photos courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Bergen County, was a critical battleground during the American Revolution, frequently witnessing military clashes and strategic movements. One such moment occurred in March 1780, following a brutal winter, when intelligence revealed an impending attack on Hackensack.
A Plea for Reinforcements
A historic letter, dated March 22, 1780, was transcribed in Hackensack and sent to Major Stuart’s headquarters—now the site of the Old Paramus Church in Ridgewood. Delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varrick, the letter was a plea for reinforcements to defend the local militia and residents from an imminent enemy assault.
The letter, addressed “To the Officer at Paramus”, was signed by local justices, militia officers, and prominent residents, urging for military assistance against enemy forces and their Loyalist supporters, known as the Refugees.
The Urgent Request
“We, the subscribers, magistrates, sheriff, and officers of militia… residing in Hackensack and its vicinity… make application to you for a detachment or party from your command to assist in protecting us and our neighbors, the well-affected inhabitants to the American cause, against the incursions and depredations of small parties of the enemy and their vile abettors, the Refugees.”
The letter warns that British forces planned an attack within five days. While local militia members were willing to fight, they acknowledged being outnumbered and unable to maintain constant patrols to safeguard their homes and families.
Signers of the Letter
The plea for reinforcements was signed by notable figures of the time, including:
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Hendrick Kuyper & Peter Haring – Justices
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Jacob Terhune & Isaac Vanderbeek – Freeholders
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Adam Boyd – Sheriff
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Cornelius Haring – Adjutant
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John Outwater, Samuel Demarest, Elias Romeyn & David Demarest – Militia Captains
Bergen County’s Revolutionary Legacy
This letter is just one example of Bergen County’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. As a region caught between British-held New York City and Washington’s forces, it was a hotbed of skirmishes, espionage, and patriot resistance.
Today, sites like the Old Paramus Church serve as reminders of the struggles and sacrifices made by early American patriots.
💬 Did you know Bergen County was a major Revolutionary War battleground? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Sleepy Evan said no one cares about Revolutionary War History.
Disgraceful.
Disgraceful is Elon is cutting off the Social Security benefits of our Revolutionary War veterans.
Washington and his forces would be shocked if they new what NJ turned into!