Washington & Ringwood

by Claire K. Tholl

    The territory comprising the State of New Jersey was very important in the Revolutionary War. It was not just a corridor but was the field of operation of the Continental Army for seven long years. From November 1776 the Army was always somewhere within the state, except for a few months from September 1777 through January 1778 and two autumn months of 1781. Aside from the winter at Valley Forge and the one at New Windsor in 1783, all winter encampments were in New Jersey as well.

    George Washington first came to this area in February of 1756 while en route to Boston. He came through again on May 26, 1773 on his way to New York City. He was chosen Commander-in-Chief on June 15, 1775 and passes through many times thereafter on matters concerning the army.

    Robert Erskine, born on September 7, 1735 in Dunfermline, Scotland, came to this county on June 5, 1771 to oversee the management of the Ringwood-based American Iron Company. He held the title of Land Surveyor and Engineer, and for his many inventions has been awarded a Fellowship in the Royal Society of London on January 31, 1771. He sensed the unrest in the colonies and as early as October 1774 predicted that a convulsive struggle would erupt. He sympathized with the Americans and organized the first militia company in northern New Jersey in June of 1775. He was commissioned its captain on August 17. Protection of the ironworks was its main purpose do that production could continue on many items necessary to the Colonial cause.

    It is believed that Erskine and Washington met for the first time toward the end of 1776 at a time when Erskine was "introduced by a Card fro Genl. McDougall." They met again -- probably at Morristown -- on Thursday, February 27, 1777 when Erskine made a request for exemption from service for his workers, which Washington regretfully felt he could not grant. At this time Ringwood's forges were turning out iron points for the underwater Chevaux-de-frise at new Windsor at the rate of 40 a day.

    William Alexander, better known as Lord Stirling, was a North Jersey ironmaster and a friend of Erskine's and so recommended that the latter be made Chief Engineer to the Army. Erskine felt that he was not familiar enough with the position and declined but indicated he might help out by making maps. This is probably why he went to see Washington in Morristown again on March 25 or 26, 1777, and the latter requested at that time that Erskine make a large survey for him. Washington moved the army to Pompton Plains on July 11 and remained there until the morning of the 14th when he marched up the Ramapo Valley Road. During this time Washington and Erskine discussed the position of Surveyor-General and it is not inconceivable hat Washington may have made his first visit to Erskine's home at Ringwood to see how suited it would be for carrying on the business of making maps for the army. On July 19 while still in the Suffern area, Washington wrote to Congress proposing Erskine for the position and July 27 it was official.

    Erskine had not been impressed with his new abode when he first saw it in 1771 and described it thusly: "the Mansion house has been patched together at different times, which makes it a very awkward piece of architecture." Erskine probably did not improve it to any great extent so that a description in 1803 noting that it was about 30' in width and 92' in length probably held true for when Washington made a formal visit on June 5 and stayed until the afternoon of the following day. Erskine's wife, Elizabeth, was a most gracious hostess and it was she who entertained Washington on subsequent visits as Erskine died on October 2, 1780, the same day that Major André was hanged in Tappan.  Washington had been there during the trial and some believe that he visited Erskine during his illness, the day of his death, or at least came to the funereal, but no proof has yet come to light.

    Te next episode to bring Washington to Ringwood was the mutiny of the New Jersey troops at Pompton. Washington stayed at the manor house from January 26 to the 28th, 1781. On March 30, 1782, Washington and his wife, Martha, made a brief stop at Ringwood, possibly overnight, en route to Newburgh. It is said that he planted an elm tree at Erskine's grave at this time. Washington's most important visit to Ringwood was made following his order for the cessation of hostilities made at noon on April 19, 1783. He stayed overnight at Ringwood, met with the Secretary-at-War, Major General Benjamin Lincoln, on Sunday morning regarding the release of the British prisoners and got back to Newburgh in the evening of April 20th.