In signing the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776, Richard Stockton and the others pledged their “lives”, “fortunes”, and “sacred honor” when they signed that Declaration. Like many of them, Richard Stockton soon lost his fortune, freedom, and life. Richard Stockton was a successful lawyer from a wealthy family when he represented New Jersey in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776. After signing the Declaration of Independence in July, Richard Stockton spent four months in New York and New England to inspect and assist local militias on behalf of the Continental Congress. On his way home, he was betrayed and captured by the British. Stockton was held in a prison ship in New York Harbor in cold weather under “harsh treatment and meager rations”. When he was near death, George Washington, the Continental Congress, and his family all arranged for his release. . .
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