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Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the Revolution

Chapter 84: ELIAS DAYTON.
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About This Book

The work compiles concise biographical sketches of the senior officers who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, arranged with lists of major and brigadier generals and summaries of each officer's commissions, service, and notable engagements. It pairs these entries with an index of dates and a collection of portraits assembled for display, and includes a preface explaining the provenance of the engravings and the editorial methods and sources consulted. Intended as a compact reference for visitors and readers, the volume emphasizes factual data—appointments, service conclusions, and commemoration—while providing bibliographic notes and acknowledgments of contributors.

ELIAS DAYTON.

Elias Dayton, born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, in July, 1737, began his military career by joining Braddock’s forces, and fought in the “Jersey Blues” under Wolfe at Quebec. Subsequently he commanded a company of militia in an expedition against the Indians, and at the beginning of the Revolution was a member of the Committee of Safety. In July, 1775, he was with the party under Lord Stirling that captured a British transport off Staten Island. In 1776, he was ordered to Canada; but upon reaching Albany he was directed to remain in that part of the country to prevent any hostile demonstration by the Tory element. In 1777, he ranked as colonel of the Third New Jersey Regiment, and in 1781, he materially aided in suppressing the revolt in the New Jersey line. Serving to the end of the war, he was promoted to be a brigadier-general the 7th of January, 1783. Returning to New Jersey upon the disbanding of the army, he was elected president of the Society of the Cincinnati of that State, and died in his native town on the 17th of July, 1807.