Revolutionary War Militia Officer. He served during the Revolutionary War as a Captain in the Middlesex County, New Jersey Militia, and fought in the Battle of Long Island.
He led many raids to Staten Island and was taken prisoner in 1779, being pulled straight from his bed after return from one of his raids. He had been mortally wounded in the battle at Springfield in June prior to his death in July 1780.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A CORRESPONDENT AT WOODBRIDGE, DATED FEBRUARY 10, 1779
Last Tuesday about 3 o'clock in the morning, a party of New-Levies from Staten-Island, came over into Woodbridge, and marched up into the town undiscovered to the house of Charles Jackson, in which there happened to lay that night a scout of Continental troops from Bonem-Town, consisting of twelve men - The centinel did not discover them till they had well nigh surrounded the house, it being very dark, when he fired and ran off, making his escape; the rest being unfortunately asleep, were taken by surprize without making any resistance Their principal object was Captain Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, who lived at this house.- He had just returned from Staten Island, having been over there with a small party chief of the night, and was but a few minutes in the house before he was alarmed by the firing of the centinel, when they insantly rushed into the house and seized him and Mr. Jackson, with the scout as above. The party were gone before the inhabitants had time to collect, without doing any other damage except plundering the house of a few trifling articles, taking the shoe-buckles out of the womens shoes,which was as little or more than could be expected, considering the usual practice of the British troops, as the men were restrained from plundering by their officer, said to be a Captain Ryerson, of Buskirk's regiment, who seemed actuated by principles of honour and humanity; and upon this occasion, imitated the laudable example of Captain Randolph, who has not only distinguished himself by his activity and bravery, but by his politeness and generosity towards such as he hath taken prisoners, never allowing his men to plunder.........
SPRINGFIELD, JUNE 24th, 1780
On Wednesday sennight died, that Patriot and terror to the abettors of tyranny, Captain Nathaniel Fitzrandolph, of Woodbridge, of a wound he received the preceding Friday in pursuing the enemy on their retreat from Springfield. The ball entered his left arm, below the shoulder, penetrated his body, and came out at the right breast. It may justly be said of him, that he was a kind and tender husband, an indulgent parent, a worthy citizen, a sincere friend, a brave and valiant soldier, possessed of honour and humanity, as acknowledged by his enemies During this contest he has been twice wounded before the fatal one which terminated his life; and twice a prisoner, and was confined in the provost of New York for upwards of two years. His remains were interred on the Thursday following, with the honors of war, attended by a large concourse of respectable inhabitants from the neighbouring townships He has left an amiable wife and twl lovely children to bewail his loss; and is much lamented by all that had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
TRENTON, JULY 12, 1780
A few days ago died, of the wounds he received in nobly fighting in defence of his country, Nathaniel Fitz-Randolph, Esq. late of Woodbridge, in this state.
This Gentleman's zeal and activity, joined with the most intrepid bravery, had long rendered him obnoxious to the vindicative rage and cruelty of a British enemy, who has stained the pages of modern history with indelible marks of inhuman barbarity and savage cruelty Twice he fell into their ruthless hands, and suffered all the tortures of long confinement in the provost-guard at New York; from whence he had lately been delivered.
(All articles taken from New Jersey Archives Newspaper Abstracts Volumes III & IV (Years 1779 - 1880)
**********************************************************
This captain's gravestone is quite unusual as it seems to have been a target years ago from the many bullet holes (then musket balls) that can now been seen in the stone - unfortunately that has made his transcription harder to read now days opening the stone up to more weathering.
Local legend states that the holes on his grave were made by British soldiers who used it for target practice.
Son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph
(1714-1773) and Mary (Shotwell) Fitz Randolph (1722- ). Grandson of Edward
Fitz Randolph (1672-1760) and Katherine (Hartshorne) Fitz Randolph
(1682-1759).
He led many raids to Staten Island and was taken prisoner in 1779, being pulled straight from his bed after return from one of his raids. He had been mortally wounded in the battle at Springfield in June prior to his death in July 1780.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A CORRESPONDENT AT WOODBRIDGE, DATED FEBRUARY 10, 1779
Last Tuesday about 3 o'clock in the morning, a party of New-Levies from Staten-Island, came over into Woodbridge, and marched up into the town undiscovered to the house of Charles Jackson, in which there happened to lay that night a scout of Continental troops from Bonem-Town, consisting of twelve men - The centinel did not discover them till they had well nigh surrounded the house, it being very dark, when he fired and ran off, making his escape; the rest being unfortunately asleep, were taken by surprize without making any resistance Their principal object was Captain Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, who lived at this house.- He had just returned from Staten Island, having been over there with a small party chief of the night, and was but a few minutes in the house before he was alarmed by the firing of the centinel, when they insantly rushed into the house and seized him and Mr. Jackson, with the scout as above. The party were gone before the inhabitants had time to collect, without doing any other damage except plundering the house of a few trifling articles, taking the shoe-buckles out of the womens shoes,which was as little or more than could be expected, considering the usual practice of the British troops, as the men were restrained from plundering by their officer, said to be a Captain Ryerson, of Buskirk's regiment, who seemed actuated by principles of honour and humanity; and upon this occasion, imitated the laudable example of Captain Randolph, who has not only distinguished himself by his activity and bravery, but by his politeness and generosity towards such as he hath taken prisoners, never allowing his men to plunder.........
