As we approach the annual Battle of Monmouth reenactment this weekend, it may be appropriate to remember some of those who made the ultimate sacrifice there. Four members of the 2nd Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers, attached to the Brigade of Royal Artillery, were killed either in the battle or the day before on the march. One of those killed was Private Benjamin Van Gordon of Catskill, New York. Van Gordon left behind a widow, Mary, who 2+ years later, was a refugee in New York City, forced to plead for rations, as shown below: "To His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton K.B. and Commander In Chief &c &c The Petition of Mary Van Gorden Wife of Benjamin Van Gorden a Soldier in the Corps of Colonel Morris the Second Battallion of New Jersey Voluntiers his Loyalty whas proved before he came to this Garison the said Benjamin Van Gorden died on the March to Monmouth the Petitioner his Wife Maria Van Gorden humbly Sheweth that she was sent from her home at Kats Kill to this Garison Last October by the Reble Committe of said Place they only allowed six days provisions and a few Cloathing to take with her the Said Committe kept her tow Milch Cows and the few effects she had When She came to this Garison the Petitioner has Aplyed for Provisions but it could not be Granted. The Commandant has been pleased to Allow her A Rome with Mrs. McCarthy who Came to this Garrison Last August. The Petitioner now begs your Excellenceys Mercey to Allow her and her tow Childron Provisions it is very hard to Subsist when her Wood and Provision is so very Expensive or She Would not take the Liberty to trouble Your Excellencey. The Petitioner begs your Excellenceys Mercey and hopes you will Consider her Distresses And grant her Request for doeing of wich your Excellenceys Petitioner will ever isteme your Friendship Mary Van Gordon New Yorke February 18th 1781 The General will permit the Petitioner To Draw Provisions for herself and two Children for the Months of March & April. Thos. Murray Aid de Camp" Source: Great Britain, Public Record Office, Headquarters Papers of the British Army in America, PRO 30/55/3345.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:45:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015