On January 1st remnants of Hitchcock's old unit and other battalions enlisted for one year and formed the 11th Continental Regiment. Daniel Hitchcock remained as colonel and Stephen Olney was promoted to lieutenant. Following the evacuation of Boston by the British in April, the 11th, as part of Gen. Nathaniel Greene's brigade, marched for New York where they built earthworks on Long Island.
The 11th Continentals were beaten at Long Island in August at which time 34 year old Nathaniel Greene was promoted to major general. In September the 11th held off the British at Harlem Heights and was narrowly defeated at White Plains in October. The fall was spent retreating through New Jersey.
Much of the tenting and supplies were lost at the various battles and at the capture of Fort Lee. Uniforms were tattered and supplies of clothing or equippage were non-existent. Upon the arrival at Trenton the 11th prepared for the Crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day. The Regiment never did cross the river or take part in the subsequent battle due to difficulties in transporting the artillery. On December 31st the men volunteered to serve one additional month.
The 11th had a major part in the Second Battle of Trenton on January 2nd. That night the man marched for Princeton, New Jersey. In the morning the American column, led by militia, attacked the British. The militia broke and ran thru Hitchcock's brigade. Israel Angell, who was in command, reformed the Regiment, advanced 100 yards, fired several volleys and charged the British line.
Following the battle, General Washington told Hitchcock how proud he was of his conduct and that of his troops and asked that the word be passed down to the men. A few days later Col. Hitchcock succumbed to exposure. With the enlistment expired the men and officers returned to Rhode Island.