3/11/12

ENCOUNTERS WITH THE BRITISH IN VIRGINIA DURING

THE WAR OF 1812

Listing revised December 2010

By Myron (Mike) E. Lyman, Sr. and William W. Hankins

Copyright 2006-2009

Society of the War of 1812 in the Commonwealth of Virginia

www.1812va.com

Definition of an “Encounter”

An encounter is an incident in which an individual or object travels (or attempts to travel) between British controlled territory or a British ship within sight of Virginia territory and Virginia territory or a non British ship within sight of Virginia territory. Virginia territory includes all land currently within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Included in this paper are several other incidents necessary to more fully understand the circumstances surrounding a Virginia Encounter

Types of Encounters

M With the Militia or Federal troops

N	With US Naval vessels

P	With privateers

C	With merchant vessels

D	Desertions from British forces

S	All encounters related to slaves or ex slaves

F	Under flags of truce (including prisoner of war exchanges)

W	Water, foraging or marauding parties (without shots being fired)

O	Other (prisoner escapes, spies, trading with enemy, events during occupations, etc.)

The numbers preceding the abbreviation of a publication refer to a volume number and the numbers following the abbreviation are the page number. Quoted text contains original punctuation, grammar, and spelling. Accomack County was spelled without a “k” until 1940. Location names are generally given as they existed during the War (e.g., Norfolk refers to the city as it existed, and Princess Anne County refers to the surrounding county; today, both are part of the City of Norfolk

ENCOUNTERS

# Type Date Location Summary of Encounter Source & Map #

001 P Jul 10 1812 Hampton Roads The first English vessel taken in the War was HBM Whiting which was seized in Hampton Roads by the Norfolk privateer, Dash. The government, however, held the capture to be improper as the master of the Whiting did not know of the war, and the vessel was restored. [M p185; Map #1]

002 P Aug 25 1812 Norfolk “…a fine prize was brought here (seized by the privateer Globe), a ship called the Sir Simon Clark…the Capn. was badly wounded…and is now recovering.” [34V p224; AP p50; M p89; Map #1]

003 P Sep 1812 Virginia Capes On its way to the Capes, the privateer, Liberty, seized the Nancy (an American ship which carried a British license to trade) and sent her to Baltimore as a prize. [M p165; Map #2]

004 P Dec 10 1812 Virginia Capes Attempting to enter the Chesapeake, the privateer Tom was chased off by three large ships. [M p163; Map #2]

005 P Jan 9 1813 Princess Anne County, Cape Henry As the Highflyer was nearing Cape Henry, she was overhauled and taken by the Poictiers 74 and Acasta 40 and used by the British as a tender. Under the British flag she took an active part in the capture of the Dolphin and her consorts in the Rappahannock on Apr 3 1813. She was also involved in a severe action off the mouth of the Chesapeake (date unknown) with the privateer Roger Quarles, of Norfolk. She was retaken by the USS President on Sep 23 1813. [M p82, 384; Map #1]

006 M. Jan 18 1813 Virginia Capes The French ship Tamerline was “…chased ashore on the Middle Ground near the mouth of the Chesapeake and then taken by the HBM sloop Tartaris, which had also gone aground in the process.” After the British boarded they experienced trouble as it blew off and drifted on the shoals at entrance to the Cape (Source Herald) The British crew consisting of a LT and 24 men abandoned it and came ashore near Lynnhaven Beach and gave themselves up as POW. Princess Anne County Militia escorted them to Norfolk and turned them over to the Marshall (Source Ledger) [M p81; Map #2]

007 P Jan 1813 Virginia Capes The John Hamilton was captured by the privateer Dolphin and sent to Baltimore. The Hamilton’s cargo of mahogany was used to build the frigate USS Java. [M p102; AP p96; Map #2]

008 P Jan 18 1813 Chesapeake The letter of marque, Wave, was taken in the Chesapeake. [M p399; Map #3]

009 N Feb. 4 1813 Norfolk The British chase the USS Constellation up the Elizabeth River between forts Norfolk and Nelson. [DK p18; Map #1]

