Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1907-06-13

Jersey
Francis Parkman in the beginning Of his
first volume upon Montcalm and Wolfe,
states that the smallest of the New England
Colonies, Rhode Island, had features all its
own, the rest were substantially one In
nature and origin. 'tBefore the age of
Roger Williams, Rhode Island was separa-
fist. II was so in its geography" One Of
the most eminent Of English writers has
said thas Rhode Island has done much to
make the history Of this great country.
II I had time to enlarge upon the condi-
ton existing before Revolutionary times in
that colony known as Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations, You would not
wonder that we produce such great heroes
men who were able, wherever they were
placed, to rise to the majestic heights Of
courage. Different States point with pride
to their annals Of history and laud their
great heroes as exclusively their own.
Even in this, Rhode Island is different
from any other Commonwealth, for she
sent forth her heroes to be loyed and rever-
enced in the great sisterhood of States
Our greatest soldiers OF Revolutionary
times have died beyond our borders, and
other States have claimed their precious
memory, and written their glories upon the
pages Of their State histories.
Daughters Of the American Revolution,
assembled in New Jersey, do you not agree
with me? Let me recall to you Colonel
Christopher Greene, the hero of the battle
Of Red Bank. The Governor of Rhode Is
land, the Hon. George NJ. Utter, in his
eloquent address last year at the ceremonies
at Red Bank, at the dedication Of the monu-
ment eommemorating the valor Of the
American Patriots said truly, "that the
Importance of the Battle of Red Banl is
understood by the careful student in Ameri-
can History"
thing in his power to prevent union Of
the British Fleet with General Howe who
occupied Philadelphia.
In order to do that he had TO command
the Delaware River that the feet should
not be able to reach Philadelphia; there
fore, to protect the instructions placed in
the river, Forts Miff1n and Mercer were
built to command the approach TO those
river distractions. II was to Fort Mercer
that General Washington ordered Christie
pher Greene who was accompanied by Col
Israel Angel and their Rhode Island SOL
diers On October Z, 1777, Colonel Greene
was placed in command Of 300 Rhode Is
land men with souls as braye as his own.
On October %, the battle Of Red Bank was
fought In honor of this famous historical
event, the generous and patriotic people OF
New Jersey have raised beautiful monu-
ment which shall ever commemorate the
heroism of Rhode Island soldiers-men who
won honor, not alone for themselves
only for the State that gave them birth and
sent them to you in New Jersey with low
ing pride, but by their bravery they accom-
plished much that has stood for the good Of
this great country.
Is seems to me that as our beloved organ
ization believes in the preservation of
original papers, and as from these docu-
ments we learn much of our nation and our
heroes and their immortal history, cannot
do better than to bring before you the
instructions given to Colonel Christopher
Greene by General Washington on October
4, TIT.
To Colonel Christopher Greene, instructions.
sir-I haEe directed General Varnum to
send your regiment and that of Colonel
Angel TO Red Bank, by route which has
been marked out to him. The command
Of shat detachment will OF course deYolve
upon you, with which you will proceed
with all expedition, and throw yourself
into that place.
When you arrive there, You will imme-
diately communicate your arrival to Col
onel Smith commander Of the garrison at
Fort Mifflin, and Commodore Hazelwood,
commander of the feet in the river. You
are to cooperate with them in every meas
ure necessary for the defence of the obstruc-
tions IN the river, and to counterfeit every
attempt the enemy may make for its re-
moval You will find a very good fortifi-
cation at Red Bank, but if anything should
be required to render it stronger, or proper
ton it to the size of your garrison, you will
have it done. The cannon you will stand
in need Of, as much as can be spared, will
be furnished from the galleys and Fort
Mlffiin, from whence also you will derive
supplies of military stores.
have sent Captain DupIessis, with some
officers and men, to take the immediate
direction Of the artillery, for your garrison.
He is also to superintend any works that
may be wanted. II there should be any
deficiency OF men for the artillery, the
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