In the winter of 1780, the Pennsylvania Line of the Continental Army was encamped in winter quarters in ramshackle huts at Mount Kemble near Morristown New Jersey. There were some 2473 soldiers from 11 regiments of infantry and one regiment of Artillery.
The "hutting" arrangement for General Stark's Brigade, 1779—80. From an original manuscript once owned by Erskine Hewitt, of Ringwood, N. J.
After 5 years of being badly clothed and fed, they were at the end of their patience. That added to the fact that many who thought they had been enlisted for a period of three years had been told that they must stay till the war ended. On the evening of January 1 they 11th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line instigating the rallying Cry of "Mutiny".
The 11th regiment soldiers moved down the line of huts firing their muskets into the air, and encouraged men from the 2nd, 5th and 9th regiments to join them. Those soldiers who wished to remain loyal hid in their huts until the mutineers had passed. In the meantime other mutineers seized horses, wagons, tents, and provisions.
January 1, 1781
According to the , mutineers began to seize the artillery and several officers tried to intervene. "Captain Adam Bitting was shot through the body and soon died Captain Colbert was badly wounded"
Alan Archambault - CMH Pub 30–21: AMERICAN MILITARY HISTORY: VOLUME 1 THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND THE FORGING OF A NATION, 1775-1917; Richard W. Stewart; General Editor
January 2, 1781
General Anthony Wayne and Colonel Richard Butler arrived on the scene to try and calm the mutiny.
The mutineers declared that they, "were wronged and were determined to see themselves righted."
Wayne replied that "he would right them as far as was in his power."
The Mutineers rejoined "it was out of his power. Their business was not with the officers but with congress and the governor and the council of the state, twas they had wronged, and they must right.
The general called out "if you mean to kill me shoot me at once here's my breast."
The mutineers replied "it is not our intention to hurt or disturb an officer of the line"
On January second, about half the men marched southward, four miles, and gathered near Vealtown. As they marched off, General Wayne begged them not to attempt to go to the enemy.
The Mutineers declared "it was not their intention. And they would hang any man who would attempt it."
January 3, 1781
On January third the Mutineers marched to Princeton. Once ensconced, Sergeants were put in command of each regiment and a Board of twelve Sergeants was selected to represent the mutineers demands to Congress.
January 4, 1781
On January fourth, the Sergeants presented their demands to General Wayne. They were represented by Sergeant William Bouzar, secretary of the board and Sergeant Daniel Connell. Their demands were simple they wanted all the Pennsylvania Line soldiers to receive the back pay due them, that the promises of clothing and supplies be fulfilled and they be discharged as promised from duty, after three years served.
General Wayne replied that, "these propositions are founded on principles of justice and honor, between the United States and the soldiery, which is all that reasonable men can expect and a general can promise."
January 5, 1781
On January fifth, George Washington weighed in on the matter, reaching out to the leaders of the colonies, alerting them to the mutiny.
He entreated them to help Congress support the men, before their mutinous efforts could spread to other regiments in the colonies.
His letter declares that, "The aggregated calamities and distresses that have resulted from the total want of pay for nearly twelve months the want of clothing at a severe season and not unfrequently the want of provisions or beyond description."
Attention of the mutiny reached the ears of the British. Certain that this was a turn in the war they could capitalize on, Sir Henry Clinton sent spies into the mutineers camp to entice them to join the British army.
The message intimated that if the Pennsylvania Line would direct their march towards South River, a large body of British troops should be ready to receive them.
January 6, 1781
President Reed advanced on January 6 and camped near Princeton (having been fully authorized by congress to make propositions).
January 7, 1781
On January seventh, Reed wrote a letter to General Wayne in which he expressed some doubts as to the propriety of going within the piquets of the insurgents.
"Reed determined to press for onward saying, "I have but one life and my country has first claim to it."
January 8, 1781
To the mutineers credit, the Board of Sergeants rejected the British proposal with disdain and the spies were captured and turned over.
In his diary dated January the eight, fellow soldier, Matthais Slough shared, "Such is the virtue of our men that they spurned the attempt and instead of listening to the proposal, they immediately communicated the matter to general Wayne, who had the two lads secured."
Perhaps because of the honorable manner in which the mutineers conducted themselves through their negotiations, or because congress recognized the validity of their claims, the men were not court-martialed and the majority of their demands were met.
Detail from Washington and Lafayette see their soldiers' suffering during the legendary winter at Valley Forge, H.B. HALL/NATIONAL ARCHIVES
January 9, 1781
On January the ninth, newspapers reported the terms of the agreement between the Mutineers and the Continental Congress. Back pay was approved as were the disbursement of the promised clothing and supplies. Most importantly any man who could show they served their three years were discharged from service. The Pennsylvania Line was reorganized, and though some men reenlisted, over half of their ranks returned homeward.
Credits:
Source Documents https://libraries.psu.edu/about/collections/unearthing-past-student-research-pennsylvania-history/pennsylvania-line-mutiny-0