010 C Feb 5 1813 Princess Anne County, Pleasure House (near Lynnhaven Inlet) “Yesterday evening the British burnt a schooner and sent the crew ashore, who say that Admiral Warren is determined to water and if necessary to send one thousand men to effect this object…” [CSP p185-186; Map #1]

011 C Feb 5 1813 Virginia Capes “…the Emily, a licensed merchantman out of Baltimore was turned back by the squadron, first victim of the economic blockade of the Chesapeake.” [WW p85; Map #2]

012 W Feb 5, 1813 Cape Henry Lighthouse, Princess Anne County “ British raid Cape Henry Light House” (Butler)

013 O Feb 6 or 7 1813 Hampton Roads near Craney Island “We were alarmed at night between 9 and 10 o’clock by the firing of a heavy cannon from a gunboat near Craney Island and one from Fort Norfolk, immediately after which the Frigate and Fort Nelson beat to arms” [CSP p189; Map #1]

014 F Feb 6 1813 Princess Anne County, Pleasure House (near Lynnhaven Inlet) “A Flag of Truce from the squadron came ashore at the Pleasure House Friday to land prisoners…” (Source Portsmouth Herald on 8 Feb 1813)

015 F Feb 7 1813 Fort Norfolk “…three Captains and eight Seamen arrived from enemy ships on parole. (they report that other British ships are due to arrive)…I understand that Admiral Warren has declared this and all southern ports, in a state of blockade, and officially notified Col Freeman of the fact…” [CSP p189; Map #1]

016 P Feb 8 1813 Hampton Roads After a heavy gun battle, enemy vessels capture US letter of marque schooner, Lottery with cargo of coffee, sugar and logs. She is renamed Canso. Casualties US one killed, nineteen severely wounded. Enemy- one killed, five wounded (two seriously). [TC p14; M p387; Map #1]

017 D Feb 9 2010 Prince Anne County near Cape Henry Lighthouse “The Schooner Charles from New York, bound for Savannah was captured on the 30th ult, by the Junon frigate-after taking off the cargo, the Charles was destroyed; Captain Colton was put ashore in Princess Anne County, about twelve miles from this place.” (Norfolk Ledger 8 Feb 1813)

018 F Feb 10 1813 Lynnhaven Roads The schooner Rebecca, which had previously been captured by the British and ransomed, was sent in to Norfolk as a cartel ship with the wounded from the Lottery. [M p183; Map #1]

019 M Feb 11 1813 Prince Anne County near Cape Henry Lighthouse “Three boats were manned out by the squadron Wednesday for the purpose of burning the schooner Lucretia …she being aground within 30 yards of the shore were fired upon by a party of the Princess Anne Militia, under Lieut. Stone, and repulsed without effecting their object” ( Portsmouth Herald 12 Feb 1813) “Another attempt was made under the cover of a small tender. But with no success. Our side no loss was sustained; of the enemy, we have no information” (Norfolk Ledger 12 Feb 1813)

020 C Feb 11 1813 Prince Anne County near Cape Henry Lighthouse “The Schooner Charles from New York, bound for Savannah was captured on the 30th ult, by the Junon frigate-after taking off the cargo, the Charles was destroyed; Captain Colton was put ashore in Princess Anne County, about twelve miles from this place.” (Norfolk Ledger 8 Feb 1813)

021 M Feb 11 1813 Princess Anne County “A small affair between the Enemy and the Militia in Princess Anne has taken place concerning the possession of a boat. Some few prisoners have been made by the Militia.” [CSP p190; Map #1]

022 D Feb 12 1813 Yorktown Some British deserters report that the British intend to send a vessel to Yorktown for water. [CSP p192; Map #3]

023 F Feb 12 1813 Norfolk Captain Stewart sends his surgeon to aid Captain Solcumb who had been wounded when the British captured the Lottery. [M p183; Map #1]

