Just days after Connecticut endorsed independence, the Fourth Provincial Congress of New Jersey convened on June 19, 1776 in Burlington County and authorized the drafting of a new state constitution. This decisive step effectively dissolved royal authority in the colony and paved the way for New Jersey’s delegates to the Continental Congress to formally support independence.

While the people of Connecticut awaited word on whether the Continental Congress would take the final leap toward independence, towns and ports across the colony were already preparing for war.

With its long coastline and deep maritime tradition, naval defense had become a pressing priority for Connecticut. The colony had already established the Connecticut State Navy, a small but resolute force tasked with protecting coastal commerce and challenging British shipping along New England’s waters.

One of the Connecticut State Navy’s most important vessels was the brigantine-of-war Defence. Purchased, outfitted, and armed by Connecticut, the ship entered service in the spring of 1776 under the command of Captain Seth Harding. By mid-June 1776, Defence had already proven her value, participating in the capture of two British transport vessels, the George and the Annabella—off the coast of Boston.

The Defence would later come under the command of Samuel Smedley of Fairfield, who used the vessel to pursue Loyalists attempting to cross Long Island Sound carrying intelligence and supplies that could aid British forces.

Sources:

https://www.facebook.com/61577395126628/posts/june-19-1776-new-jersey-breaks-with-the-crownby-mid-june-1776-the-colony-of-new-/122173670780913170/

https://www.americanrevolution.org/naval-history-1776-events/

https://allthingsliberty.com/

https://iconicnorwich.org/ocean-vessels/

https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/2770