Receiving captured British uniforms in April 1777 from ship's seized in Raritan Bay, NJ, Forman's men appeared more like their enemy than their own compatriots in the rest of the Continental Army.

The left flank column overran a few outposts, but finally were driven off by the Queen's Rangers and the grenadier and light companies of the Brigade of Guards by the end of the day's fighting.

[9] Forman's "Red Coats" and the other Maryland "enlisted men" appear to have performed well during their rear guard movements when they helped cover the withdrawal of the entire militia column.

Forman's orders from Washington and New Jersey's Governor William Livingston desired him to remain in NJ with the hopes of raising close to 2,000 militia volunteers for temporary Continental service before the end of the year.

Following the Battle of Red Bank on October 22, 1777, three-quarters of Forman's Regiment were sent as reinforcements to Fort Mercer and in pursuit of the remaining British and German troops east of the Delaware River.

[12] At this time Forman was under investigation by NJ's governor William Livingston over his rank and responsibilities in the state militia and his handling of the Continental Salt Works in Manasquan, New Jersey.

Forman officially retired from the NJ State Militia and devoted his time strictly with the Continental Army for the coming campaign year after being unable to resolve differences with Livingston.