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NJ Community Prepares to Honor Fighting Spirit of Reverend James Caldwell Scottish-American Hero of American Revolution
Reverend James Caldwell, a relatively obscure hero of the American Revolution will be remembered in glory as history comes alive in the quiet town of Springfield, New Jersey during the 225th Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Springfield this month. The critical victory for the Continental Army took place over two centuries ago on June 23, 1780. “A two-day Revolutionary War Encampment consisting of several hundred American and British Revolutionary war re-enactors will be staged on the grounds of Jonathan Dayton High School on June 25 and 26,” says Scott Seidel, chairman of the Springfield 225th Anniversary Committee. “The 3rd New Jersey Regiment, ‘Jersey Blues,’ is the local lead group of re-enactors. “Give ‘em Watts Boys” The Reverend James Caldwell (April 1734 – 24 November 1781) was a clergyman who played a prominent part in the American Revolution. He was born in Cub Creek in Charlotte County, Virginia, the seventh son of John and Margaret Caldwell, who were Ulster-Scots settlers. He graduated from the College of New Jersey (which later became Princeton University) in 1759 and became pastor of the church in Elizabethtown, New Jersey.He was an active partisan on the side of the revolutionaries, and was known as the "soldier parson." His church and his house were burned by Tories in 1780. On June 23, 1780, the climactic battle of the final invasion of New Jersey was fought. Approximately 6,000 Crown forces under the command of General Knyphausen attacked from Staten Island, New York, via Elizabethtown, attempting to seize the Hobart Gap in the nearby Watchung Mountains. His goal was to get to Morristown, where General Washington had supplies and artillery.
Approximately 2,000 American Continental and local Militia forces defended the area in the Rahway River vicinity. For more than 40 minutes, Colonel Angell and his men fought the advancing British infantry, cavalry and several field pieces, which were five times their number, to a standstill. Slowly, the British pushed the Militia back. During the heat of the battle, as the Colonial and Militia forces were nearly out of ammunition and outnumbered, Reverend James Caldwell of the First Presbyterian Church, passed out Watts Hymnals for use as artillery wadding. His cry, “Give ‘em Watts, Boys!” has lived on and became the famous motto of that battle. As the British retreated, they resorted to burning and looting the town. Only four houses remained standing after the Battle of Springfield. The British goal of reaching Morristown was once again thwarted and the Battle of Springfield, also known as “The Forgotten Victory,” marked the last invasion of the British into New Jersey. Caldwell was eventually killed by an American sentry when he refused to have a package inspected. The sentry, James Morgan, was hanged for murder on 29 January 1782, amid rumors that he had been bribed to kill the chaplain. Caldwell died in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Mrs. Caldwell was killed earlier. She had been deliberately shot by the Hessians under the command of the British. They left behind nine children to be raised by friends. Re-Enactment Weekend Offers Something for Everyone On June 24, members of the Brigade of the American Revolution (B.A.R.) from all over the country and Canada will arrive in Springfield and set up two 18th century camps — one for American forces and one for British forces.
Approximately 250 to 500 volunteer re-enactors are expected to participate. The campsites will be located on the front and back lawn areas of Jonathan Dayton High School, on Mountain Ave. The camps will also be integrated into the re-enactment scenario for the battle. Event planners are offering a whole host of programs over the two-day ceremony, including 18th century craft activities, both military and civilian,throughout the day, a battle re-enactment each day and a full music demonstration discussing the use of the fife and drum corps on the battlefield. Saturday evening will close with a spectacular fireworks display by Garden State Fireworks of Millington, NJ, featuring a synchronized musical finale. Sunday’s events will also include an 18th century style church service at the First Presbyterian Church where lay preacher Henry Cooke, of Massachusetts, will conduct the service dressed in clothes similar to those worn by Reverend Caldwell. There will also be a parade featuring a pipe band sponsored by the Clan Currie Society. For complete information, visit www.springfieldbattle.com.
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