How Cape May County Smuggled Arms for the Continental Army

Coastal smuggling routes and the Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet helped bring foreign gunpowder and weapons to Washington's troops during the Revolution.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

During the American Revolution, Cape May County played a crucial role in smuggling gunpowder, arms, and other military supplies from France to the Continental Army. Newspapers at the time reported on successful cargo deliveries as well as many failed attempts by British ships to intercept the supplies off the coast. The directions given to captains of American ships highlight the organized system used to get these critical materials to Washington's troops.

Why it matters

The ability to obtain foreign-sourced gunpowder and weapons was essential for the Continental Army to fight the British during the Revolutionary War. Cape May County's strategic location and smuggling routes provided a vital lifeline for these supplies, helping to turn the tide of the war in favor of the American colonists.

The details

In May 1776, a Connecticut newspaper reported that Captain Young's ship had arrived from France to Cape May, offloading 26,000 pounds of gunpowder, 25 tons of saltpeter, and 40 arms. Young said there were plans for 50-60 additional ships to be sent out, though many were likely to be intercepted. Another newspaper article from April 1776 detailed the orders given to the captain of the American ship Dickenson, which was bound for France to trade for 1,500 arms and 15 tons of gunpowder. The orders included specific instructions on how to signal for safe passage once the ship returned to the Delaware Bay.

  • In May 1776, a Connecticut newspaper announced the arrival of Captain Young's ship from France to Cape May.
  • In April 1776, newspaper articles detailed the orders given to the captain of the American ship Dickenson, bound for France to trade for arms and gunpowder.

The players

Captain Young

The captain of a ship that arrived from France to Cape May in May 1776, offloading 26,000 pounds of gunpowder, 25 tons of saltpeter, and 40 arms.

The Dickenson

An American ship out of Philadelphia that was bound for France in April 1776 to trade for 1,500 arms and 15 tons of gunpowder.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“there were to be '50-60 additional ships sent out, but by the papers they are likely to be badly manned.'”

— Captain Young

The takeaway

Cape May County's strategic location and smuggling routes played a crucial role in providing the Continental Army with the foreign-sourced gunpowder, arms, and other military supplies needed to fight the British during the Revolutionary War. This organized system of delivering these critical materials helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the American colonists.