024 F Feb 14 1813 Norfolk The British send Captain Solcumb’s body ashore. [M p184; Map #1]

025 P Feb 14 1813 Princess Anne County, Cape Henry The letter of marque schooner Cora was sighted by the British squadron off Cape Henry Light. Several small boats set out to capture her. The captain tried to run the “…vessel ashore where a body of militia was moving down to protect the schooner should she ground…” but the wind failed and she was captured. [M p185, 378; Map #1]

026 W Feb 15 1813 Mathews County “…rumoured in Town (Richmond) that the British have landed on Gynns Island in Mathews.” (probably just a watering party) [CSP p193; Map #3]

027 P Feb 26 1813 Virginia Capes The letter of marque schooner Tyro was captured off the Virginia Capes by the blockading squadron. [M p397; Map #2]

028 D Feb 26 1813 Hampton The Norfolk Herald on Mar 3 1813 reported that 5 English sailors who had been put as a prize crew on board a captured vessel made their escape in a boat and came ashore near Hampton. Was this the prize crew from the Tyro? [DK p16-17; Map #1]

029 D Feb 28 1813 Hampton Roads The Norfolk Herald reported on Mar 3 that four others escaped under similar circumstances. “One of these men had been fourteen years at sea, and during that time had never set foot on land!” [DK p16-17; Map #1]

030 D Feb 1813 James River Also on Mar 3 the Norfolk Herald wrote: “Report says that thirty-nine men, who were employed on a watering expedition up James River, made their escape…” [DK p16-17; Map #4]

031 N Mar 3 1813 Virginia Capes A small pilot boat, the Hornet, was hired by Baltimore merchants as a lookout. She got too close to the squadron and was captured by HBMS Dragon. [M p111; Map #2]

032 W Mar 4 1813 Lynnhaven, Princess Anne County “On the 4th, a boat from one of the Enemy’s ships attempted to land, but on the appearance of some gentlemen on horseback… returned to the Ship” [CSP p196; Map #1]

033 N Mar 5 1813 Norfolk County, Willoughby Spit Admiral Cockburn reports that a powder machine (known as Fulton’s torpedoes) drifted harmlessly by the Marlborough anchored off Willoughby. He surmises that others had floated by unnoticed. [NHC II p355, 356; Map #1]

034 N Mar 7 1813 Virginia Capes The Dragon captures the Ulysses, a pilot boat operated by the US Navy. Admiral Cockburn writes “But as on our arrival off the Capes the squadron captured two Pilot Boats…one of which was manned by the United States American frigate… “ [NHC II p321; M p111; Map #2]

035 F Mar 7 1813 Norfolk An American passenger from a British vessel that was captured and scuttled by the French was sent back to the British who set him ashore in Norfolk. He provided significant information about the British strength and movements. [CSP p196; Map 1]

036 C Mar 8 1813 Elizabeth City County (Hampton) “…several barges pursued a small schooner which ran aground near Buck Roe…Finding her of but little value, they abandoned her.” [CSP p200; Map #1]

037 P Mar 9 1813 Chesapeake Bay off Old Point Comfort Four enemy gun boats capture US letter of marque (LOM) Schooner Sydney, en-route to “Havannah” (sic) from Baltimore, loaded with lard and hams, etc. Also one or two smaller vessels were taken. [CSP p199-200; NHC II p322; Map #1]

038 M Mar 9 1813 Northampton County “…a British tender and some barges went into Cherryston’s harbor, took a cargo of flour out of one schooner and set fire to another; but as soon as the militia collected, the enemy fled, taking with them, however, two milch cows from Mr. Savage.” [CSP p208; Map #2]

039 M Mar 10 1813 Cape Charles, Northampton County “…two barges…boarded a schooner aground. She…was loaded with brandy and wine.” The infantry was collected and “…thirty compelled the Enemy, forty in number, to relinquish their prize without destroying or carrying away anything except five turkeys.” [CSP p208; Map #2]

040 W Early March 1813 James River off Surry, Isle of Wight & James City Counties British barges capture some American vessels in James River (Butler

