The Colonel John Cadwalader Traditional Cache

As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution we are refreshing some of the "American Revolution Geo Trail” cache located at historic sites across New Jersey.

Start your journey or revisit these historic locations to learn about the endurance, perseverance and bravery of the American patriots who fought in the War for Independence.

In 1776, John Cadwalader was a thirty-four-year-old merchant and prominent member of the Philadelphia gentry who had risen to command the volunteer militia known as the Philadelphia Associators. He led over a thousand men, who mustered on December 20 and joined up with the Continental Army at Bristol in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

In his capacity as a militia colonel, he would play a distinctive—and today largely unappreciated—role in what historians have termed the “Ten Crucial Days” of the Revolutionary struggle, which reversed the momentum of that contest during the winter of 1776-1777.

At a moment when the rebellion appeared to be teetering on the precipice of final defeat, Cadwalader arguably made his greatest contribution to what George Washington termed the “glorious Cause” of American independence.

Following the success of the Battle of Trenton, General George Washington wanted to attack the city of Princeton, New Jersey in the hope of capturing much needed supplies. To prepare for the engagement, General Washington sent a spy into Princeton to gather intelligence. The spy, likely a student at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), made eyewitness observations.

Colonel Cadwalader met with the “very intelligent young Gentleman” who was detained overnight by the redcoats there but released on the morning of December 30. This youthful Patriot, whose identity is unknown, informed Cadwalader of the buildup of enemy troops and described in great detail how they were positioned.

Once Washington received intelligence from Cadwalader about the disposition of British troops gathering in Princeton Washington realized the opportunity beckoned for him to follow up the attack on December 26 with a broader offensive that could change the whole dynamic of the contest. Orders were issued for the army to cross the river back to New Jersey, which it did over the next three days.

The map and plan about the conditions at Princeton, December 31, 1776 and was produced by Colonel John Cadwalader (1742-1786), a commander of the Pennsylvania militia.

On December 31, 1776, the spy relayed that information Colonel Cadwalader who drew a crude map of the town that indicated the strengths and weaknesses of the British alignment: “I have made a rough Draught of the Road from this place; the Situation of the Cannon & Works begun & those intended this Morng.” From this sketch, Washington discerned an opportunity to make a successful move against his adversary. The British in Princeton were establishing strong defenses that included artillery and breastworks to guard against a possible incursion from the north, west, or south, but they had neglected to fortify the eastern side of the town, and so it lay open to attack from that direction. Cadwalader’s map included a route from Trenton by which Washington’s army could approach Princeton from the east, where their adversary was most vulnerable.

Letter To George Washington from Colonel John Cadwalader, 31 December 1776 From Colonel John Cadwalader

Crosswix [N.J.]1 31st Decr 1776Sir A very intelligent young Gentleman is returned, just now, from Prince Town—he left this yesterday Morng & got in about 12 or 1 O’Clock—He would have returned last Night but General Lesley, who commands, & Col: Abercombie would not suffer him to go off2—He made his Escape this Morng early, & informs, that from the best Information he could get, there were about 5000 men—consisting of Hessians & British Troops—about the same Number of each—I have made a rough Draught of the Road from this place; the Situation of the Cannon & Works begun & those intended this Morng3—He thinks there are not so many as they report—He conversed with some of the offic[e]rs & lodged last Night with them (americans)—They enquired what were our Numbers; he mentioned abt 16000, from the best accts—they did not beleive we had more than 5 or 6000—that many were forced into the Service, & that they were deserting in great Numbers every day—No Sentries on the back or East Side of the Town—They parade every Morng an hour before day—and some Nights lie on their Arms—an Attack has been expected for several Nights past—the men much fatigued, &, till last Night, in want of Provisions—when a very considerable number of Waggons arrived with Provisions from Brunswick—All their Baggage sent to Brunswick, where there are but few men—This confirms the Acct I sent you last Night4—About 50 light Horse at Prince Town, one half quartered at Scudders Mill, the other on the West of the Town—He enquired if any Troops were on the Road—they say there are none on this Side Brunswick—some Hessians arrived yesterday (tis said from Brunswic)—I suppose they were those that landed at South Amboy, as I cannot hear any thing of them in this neighbourhood.5 A Party of our light Horse brought in this Morng to Cranberry, about 30 Cattle, left by the Hessians—in general, poor—I recd your Letter last Night, by Express[.] Our Spy was near the Party of Chasseurs, when they were taken, & says an Assistant Qr Master Gen: or Commissary was with them—The Enemy had heard it6—Major Mifflin is just setting off with a Party of 200 from Cumberland.7 I am, Sir, with great Respect, Your Excellencys most obt hble Servt John Cadwalader.

The New Jersey American Revolution Geo-Trail is a heritage journey to adventure and discovery. This geocache is one of The American Revolution Geo~Trail geocaches placed throughout New Jersey. Visit many historic locations that have a connection to important New Jersey's American Revolutionary War history. 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.