Marinus Willett

1740–1830

Marinus Willett was a soldier, politician, and artisan from New York. A veteran of the French and Indian War, he became involved with the Patriot Cause in New York City. He was a key member of the New York Sons of Liberty, along with John Lamb, Isaac Sears, and Alexander McDougall. When the war started, he was appointed a Lieutenant Colonel in the New York Line. He participated in the Invasion of Canada and the Saratoga Campaign. Afterward, he served in the Northern Department until the end of the war, helping drive enemy forces out of the Mohawk River Valley.

Marinus Willett, Sons of Liberty, American Revolution, MET 17871

Marinus Willett, Ralph Earl, c. 1791. Image Source: The Met.

Personal Facts

  • Born: July 31, 1740, in Jamaica, New York.
  • Parents: Edward Willett and Aletta Clowes.
  • Died: August 22, 1830, in New York City. 90 years old.
  • Buried: New York City Marble Cemetery, New York City.
  • Significance: Marinus Willett is important to American History for his support in the Patriot Cause during the American Revolution and his military leadership during the American Revolutionary War.

Biographical Notes

Early Life

Marinus Willett was one of the six sons of Aletta Clowes and Edward Willett, a descendant of Thomas Willet (or Willett) of Flushing. Marinus was born in Jamaica, on Long Island. For most of his life, he was a resident of New York City, where he attended King’s College, worked in cabinet making, and later became a successful merchant and the owner of considerable property.

  • Marinus Willett was born near Jamaica, New York, on July 31, 1740.
  • Willett was a cabinetmaker in New York City.

French and Indian War

  • Marinus Willett joined the militia during the French and Indian War.
  • Willett was appointed as a Lieutenant in Oliver De Lancey’s New York Regiment in 1758.
  • He worked on the initial construction of Fort Stanwix in the Mohawk River Valley.
  • Participated in James Abercromby’s unsuccessful expedition to Ticonderoga in 1758.
  • Took part in Bradstreet’s successful capture of Fort Frontenac.
  • Active member of the Sons of Liberty before the Revolution.

American Revolution

Willett was an active member of the New York Sons of Liberty and joined the “Military Association of the City of New York,” which was established by Isaac Sears. The members of the Association signed the following resolution:

“Whereas it is essentially necessary in all Free States, that the People should become perfectly acquainted with the Use of Arms, and be regularly disciplined, in order the more effectually to defend their Liberty, Property, and Country, against any Power whatsoever, that may attempt to invade the same — And whereas there is a Militia Law now in Force, for the salutary Purpose aforesaid — We the Subscribers, do voluntarily agree to form ourselves into a Body, immediately, under the Denomination of the Military Association of the City of New York, for which Purpose we will provide ourselves with a good Firelock, Bayonet, Cutlass, and a Cartouch-Box, capable of containing (at least) Twenty-four Rounds of Cartridges; and that we will meet, at such Times and Places as shall hereafter be agreed on, by the Majority to learn the Manual, and other Exercises and to perfect ourselves in the Military Art.”

American Revolutionary War — 1775

  • Marinus Willett participated in the New York Armory Raid on April 23, 1775.
  • Willett prevented the British from evacuating five wagons of weapons and ammunition on June 6, 1775.
  • He became a Captain in Alexander McDougall’s 1st New York Regiment on June 28, 1775.
  • Helped capture the British depot at Turtle Bay, New York, on July 20, 1775.
  • Joined General Richard Montgomery’s wing of the Northern Army for the Invasion of Quebec (1775–1776).
  • Commanded Fort St. John after it was captured by American forces in November 1775.

New York Armory Raid (April 23, 1775) — News of the Battles of Lexington and Concord arrived via an express letter that was started in Providence, Rhode Island, by Stephen Hopkins, who said the British were “…engaged in butchering and destroying our brethren in the most in human manner.” New Yorkers responded by rioting. Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett led a contingent of New York militiamen in a raid on the public arsenal, where they seized and removed weapons (see April 1775).

Seizure of British Supply Carts (June 6, 1775) — British forces tried to smuggle arms and supplies out of New York City. Willett and the Sons of Liberty gathered a mob and confronted the British on Broad Street. Mayor Whitehead Hicks arrived, and while he discussed the situation with the commanding officer, the crowd seized the carts filled with military supplies and pulled them away (see June 1775). This is also known as the “Broad Street Incident.”

Raid on Turtle Bay, New York (July 20, 1775) — The capture of the British depot at Turtle Bay, New York, was carried out by the New York Sons of Liberty in the early days of the American Revolutionary War. Led by John Lamb, it was one of the last activities carried out by the New York Sons of Liberty in support of the American Revolution.

