16 Facts About Joshua Huddy

Captain Joshua Huddy was an American military officer and privateer.

Joshua Huddy's execution led to a furore among Patriots and sparked the Asgill Affair, in which the Continental Army arranged for the summary execution of British officer Charles Asgill, an act that violated the terms of the 1781 Articles of Capitulation.

Joshua Huddy's grandfather, Hugh Huddy, was a well-known judge in Burlington.

Joshua Huddy spent most of his early life in Salem, where he was labeled a rebellious troublemaker.

Joshua Huddy was disowned by Quakers in Salem in 1757 for his "disorderly" conduct.

Joshua Huddy's troubles continued into adulthood; he was tried and convicted several times for crimes including assault and theft and repeatedly had financial difficulties.

Joshua Huddy was forced to sell a 300-acre plantation in Salem to pay his debts and was forced into debtors' prison for a time.

The Monmouth County sheriff later accused Joshua Huddy of trying to steal the tavern from his wife, and to force her children out onto the street.

Joshua Huddy often appeared in civil and criminal court, either as plaintiff or defendant.

Joshua Huddy aligned with the Patriots during the American Revolutionary War.

Joshua Huddy was a popular and aggressive captain, engaging in the raids that characterized the fighting within Monmouth County.

Joshua Huddy was hit in the thigh by a bullet, but he escaped and swam to shore.

Joshua Huddy was transferred to a military prison ship in New York harbor.

Joshua Huddy was then taken from British custody by a band of Loyalists headed by Captain Richard Lippincott, ostensibly to make a prisoner exchange.

The next morning, Patriots found Joshua Huddy's body hanging from the gallows, cut it down, and took it to Freehold, where they buried him at Old Tennent Church.

Catherine Hart, Joshua Huddy's widow, said that she wanted Asgill's life spared since the captain was innocent.