041 O Mar 10 1813 Norfolk A Portuguese captain, who had been aboard Admiral Warren’s ship, furnishes Gen. Taylor with information about British plans to attack Norfolk. [CSP p200; Map #1]

042 P Mar 11 1813 Virginia Capes The privateer America recaptures the schooner Alert, previously taken by the British. [M p157; Map #2]

043 N Mar 11 1813 Mathews County at the mouth of the Piankatank River near Gwynns Island Master Commandant Arthur Sinclair USN writes to the Secretary of the Navy describing a nighttime battle between the US Schooner Adeline (later renamed the Asp) with an “enemy” schooner. Two days later he named the “enemy” schooner and stated that she had sunk before getting back to the British squadron. A letter from Secretary of the Navy Jones to Sinclair’s replacement hints that the encounter was with an American privateer. [NHC II p333-335] When the privateer Fox arrived in Baltimore Mar 13 1813, her captain reported being attacked by a hostile ship behind Gwynn's Island on Mar 11. [M p188-190; Map #3]

044 P Mar 12 1813 Chesapeake Bay The letter of marque schooner Bora was captured by the English off New Point Comfort. [M p163; Map #3]

045 F Mar 13. 1813 Hampton Roads Cockburn also writes that, under flag of truce, he had sent a letter to General Taylor requesting a partial exchange of prisoners but had been rebuffed. [NHC II p322; Map #1]

046 O Mar 13 1813 Norfolk General Taylor states; “I have arrested one man who I shall try by Court Martial as a spy. Three others brought before me and committed with him…will be examined as I am told for treason. Two others are detained on suspicion.” [CSP p202; Map #1|

047 P Mar 12 or 14 1813 Northampton County, Cape Charles “…a Letter of Marque brig of 250 Tons (the America Capt. Symes belonging to Baltimore) from Havanah, run ashore on Smith’s Island, vessel and cargo chiefly lost. In this vessel were a Midshipman and eight seamen belonging to the British, which had been taken out of a schooner (the Alert) recaptured by the Letter of Marque.” [CSP p208; Map #2]

048 W Mar 17 1813 Suffolk County, Nansemond River “a number of the Enemy had landed at Barrot’s Point (on the North side of Nansemond River…” General Taylor assumes that it is just a pillaging party. [CSP p204; Map #4]

049 W Mar 17 1813 Isle of Wight County Some barges came ashore and returned without doing any damage. [CSP p205; Map #4]

050 W 17 Mar 1813 Lawn’s Creek between Surry & Isle of Wight Co. “British barges burnt two vessels at the mouth of this creek” ( Butler)

051 C Mar 18 1813 Isle of Wight County “…a large Schooner, and mounting heavy Guns, came up…to the mouth of Lawns Creek and took possession of two large vessels that lay there;” [CSP p205; Map #4]

052 C Mar 18 1813 Isle of Wight County “A pilot boat came up in the evening… full of men and boarded a brig that lay opposite the Point of Shoal that belonged to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and loaded by James Brown of Richmond.” A boat from the brig came ashore “…to inform us that they would be again up in a day or two for the purpose of getting water.” [CSP p206; Map #4]

053 C Mar 18 1813 Newport News In the morning, barges from two frigates “…had taken six of our vessels, some of them as high up as the mouth of the Warwick River.” [CSP p206; Map #4]

054 C Mar 18 1813 Newport News At about 4 PM, the British “…captured, by means of their boats, three out of five vessels bound down. One of these five turned back and escaped, and another passed on and also escaped. Several guns were fired at them.” [CSP p206; Map #4]

055 O Mar 19 1813 Lynnhaven Roads Cockburn replies to Col Addison’s requests regarding the effect of the blockade on local small craft. The weekly packet may carry personnel and mail (but no cargo) unmolested between Norfolk and Northampton. Northampton vessels may continue to fish unmolested but may not bring their catch to Norfolk. [NHC II p324] Later the admiralty criticized Cockburn for permitting the weekly packet voyage. [NHC II p356, 357; Map #1]