Invasion of Quebec (1775–1776) — The Invasion of Quebec was a military expedition by the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. American forces failed to capture Quebec City and convince Canada to become the 14th Colony, leading to a disastrous retreat from Canada that set the stage for the Saratoga Campaign in 1777.

Siege of Fort St. John (September–November 1775) — American forces, led by General Richard Montgomery, captured Fort St. John on November 2, 1775. Montgomery left the fort on November 5 and proceeded to Montreal. He left Willett in command of the fort.

American Revolutionary War — 1776

  • Marinus Willett returned to New York City in May 1776 when his men’s enlistments ended.
  • Willett led militia units at the Battle of Long Island on August 27, 1776.
  • He fought in other engagements around New York City during the New York Campaign.
  • Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the 3rd New York Regiment on November 21, 1776.
  • Commanded Fort Constitution near West Point.

Fort Constitution — A defensive fortification built on Martlaer’s Island in the Hudson River, across from West Point. Construction started in the summer of 1775 but stopped in November due to the cost. The British destroyed the unfinished fort in 1777 during Clinton’s Hudson Highlands Expedition. After the Battle of Monmouth Court House, American forces took control of the Hudson River Valley and resumed construction.

American Revolutionary War — 1777

  • Repelled the British in the Peekskill Raid on March 23, 1777.
  • Transferred to Fort Stanwix on May 18, 1777, where he had served in 1758.
  • Served as second-in-command to Peter Gansevoort, defending against St. Leger’s Expedition (June–September 1777).
  • Conducted an attack on August 6, 1777, earning a commendation and an “elegant sword” from Congress.

Peekskill Raid (March 23–24, 1777) — During the winter of 1776–1777, American and British forces were engaged in a “provision war” in New Jersey and New York. The Americans had a supply depot at Peekskill in the Hudson Highlands, which was commanded by General Alexander McDougall. General Thomas Gage sent an expedition under Lieutenant Colonel John Bird that attacked on March 23. McDougall was forced to withdraw, burning supplies before evacuating. The next day, Willett led American forces from Fort Constitution and attacked the British, forcing them to evacuate. A coat seized by Willett’s men was later used for the flag that was flown over Fort Stanwix.

St. Leger’s Expedition (1777) — The British Campaign for 1777 was designed to capture Albany and to cut New England off from the Southern Colonies. While General John Burgoyne led one force to attack Fort Ticonderoga, General Barry St. Leger led another into the Mohawk River Valley and advanced on Fort Stanwix. St. Leger and his expedition left Montreal on June 23, 1777, and arrived on August 3.

Siege of Fort Stanwix (August 1777) — As part of St. Leger’s Expedition, Mohawk leader Joseph Brant laid siege to Fort Stanwix, starting on August 2. After he arrived, St. Leger sent John Johnson out to attack American reinforcements on their way to the fort, leading to the Battle of Oriskany. The siege continued until General Benedict Arnold led an expedition to the fort to break the siege. Arnold tricked St. Leger into thinking he outnumbered him, and St. Leger ended the siege. The flag flown over Fort Stanwix was designed according to a resolution passed by Congress and is believed to be the first American Flag raised during the war.

Battle of Oriskany (August 6, 1777) — Johnson led a contingent of Loyalists and Indian allies to intercept General Nicholas Herkimer and his men from Tryon County. Johnson set up an ambush, and the Americans were surprised and routed. While Johnson and his men were away from their camp, Willett led men out of Fort Stanwix and raided their camp. When Johnson’s Indians found out, they were outraged and left the battle. Johnson broke off his attack, allowing the Americans to retreat to Fort Dayton.

American Revolutionary War — 1778–1780

  • Fought under Charles Scott at the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778.
  • Participated in the Van Schaick Expedition and the Raid on Onondaga Castle (April 22, 1779).
  • Participated in Sullivan’s Expedition against the Iroquois.
  • Appointed Lieutenant commanding the 5th New York on July 1, 1780.
  • Promoted to colonel in November 1780.

Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778) — Gansevoort released Willett from his service at Fort Stanwix so that he could join General Washington’s Army in the spring of 1778. Willett served under General Charles Scott during the battle. After spending the Winter at Valley Forge training under General Friedrich von Steuben, the Americans fought the British to a draw in the open field. Afterward, the British marched to New York City. This led to a stalemate in the North, and the focus of the war shifted to the South. During the battle, Willett witnessed the famous incident in which General Washington removed General Charles Lee from command.

