With few exceptions the inhabitants of Orange and Ulster Counties were loyal, earnest and active for the cause of Independence. In the early years of the war the militia was efficient in guarding the frontiers, constructing Highland forts and placing obstructions to navigation in the Hudson River; and two of the companies took part in the expedition to Canada of 1775. In 1776 one-fourth of the militia of the two counties was "drawn out for the defense of the State" and stationed along the Highlands. They consisted of two regiments from Orange commanded by Colonel Isaac Nicoll, and one from Ulster commanded by Colonel Levi Paulding. In December, after the British had captured New York, a more general requisition was made, and men were obliged to leave their families and stock unprovided for, which caused great disaffection for a time; but after General Washington's victory at Trenton they were permitted to return home. In 1777 George and James Clinton were in command on the west side of the Hudson, and General Putnam on the east side. Burgoyne, with an army of 3,000 men, marching down from Canada, had reached Saratoga, and Howe, with another army, was marching to capture Philadelphia, when, about September 20, 3,000 British and Hessian soldiers arrived in New York and joined the army of Sir Henry Clinton. Thus reinforced Clinton soon started to force his way up the Hudson, and on October 6, approached Forts Montgomery and Clinton, defended by some 400 of Colonel Du Bois's Regiment and Lamb's Artillery, and about 200 militia, mostly from Orange and Ulster Counties. They made a gallant defense, but finally overwhelmed by superior numbers, were obliged to retreat, leaving behind them 300 in killed, wounded and prisoners. In Governor Clinton's report to General Washington of the fight at Fort Montgomery he said that Sir Henry Clinton commanded in person; that the enemy was repeatedly driven back by grape shot from a field-piece and the well-directed fire of musketry during their approach; that the militia retreated to the fort, when a demand to surrender was refused; and that the enemy's superior numbers finally forced the works on all sides. If expected reinforcements had reached the fort it was believed that the enemy would have been defeated. Many militiamen were in the mountains, but their communications had been cut off. There were not more than 600 men in both the forts, while the attacking army numbered 3,000. Governor Clinton escaped across the Hudson, and many of his men were bayoneted after the works were taken. DuBois's Continental Regiment and Lamb's Artillery bore the brunt of the fight. The following other regiments were represented in small numbers; Colonel Allison's from Goshen, commanded by himself; Colonel James Clinton's from New Windsor, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel James McClaughry; Colonel Harbourg's from Newburgh, commanded by Colonel Masten; Colonel Jesse Woodhull's from Cornwall, commanded by Colonel Dubois.