The instructions given by General Washington to General Sullivan properly show the design of the expedition. "The immediate objects are the total destruction and devastation of their settlements. To General Gates he had already written, "The country must not merely be overrun, but destroyed. Its clear meaning was fully understood by General Sullivan, and he determined vigorously and effectually to carry out these severe but necessary orders.
He desired that he might have some choice in the number and quality of the troops intended for this duty, and his wish was cheerfully granted. He made his selection from the Continental battalions of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They were some of the very best soldiers of the army, and had seen much active service.
Brigadier-General William Maxwell's brigade consisted of: First New Jersey Regiment, Colonel Matthias Ogden. Second New Jersey Regiment, Colonel Israel Shreve. Third New Jersey Regiment, Colonel Elias Dayton. Spencer's New Jersey Regiment, Colonel Oliver Spencer.
The next morning, because of Sullivan's sickness, General Maxwell issued his orders assuming temporary command of the expedition, and this position he retained about a week.
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