March 20, 1780-Dated Revolutionary War Scarce Manuscript Field Discharge, at Springfield, New Jersey, issued to Sergeant Mark Mildren of the 5th Connecticut Regiment, with Pay, Very Fine.
This rare Manuscript Field Issued Discharge, is Signed, “Jonathan Johnson Commandant 2nd Connecticut Brigade,” certifies that "Sergeant Mark Mildren of the 5th Connecticut Regt. having Served three years with Repitition it being the Full Term for which he Inlisted he is hearby Discharged the Service of the United States," dated at "Springfield, New Jersey, March 20, 1780". A further notation reads: "To Receive Pay to the 27th Instant inclusive." This scarce field discharge reads, in full:

“Serjeant (sic) Mark Mildren of the 5th Connecticut Regt. having Served three years with Repition (sic) "Repetition" it being the Full Term for which he Inlisted he is hearby Discharged the Service of the United States ---- Springfield, New Jersey / March 20th, 1780 --- (Signed) Jonathan Johnson Lt. Col. Comdant 2nd Coneticut Brigade” Noted below: “To Recieve Pay to the 27th Instant inclusive”

The reverse bears his manuscript statement of wages in receipt on the same date, in which Sergeant Mildren acknowledges: "Received March 20, 1780 of Lieut. Wm. Henshaw Sixty Dollars which is the full of my Wages up to the time of my Discharge," and Signed by Mildren, and further witnessed. This document measures 7" x 4.75" and is handwritten throughout in period deep rich brown ink in clear, easily legible period hands, the laid period paper is even in tone with four small scattered ink spots.

Sooon after this discharge was issued the unit was active during the historic Battle of Springfield, fought on June 23, 1780, in Springfield, New Jersey, that is often considered one of the last major engagements of the Revolutionary War in the Northern theater. The British hoped a strong push through New Jersey might draw Washington into a decisive battle, disrupt American supply lines, or even threaten the Continental Army's position and possibly boost morale after the harsh winter at Morristown had weakened American forces. The burning of Springfield became a symbol of British destructiveness and helped galvanize local support for the American cause.
This historic discharge document was issued at SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY, on March 20, 1780, just weeks before that town would become the site of one of the final major military engagements of the Revolutionary War in the northern colonies.

The Battle of Springfield, fought on June 23, 1780, pitted American forces under Major General Nathanael Greene against a substantial British and Hessian force under General Wilhelm von Knyphausen, and resulted in a decisive American victory that effectively ended British offensive operations in New Jersey for the remainder of the war, a contribution to the Revolutionary cause of considerable strategic importance.

A British and Hessian force of roughly 5,000-6,000 men, commanded by General Wilhelm von Knyphausen, crossed from Staten Island into New Jersey and advanced toward Springfield, a strategic town on the route to the Hobart Gap - a pass through the Watchung Mountains that led toward Washington's camp at Morristown.



American forces, numbering around 1,000-1,500 Continentals and militia, were commanded by Major General Nathanael Greene. Despite being outnumbered, Greene organized a determined defense along the Rahway River, using the terrain and fortified positions to slow the British advance.

Fierce fighting occurred at the bridge crossing into Springfield, where American troops, including Continental regiments, held off the British long enough to inflict significant delays and casualties.

Ultimately, the British set fire to much of the town of Springfield burning most of its buildings, including its church before withdrawing back toward Staten Island rather than pressing on toward Morristown.

The present document captures the American military presence at Springfield in the immediate prelude to that engagement, issued by LIEUTENANT COLONEL JONATHAN JOHNSON. He was an officer with an extensively documented Revolutionary War service record.

Beginning as Captain of Bradley's Connecticut State Regiment from June to December 1776, advancing to Major of the 5th Connecticut on January 1, 1777, to Lieutenant Colonel on May 25, 1778, and transferring to Command of the 2nd Connecticut Brigade on January 1, 1781, continuing his military service through his discharge on June 3rd, 1783.
[American Revolution, Revolutionary War, Connecticut] [Battle of Springfield, Continental Army, Military Discharge] [Manuscripts, Documents, Autographs]