In 1776, some American loyalist soldiers formed the New Jersey Volunteers, which was raised in the Province of New York, first as three battalions, and eventually as six, of 500 men each.

The New Jersey Volunteers experienced combat first at the Battle of Long Island, during the British Campaign of New York offensive and after the defeat and flight of the Patriot forces, and was assigned to the initial British garrison of the occupation army, in New York City.

Lawlessness and guerrilla warfare occurred between Skinner's "Skinners", marauders and their rivals, the British loyalist raiders, De Lancey's "Cowboys" who, both, stole cattle, looted, and gathered military intelligence, in the New York countryside.

One battalion of New Jersey Volunteers was later sent to East Florida, assisting with the capture of Savannah; others served in the Battles of Eutaw Springs and King's Mountain, with a detachment participating with the Siege of Yorktown.

On September 6, 1781, the 3rd Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers, participated with the raid on New London, Connecticut, commanded by Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, and fought at the Battle of Groton Heights.