Van Schaick Expedition (1779) — American military officials were determined to retaliate after British forces carried out raids on American settlements in the Cherry Valley and Wyoming Valley. The Indians involved in these raids were from the Iroquois Confederacy, or Six Nations. Col. Goose Van Schaick was selected to lead an expedition against the Onondaga Nation and their primary settlement, Onondaga Castle. The expedition was organized at Fort Stanwix, and the field officers were Willett and Major Rober Cochran. The raid on Onandaga destroyed most of the fields and dwellings, including the longhouse containing the Iroquois council fire.

Sullivan’s Expedition (May–November 1779) — In conjunction with the Van Schaick Expedition, General John Sullivan led a larger expedition against the Cayuga and Seneca. General James Clinton served as Sullivan’s second-in-command. They led nearly 4,500 American troops and Oneida warriors, divided into two columns. They attacked roughly 40 villages, forcing many Iroquois who supported the British to flee from New York and relocate to refugee camps near Fort Niagara. This is also known as the “Sullivan-Clinton Campaign of 1779.”

American Revolutionary War — 1781

  • Retired when the five New York regiments were consolidated into two on January 1, 1781.
  • Returned to lead New York levies and militia at Governor George Clinton’s request in 1781.
  • Successfully defended the Mohawk Valley by driving out an expedition of Loyalists and Indians.

Raid on Warrenbush (October 24, 1781) — Major John Ross and Captain Walter Butler led an expedition of 1,000 Loyalists and Native American Indian allies in a successful raid on Warrenbush, New York, in the Mohawk River Valley.

Battle of Johnstown (October 25, 1781) — In response to the attack on Warrenbush, Willett gathered a force of 400 Americans and Oneida warriors to engage Ross. The Americans attacked and were able to force the Loyalists to fall back and take defensive positions.

Battle of Jerseyfield (October 30, 1781) — Ross’s expedition marched northward after the Battle of Johnstown, and Willett followed. Willett caught up with Ross near Jerseyfield and attacked the rear of his expedition. Captain Butler was killed in the battle, and his men fled. Ross continued to flee, but Willett ended the pursuit. This is considered the last major conflict on the New York frontier during the American Revolutionary War.

American Revolutionary War — 1783

In February 1783, Willett led an expedition in a surprise attack on the British garrison at Oswego. Willett and his men made the journey on snowshoes. The attack failed when Willett’s scout, an Oneida, became lost in the darkness. This was one of the last military operations of the war.

Post-War Career

  • Elected to the New York State Assembly in 1783.
  • Resigned from the assembly to serve as Sheriff of New York City and County from 1784–1788 and 1792–1796.
  • In 1787, he participated in the suppression of Shays’s Rebellion.

New York Loyalists

  • New York redistributed Loyalist properties that had been seized during the war.
  • Willett gained wealth from confiscated Loyalist estates.
  • John Jay and Alexander Hamilton argued that the Treaty of Paris (1783) protected Loyalist property from confiscation.
  • The U.S. Constitution supported upholding the original land contracts.
  • Willett and George Clinton supported confiscation and opposed the Constitution, making them Anti-Federalists.
  • Willett joined the Tammany Society, which opposed Federalist policies in New York City.

The Tammany Society

  • Named after Chief Tamanend, the Delaware who signed the Treaty of Shackamaxon with William Penn, granting Penn the land for Philadelphia.
  • Members celebrated the 4th of July by dressing as Indians.
  • They believed the Federalists were guilty of betraying the ideals of the American Revolution.

Treaty of New York (1790)

Willett helped negotiate a peace treaty with the Creek Nation in 1790 as George Washington’s representative.

  • Britain ceded territory between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River to the U.S. in the Treaty of Paris (1763).
  • Hostilities with Indians continued, and Georgia asked the Federal Government for help dealing with the Muscogee Creek.
  • U.S. representatives met with the Muscogee in 1789, but failed to reach a treaty.
  • President Washington asked Willett to meet with the Muscogee.
  • He agreed and met with Alexander McGivillray (also known as Hoboi-Hili-Miko).
  • At Willett’s invitation, McGivillray and other Creek chiefs visited Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York City.
  • The U.S. eventually negotiated a treaty with the Muscogee, allowing Americans to settle within Creek territory.