SPRINGFIELD, JUNE 24th, 1780
On Wednesday sennight died, that Patriot and terror to the abettors of tyranny, Captain Nathaniel Fitzrandolph, of Woodbridge, of a wound he received the preceding Friday in pursuing the enemy on their retreat from Springfield. The ball entered his left arm, below the shoulder, penetrated his body, and came out at the right breast. It may justly be said of him, that he was a kind and tender husband, an indulgent parent, a worthy citizen, a sincere friend, a brave and valiant soldier, possessed of honour and humanity, as acknowledged by his enemies During this contest he has been twice wounded before the fatal one which terminated his life; and twice a prisoner, and was confined in the provost of New York for upwards of two years. His remains were interred on the Thursday following, with the honors of war, attended by a large concourse of respectable inhabitants from the neighbouring townships He has left an amiable wife and twl lovely children to bewail his loss; and is much lamented by all that had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
TRENTON, JULY 12, 1780
A few days ago died, of the wounds he received in nobly fighting in defence of his country, Nathaniel Fitz-Randolph, Esq. late of Woodbridge, in this state.
This Gentleman's zeal and activity, joined with the most intrepid bravery, had long rendered him obnoxious to the vindicative rage and cruelty of a British enemy, who has stained the pages of modern history with indelible marks of inhuman barbarity and savage cruelty Twice he fell into their ruthless hands, and suffered all the tortures of long confinement in the provost-guard at New York; from whence he had lately been delivered.
(All articles taken from New Jersey Archives Newspaper Abstracts Volumes III & IV (Years 1779 - 1880)
**********************************************************
This captain's gravestone is quite unusual as it seems to have been a target years ago from the many bullet holes (then musket balls) that can now been seen in the stone - unfortunately that has made his transcription harder to read now days opening the stone up to more weathering.
Local legend states that the holes on his grave were made by British soldiers who used it for target practice.
Son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph
(1714-1773) and Mary (Shotwell) Fitz Randolph (1722- ). Grandson of Edward
Fitz Randolph (1672-1760) and Katherine (Hartshorne) Fitz Randolph
(1682-1759).
Revolutionary War Militia Officer. He served during the Revolutionary War as a Captain in the Middlesex County, New Jersey Militia, and fought in the Battle of Long Island.
He led many raids to Staten Island and was taken prisoner in 1779, being pulled straight from his bed after return from one of his raids. He had been mortally wounded in the battle at Springfield in June prior to his death in July 1780.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A CORRESPONDENT AT WOODBRIDGE, DATED FEBRUARY 10, 1779
Last Tuesday about 3 o'clock in the morning, a party of New-Levies from Staten-Island, came over into Woodbridge, and marched up into the town undiscovered to the house of Charles Jackson, in which there happened to lay that night a scout of Continental troops from Bonem-Town, consisting of twelve men - The centinel did not discover them till they had well nigh surrounded the house, it being very dark, when he fired and ran off, making his escape; the rest being unfortunately asleep, were taken by surprize without making any resistance Their principal object was Captain Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, who lived at this house.- He had just returned from Staten Island, having been over there with a small party chief of the night, and was but a few minutes in the house before he was alarmed by the firing of the centinel, when they insantly rushed into the house and seized him and Mr. Jackson, with the scout as above. The party were gone before the inhabitants had time to collect, without doing any other damage except plundering the house of a few trifling articles, taking the shoe-buckles out of the womens shoes,which was as little or more than could be expected, considering the usual practice of the British troops, as the men were restrained from plundering by their officer, said to be a Captain Ryerson, of Buskirk's regiment, who seemed actuated by principles of honour and humanity; and upon this occasion, imitated the laudable example of Captain Randolph, who has not only distinguished himself by his activity and bravery, but by his politeness and generosity towards such as he hath taken prisoners, never allowing his men to plunder.........
SPRINGFIELD, JUNE 24th, 1780
On Wednesday sennight died, that Patriot and terror to the abettors of tyranny, Captain Nathaniel Fitzrandolph, of Woodbridge, of a wound he received the preceding Friday in pursuing the enemy on their retreat from Springfield. The ball entered his left arm, below the shoulder, penetrated his body, and came out at the right breast. It may justly be said of him, that he was a kind and tender husband, an indulgent parent, a worthy citizen, a sincere friend, a brave and valiant soldier, possessed of honour and humanity, as acknowledged by his enemies During this contest he has been twice wounded before the fatal one which terminated his life; and twice a prisoner, and was confined in the provost of New York for upwards of two years. His remains were interred on the Thursday following, with the honors of war, attended by a large concourse of respectable inhabitants from the neighbouring townships He has left an amiable wife and twl lovely children to bewail his loss; and is much lamented by all that had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
TRENTON, JULY 12, 1780
A few days ago died, of the wounds he received in nobly fighting in defence of his country, Nathaniel Fitz-Randolph, Esq. late of Woodbridge, in this state.
