Today in New Jersey history:
June 4. 1777: An act providing for the “confiscation of property of all citizens of New Jersey who joined the enemies of the state and country,” in other words, Loyalists, passed the New Jersey legislature.
June 4, 1813: Captain James Lawrence, a prisoner of war since his ship, the Chesapeake, was defeated by the Shannon, died from the wounds he received in the June 1 sea battle. Initially buried at Halifax with honors by his British captors, he was later re-interred at Trinity Church Cemetery in New York City, the burial place of Alexander Hamilton.
