Battle of Millstone

The Battle of Millstone on January 20, 1777 was one of several successful American actions against British foraging parties in New Jersey following the victories at Trenton and Princeton. General Philemon Dickinson commanded New Jersey militia who had been specifically tasked with harassing British supply operations in the region.

Dickinson's militia surprised a British foraging party near the Millstone River, capturing a significant quantity of supplies — wagons loaded with hay and other provisions intended for the British army in New Brunswick. Several British soldiers were killed and wounded in the action. The captured supplies were a welcome addition to American resources and a blow to British logistical operations.

The Millstone action was part of a broader pattern of militia harassment that made the British occupation of New Jersey extremely costly throughout the winter of 1776-77. Washington deliberately encouraged these operations, understanding that denying the British comfortable foraging would strain their resources and demonstrate that the countryside was not pacified despite the fall of New York.