The Regiment was authorized on October 9, 1775 in the Continental Army as the 2nd New Jersey Regiment and assigned to the New York (later Middle) Department. Organized between October 26- December 15, 1775 at Burlington and Trenton to consist of 8 companies from Gloucester, Hunterdon, Burlington, Salem, and Sussex counties. The men served under Col. William "Scotch Willie" Maxwell for an enlistment of one year. It was assigned on July 20, 1776 to Stark's Brigade, an element of the Northern Department. It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the New Jersey Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Reorganized and re-designated 1 March 1, 1783 as the New Jersey Battalion, to consist of four companies. Furloughed on June 6, 1783 at Newburgh, New York. Disbanded on November 15, 1783.