15. Battle of Springfield ~ The Forgotten Victory Traditional Cache

The Battle of Springfield was fought during the American Revolutionary War on June 23, 1780 and the gallant bravery of Colonel Angell's regiment.

After the Battle of Connecticut Farms, on June 7, 1780, had foiled Lieutenant General Wilhelm, Baron von Knyphausen’s expedition to attack General George Washington’s army at Morristown, New Jersey, Knyphausen and Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton, British commander-in-chief in North America, decided upon a second attempt. Although the British were initially able to advance, they were ultimately forced to withdraw in the face of newly arriving colonial forces, resulting in a Continental victory.

Colonel Israel Angell Memorial

There is a plaque on Rahway bridge which is dedicated to and pays tribute to Colonel Israel Angell and his troops. Angell commanded the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, who were noted for their defense of a bridge at this location over the Rahway River during the Battle of Springfield. Angell and his men were the first line of defense for Springfield, and they held off the British advance at the bridge for more than a half hour before falling back into Springfield, despite being outnumbered five to one.

While the main attack into Springfield came over this bridge, the right column of British troops made an attempt to reach Springfield by Vauxhall road over a bridge over a different branch of the Rahway River, through what is now Milburn.

After the Battle, General Washington wrote to Governor William Greene of Rhode Island to acknowledge the contributions of these Rhode Island soldiers, and their state in general: (Portions of the following text are quoted on the plaque):

"The gallant behaviour of Colonel Angell's regiment on the 23d inst., at Springfield, reflects the highest honor upon the officers and men. They disputed an important pass with so obstinate a bravery that they lost upwards of forty in killed, wounded and missing, before they gave up their ground to a vast superiority of force. "The ready and ample manner in which your state has complied with the requisitions of the committee of co-operation, both as to men and supplies, entitles her to the thanks of the public, and affords the highest satisfaction to, sir,

"Your Excellency's most obedient servant, GEO. WASHINGTON"

This cache is one of "The American Revolution Geo~Trail" caches throughout New Jersey. These special geocaches are hidden at historic locations which have a connection to important New Jersey's American Revolutionary War history. To participate in the optional Geo-Trail, after you find the geocache, locate the secret code and record it into your passport which you will print from the Geo~Trail website. Information at njpatriots.org

The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in New Jersey. For information on The Northern New Jersey Cachers group you can visit: www.nnjc.org.