This Gentleman's zeal and activity, joined with the most intrepid bravery, had long rendered him obnoxious to the vindicative rage and cruelty of a British enemy, who has stained the pages of modern history with indelible marks of inhuman barbarity and savage cruelty Twice he fell into their ruthless hands, and suffered all the tortures of long confinement in the provost-guard at New York; from whence he had lately been delivered.
(All articles taken from New Jersey Archives Newspaper Abstracts Volumes III & IV (Years 1779 - 1880)
**********************************************************
This captain's gravestone is quite unusual as it seems to have been a target years ago from the many bullet holes (then musket balls) that can now been seen in the stone - unfortunately that has made his transcription harder to read now days opening the stone up to more weathering.
Local legend states that the holes on his grave were made by British soldiers who used it for target practice.
Son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph
(1714-1773) and Mary (Shotwell) Fitz Randolph (1722- ). Grandson of Edward
Fitz Randolph (1672-1760) and Katherine (Hartshorne) Fitz Randolph
(1682-1759).
He led many raids to Staten Island and was taken prisoner in 1779, being pulled straight from his bed after return from one of his raids. He had been mortally wounded in the battle at Springfield in June prior to his death in July 1780.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A CORRESPONDENT AT WOODBRIDGE, DATED FEBRUARY 10, 1779
Last Tuesday about 3 o'clock in the morning, a party of New-Levies from Staten-Island, came over into Woodbridge, and marched up into the town undiscovered to the house of Charles Jackson, in which there happened to lay that night a scout of Continental troops from Bonem-Town, consisting of twelve men - The centinel did not discover them till they had well nigh surrounded the house, it being very dark, when he fired and ran off, making his escape; the rest being unfortunately asleep, were taken by surprize without making any resistance Their principal object was Captain Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, who lived at this house.- He had just returned from Staten Island, having been over there with a small party chief of the night, and was but a few minutes in the house before he was alarmed by the firing of the centinel, when they insantly rushed into the house and seized him and Mr. Jackson, with the scout as above. The party were gone before the inhabitants had time to collect, without doing any other damage except plundering the house of a few trifling articles, taking the shoe-buckles out of the womens shoes,which was as little or more than could be expected, considering the usual practice of the British troops, as the men were restrained from plundering by their officer, said to be a Captain Ryerson, of Buskirk's regiment, who seemed actuated by principles of honour and humanity; and upon this occasion, imitated the laudable example of Captain Randolph, who has not only distinguished himself by his activity and bravery, but by his politeness and generosity towards such as he hath taken prisoners, never allowing his men to plunder.........
SPRINGFIELD, JUNE 24th, 1780
On Wednesday sennight died, that Patriot and terror to the abettors of tyranny, Captain Nathaniel Fitzrandolph, of Woodbridge, of a wound he received the preceding Friday in pursuing the enemy on their retreat from Springfield. The ball entered his left arm, below the shoulder, penetrated his body, and came out at the right breast. It may justly be said of him, that he was a kind and tender husband, an indulgent parent, a worthy citizen, a sincere friend, a brave and valiant soldier, possessed of honour and humanity, as acknowledged by his enemies During this contest he has been twice wounded before the fatal one which terminated his life; and twice a prisoner, and was confined in the provost of New York for upwards of two years. His remains were interred on the Thursday following, with the honors of war, attended by a large concourse of respectable inhabitants from the neighbouring townships He has left an amiable wife and twl lovely children to bewail his loss; and is much lamented by all that had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
TRENTON, JULY 12, 1780
A few days ago died, of the wounds he received in nobly fighting in defence of his country, Nathaniel Fitz-Randolph, Esq. late of Woodbridge, in this state.
This Gentleman's zeal and activity, joined with the most intrepid bravery, had long rendered him obnoxious to the vindicative rage and cruelty of a British enemy, who has stained the pages of modern history with indelible marks of inhuman barbarity and savage cruelty Twice he fell into their ruthless hands, and suffered all the tortures of long confinement in the provost-guard at New York; from whence he had lately been delivered.
(All articles taken from New Jersey Archives Newspaper Abstracts Volumes III & IV (Years 1779 - 1880)
**********************************************************
This captain's gravestone is quite unusual as it seems to have been a target years ago from the many bullet holes (then musket balls) that can now been seen in the stone - unfortunately that has made his transcription harder to read now days opening the stone up to more weathering.
Local legend states that the holes on his grave were made by British soldiers who used it for target practice.
Son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph
(1714-1773) and Mary (Shotwell) Fitz Randolph (1722- ). Grandson of Edward
Fitz Randolph (1672-1760) and Katherine (Hartshorne) Fitz Randolph
(1682-1759).
Inscription
SACRED
to the Memory of
Cap.n Nathaniel Fitz
Randolph, who died
July Ye 23d A D. 1780
In the XXXIII Year of
his Age.
Here lies beneath this Stone repos'd
Patriot Merit strait hoas'd;
His Country called, he lent an Ear
Their Battles faught, & rested here.
E. Price
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