June 1775 in the Precinct of Hanover, Ulster County, New York

This is the third installment of a monthly recollection of events of 250 years ago in Hanover, Ulster, New York.  The precinct of Hanover was the approximate location of Joel Campbell at the time. This area is now part of the Town of Montgomery, Orange, New York.

The Provincial and Continental Congresses that began in May continued into June.  Of most lasting consequence was their formation of a military force. On June 15, one day after voting to create a continental army, George Washington was named General of all continental forces. (250th Birthday of the Army) 

On June 30th, the New York Provincial Congress named officers in the New York Regiments. One of the colonels hailed from the adjacent Precinct of New Windsor. Colonel James Clinton was well known to the inhabitants of Hanover. 

One of the companies in Clinton's regiment was led by Captain John Nicholson. He was also from New Windsor, but would be a Hanover resident before the war ended. Many of his men were from Hanover.

Nicholson's two lieutenants were also from New Windsor, David (James?) DuBois and James Gregg.

Gregg's service in the continental army would not end for another EIGHT years! His legendary hardships were described by his wife, Mary, in her application for a widow's pension: “James Greg was shot through the body, was tomahawked and scalped in the Revolutionary War and I believe said wounds was the means of shortening his days.”