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Sullivan (JOHN an American military)

JOHN, an American military officer; born in Berwick, Me., Feb. 17, 1740; studied law and obtained a lucrative practice in Durham, N. H. He was commissioned a major of militia in 1772; represented New Hampshire at the Continental Congress held in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1774; was appointed a brigadier-general of the American Army in 1775 1775; and given command of the left wing of the forces then laying siege to Boston. In June, 1776, he was placed in command of the army on the Canadian boundary. After an unsuccessful engagement with the British at THREE RIVERS (q. v.) he retreated to New York, and for a time was chief in command on Long Island; subsequently was promoted major-general. During Washington's campaign, which resulted in the capture of the Hessians at Trenton, Sullivan had command of the right wing of the army.

He also participated in the battle of Princeton, and later descended rapidly on Staten Island and took 100 prisoners.

He was at the battles of the Brandywine and Germantown, and during the latter