056 O Mar 19, 1813 Norfolk The carpenter and seven other British seamen from the ship Tartarus escaped from jail where they had been confined as prisoners of war. [NHC II p328; Map #1]

057 N Mar 20 1813 Elizabeth River between Craney Island and Fort Norfolk British attempt barge attack on US Frigate Constellation. Contrary winds foil attack. Two other attempts also resulted in failure. [TC p8; WW p87: Map #1]

058 F Mar 21 1813 Hampton Roads Lt. Charles G. Ridgely was sent under a flag of truce to the enemy fleet “to escort Mr. De Siverskoff, the secretary to the Russian Ambassador Andrei Dashkov, to Cockburn for negotiations. Dashkov was acting under orders from Czar Alexander I, who was anxious to mediate peace between the United States and Great Britain.” [TC p8; NHC II p328; MAD p299-301, 384; Map #1]

059 O Mar 23 1813 Hampton Roads Cockburn relates a recent conversation with a Richmond merchant regarding the effect of the blockade on the US economy and political repercussions. [NHC II p327-328; Map #1]

060 F Mar 23 1813 Hampton Roads Cockburn writes that under flag of truce, Col. Addison of the Northampton Militia, returned a midshipman and 8 seamen from the Victorious that had been captured. (Probably the prize crew from the Alert which had been recaptured by the America on Mar 11.) [NHC II p328; Map #1]

061 F Mar 24 1813 Norfolk Under flag, Admiral Cockburn sends “a letter covering one from Sir John Borlase Warren, for the Secretary of the Russian legation.” [CSP p213; Map #1]

062 C Mar 24 1813 Mouth of James River “Two sloops coming down the river were taken this morning and carried into the fleet. A schooner was run ashore near Craney Island and burnt, and a large smoke was discovered after a firing on the Nansemond River, and was supposed to be occasioned by the burning of another vessel.” [CSP p214; Map #4]

063 D Mar 26 1813 Hampton “At midnight - five sailors desert from the British & come to Hampton.” [37V p7; Map #1]

064 D Mar 27 1813 Hampton “Four other sailors desert from the British and come to Hampton” [34V p7; CSP p215] “It was reported that thirty others had landed elsewhere in same manner.” [CSP p216] Captain Stewart of the Constellation is quoted as saying. “Their loss in prisoners and deserters has been very considerable. The latter are coming up in Norfolk almost daily…” [DK p31; Map #1]

065 O Mar 30 1813 Hampton Roads Captain Stewart’s lookout boat destroys British buoys used to mark the channel towards Norfolk. [CSP p216; Map #1]

066 Prior to Mar 30 1813 Norfolk “The vessel…has been closely watched…for some time. The only persons from her that came on shore were taken into custody under suspicion of holding improper intercourse with the enemy, underwent a civil examination for trial by military court which is now sitting.” [CSP p217; Map #1]

067 P Apr 3 1813 Rappahannock River near Carter’s Creek in Lancaster County Four American schooners; the privateer Dolphin and the letter of marque schooners Arab, Lynx, and Racer, were anchored in the Rappahannock River awaiting an opportunity to get to sea when they were spotted by Admiral Warren and an English fleet of seven sail. Unable to sail their ships into the shallow water, the British sent 17 barges and a tender to make the attack. Attacked first, the overwhelmed Arab crew of 45 abandon ship and swim to shore. The Lynx with a crew of 40 surrendered without a fight. The men of the Racer and Dolphin fought gallantly but after a four hour battle, all four vessels were captured. US Losses: 6 killed, 10 wounded, 70+ captured. British losses: 2 killed, 11 wounded. Two other unarmed vessels were also captured that day. [M p104-110; CSP p221, 223; TC p10; Map #8]

068 M Apr 4 1813 Lancaster County, Chowning’s Point Major Chowning and about 100 militia beat off 3 enemy barges that attempted to land. One militiaman died from wounds received. [CSP p223; GVM p313; Map #6] They also tried to retake the Arab but fail to do so. (Butler)

