This is the fifth in a series.

In October 1775, a drama played out at the Jersey Shore that helped to show the peculiar situation that existed before the colonies declared their independence.

Following the battle at Bunker’s Hill, a decimated British garrison under Gen. Thomas Gage found itself besieged by George Washington in Boston. Unable to gather needed reinforcements over land, Gage devised a secret plan to send two officers, Capt. Duncan Campbell and Lt.