DEY MANSION

The Dey Mansion of Totowa New Jersey was home to Washington 7/1-28/1780. It is still a beautiful home and one of my favorites of all of Washington's Headquarters. Colonel Theunis Dey has a wonderful home. The Watchung Hills to the East protect the local militia and army from direct British attack.

While here Washington waited for news of the French. On July 14th, the news came. The French Fleet had come to Newport Rhode Island.

Count de Rochambeau had landed with 6000 thousand troops.

Washington left here to gather forces and protect the flank of his newly arrived ally. The word was, the British were moving towards Newport.

He returns 10/8-11/26/1780. The French Fleet has been caught in the Newport harbor by the British squadron and of late, 10 more ships have arrived from the West Indies.

Washington also learned that his General, Benedict Arnold had betrayed him.

On 10/22, Washington was ordering changes to the Southern army. General Gates, the hero of Saratoga had beaten badly by Lord Cornwallis and was subject to a board of inquiry. Washington had decided to send his reliable General Greene south to rebuild the command.

Washington had learned of the victory at King's Mountain and the link up with the French was underway.

DOREMUS HOUSE

Captain Thomas Doremus in Montville New Jersey hosted General Washington on 6/25/1780. Washington was not sure which way the British Army was going to march. He thought that they would attack West Point, but then the British moved West from Elizabeth and the Battle of Springfield took place.

Washington was caught between posts.

The house was also used by Rochembeau and the French Army as they marched South to the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. The orchard across the road from the house was the campsite of thousands of French infantry. Alexander Hamilton also stayed at the house.

The house has just been restored beautifully. Go and see!

Coming and Going

The Silas Deane Home in Wethersfield Conn. Washington visited June 29, 1775 and dined with Deane's wife. He was on his way to Boston and joining the Army in Cambridge. Deane was in France trying to gain aid for the new American cause.











The Webb Home next door was used by Washington on May 19 thru May 24, 1781. Washington met with General Knox, Gov. Trumbull, and Count de Rochambeau to plan an attack on New York. They all left moving towards New York City, but events were starting to unfold in the South.