered countless other medical procedures.