Philemon Dickinson - Commander of New Jersey's Revolutionary Militia
Updated 6/16/21
Philemon Dickinson was Commander of NJ Militia during the Revolutionary War.
Despite his efforts, he is often cast in the shadow of his older brother John.
Philemon Dickinson
By the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Philemon Dickinson was a successful New Jersey lawyer.
Though not as crafty with a pen as his older brother, John, Philemon became a dedicated Patriot early in tensions with the Mother Country.
Appointed as a Colonel in the New Jersey Militia as a response to the Battle of Lexington and Concord, Dickinson had ascended to Major General within a year and a half.
By early 1777 he was in command of all the troops from his State.
Conway Duel
During the war, several men vocally opposed the leadership of General George Washington.
These criticisms, which became known as the Conway Cabal, were an embarrassment for both the Continental Army and Continental Congress.
Thomas Conway, the Cabal’s namesake, was shot by John Cadwalader for his part in the events.
Philemon Dickinson, Cadwalader’s cousin, acted as his second in the duel. This means he was present for the exchange and helped make sure there was no funny business by either party.
Continental Congress
After serving New Jersey for the entire war, Dickinson spent two years in the Continental Congress.
However, he went as a Representative for the State of Delaware!
As an owner of large swaths of land in both States he could be selected by either as a Delegate, which was not an uncommon occurrence.
When his term in Congress was complete, Philemon returned to New Jersey and was elected to the State Assembly.
Senator
Dickinson was Vice-President of New Jersey’s State Senate for two years.
When US Senator William Paterson was elected as Governor of New Jersey, someone was needed to replace him in the Capitol.
Philemon Dickinson was chosen to replace him, spending five years as a Senator during the Washington Administration before retiring to his farm and private law practice.
Want to read about more Founders from New Jersey?
Great! Check out these articles:
Elias Boudinot Signs the Preliminary Articles of Peace
Aaron Kitchell Swings New Jersey
Dickinson does not have a full biography of his own, but he is mentioned in discussions of the Conway Duel.
‘Cabal’ is a fantastic book by Mark Edward Lender (who I was lucky enough to meet and chat with this summer), and it looks at the whole scenario from beginning to duel.
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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