Later Years and Death

  • Willett was aligned with the Democratic-Republican Party.
  • President Washington asked him to lead U.S. forces against the Northwest Indian Confederacy in the Ohio Valley, but he declined.
  • Served briefly as mayor of New York City from 1807 to 1808.
  • During the War of 1812, he delivered a speech at City Hall to rally the New York Militia.
  • Died on August 22, 1830, in New York City.

Accomplishments and Milestones

  • 1740, July 31 — Marinus Willett was born near Jamaica, Long Island, New York.
  • 1758 — Appointed Lieutenant in Oliver De Lancey’s New York Regiment during the French and Indian War; helped construct Fort Stanwix; participated in expeditions to Ticonderoga and Fort Frontenac.
  • 1775, April 23 — Led the New York Armory Raid in response to the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
  • 1775, June 6 — Prevented British forces from smuggling weapons in the Broad Street Incident.
  • 1775, June 28 — Became Captain in Alexander McDougall’s 1st New York Regiment.
  • 1775, July 20 — Helped capture the British depot at Turtle Bay, New York.
  • 1775, November 2 — Fort St. John captured; Willett appointed its commander.
  • 1776, May — Returned to New York City when his men’s enlistments ended.
  • 1776, August 27 — Led militia units at the Battle of Long Island.
  • 1776, November 21 — Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the 3rd New York Regiment.
  • 1777, March 23 — Repelled British forces during the Peekskill Raid.
  • 1777, May 18 — Transferred to Fort Stanwix to assist in its defense.
  • 1777, August 6 — Attacked enemy camp during the Battle of Oriskany; commended by Congress.
  • 1778, June 28 — Fought under General Charles Scott at the Battle of Monmouth.
  • 1779, April 22 — Participated in the Raid on Onondaga Castle during the Van Schaick Expedition.
  • 1779, May–November — Took part in Sullivan’s Expedition against Iroquois settlements.
  • 1780, July 1 — Appointed Lieutenant commanding the 5th New York Regiment.
  • 1780, November — Promoted to Colonel.
  • 1781, January 1 — Retired when New York regiments were consolidated.
  • 1781, October 24 — Led defense during the Raid on Warrenbush.
  • 1781, October 25 — Defeated Loyalist forces at the Battle of Johnstown.
  • 1781, October 30 — Pursued and defeated British forces at the Battle of Jerseyfield.
  • 1783, February — Led a failed winter raid against the British garrison at Oswego.
  • 1783 — Elected to the New York State Assembly.
  • 1784–1788 — Served as Sheriff of New York City and County.
  • 1787 — Took part in suppressing Shays’ Rebellion.
  • 1790 — Negotiated the Treaty of New York with Creek leaders as Washington’s representative.
  • 1792–1796 — Served again as Sheriff of New York City and County.
  • 1807–1808 — Briefly served as Mayor of New York City.
  • 1812 — Delivered a speech at City Hall to rally the militia during the War of 1812.
  • 1830, August 22 — Died in New York City.

Perspectives

Willett’s Sortie at Fort Stanwix

From Lieutenant Colonel Willett’s Sortie, National Park Service:

It was decided that Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett would lead a force of 200 men out of the fort to stage the diversion. Historians have long considered Willett’s subsequent attack on the Loyalist and Indian camps as simply “targets of opportunity” that Willett’s force came across as they made their way down the military road. Newer research, however, points to the fact that it may have been a pre-conceived attack planned due to the observations of Oneida Indian scouts working out of the fort. These scouts would have reported the absence of so many warriors and soldiers in the enemy camps between the upper and lower landings of the Mohawk River, making them a perfect target. Willett’s force was made up of half New York and half Massachusetts troops. Before Willett set out, it was also decided to send a 3-pound cannon with the force, and 50 more men were added to act as a guard for this gun. A rainstorm delayed the attack and at present it is impossible to determine exactly when Willett’s force left the fort, but it was most likely in the early to mid-afternoon period.

Willett’s force moved quickly out through the main gate with 120 men acting as advance, rear and flank guards, leaving 80 men to form the main body of the attacking force. Willet’s troops charged down the road leading from the fort to the upper landing and quickly drove in the few guards protecting the camp of Sir John Johnson’s King’s Royal Regiment of New York. At this point most of Johnson’s Regiment was still at Oriskany or engaged in other siege work. The camp guard was quickly overrun and along with Sir John and his family they fled in panic across the Mohawk River towards the main British camp to the north. It is recorded in Willett’s “Narrative” that “The troops under Col. Willett had fair firing at the enemy while they were crossing the river.” The main Indian encampment was nearby Johnson’s camp and quickly fell to Willett’s force as well, with the Indians that were there scattering off into the woods.