069 W Apr 4 1813 Middlesex County, vicinity of Urbanna “…British landed in considerable numbers …depredating the property of individuals and exhibiting evidences of an intention to make advances into the country in hostile array.” [CSP p221; 14NNH p1267; Map #6]

070 M Apr 5 1813 Lancaster County (at Martin Shearman’s) George Spencer reports “The enemy is here upon us, landing and doing mischief every day.” He goes on to report having “…a little scuffle (presumably with the British) this morning without any injury.” [CSP p220; Map #6]

071 M Apr 5 1813 Lancaster County, Crab Point Three “…barges landed near where we lay in a thick fog. We engaged them. They immediately retreated. We received no injury on our side” [CSP p223; Map #6]

072 C Apr 5 1813 Evening in Virginia portion Chesapeake Bay British use captured Schooners Dolphin, Racer & Lynx with hoisted US ensign to capture in a sea battle two US brigs and seven schooners. Casualties: US 6 killed, 9 wounded; British 2 killed, 11 wounded. However, during the night a severe gale drove several of the captured vessels ashore destroying them. [TC p10; NHC II p340; Map #6]

073 O Apr 6 1813 Lynnhaven Roads Captain Hayman of the captured Hornet and two members of the Ulysses crew escaped from the Marlborough and rowed a small boat to the Ulysses which was at anchor nearby. They climbed aboard, overpowered the 3 man crew and sailed up the Bay. Off the Rappahannock the British prisoners were sent ashore in the Marlborough’s boat. (M p111; Map #1]

074 M Apr 6 1813 Lancaster County, Carter’s Creek Enemy from 20 barges land and drive militia back. They make incursions into the County, then return to ships. No injuries reported. [14NNH p1268; Map 6]

075 M Apr 6 1813 Lancaster County, at Martin Shearman’s George Spencer reports “…the squadron made sail and fired a number of small cannon on my detachment as they passed, without success.” [CSP p223; Map #6

076 C Apr 7 1813 Northumberland County, Potomac River near the mouth on the Bay Richard Parker reports “…heavy firing…English took twenty or thirty vessels. [CSP p224; Map #6]

077 F Apr 7 1813 Westmoreland County British parole and send ashore Captain Stafford and the surgeon of the privateer Dolphin which was taken on April 3. [CSP p225; M p110; Map #7]

078 P Apr 9 1813 Lower Chesapeake Bay The letter of marque schooner Flight attempting to outrun 3 barges ran aground on the Horseshoe and was captured. A severe squall came up quickly forcing the captors to abandon her on the shoal, where she was battered to pieces. [M p112, 381; Map #2]

079 C Apr 11 1813 Westmoreland County, Yeocomico River Three American vessels are chased into the river, by enemy fleet firing guns. [14NNH p1268; Map #6]

080 M Apr 11 1813 Elizabeth River in vicinity of USS Constellation John Meyers reports that during a violent gale, an enemy boat under flag is taken containing 14 British and 2 US seamen. It was one of 4 boats used by enemy squadron to capture a Baltimore schooner and crew from France (the Flight) that had run aground. [CSP p226; Map #1]

081 M Apr 11 1813 US Post at Hampton Report from Major Corbin to John Meyers that during gale storm, three enemy boats containing 52 British seaman and 26 US prisoners are taken. The enemy boats had attempted to capture a grounded Baltimore schooner from France (the Flight). The captured were part of the schooner’s crew. [CSP p226; Map #1]

082 P Apr 18 1813 Virginia Capes The letter of marque schooner Ned attempting to enter the Chesapeake was chased off by a frigate and ship of the line. She was chased again off New York before arriving safely in New London, Ct. [M p350; Map #2]

083 M May 11 1813 Jackson Creek Middlesex County An incident with militia (Butler)

084 M May 22 1813 Onacock & Pungoteaque, Accomack County British incursion repulsed (Butler)

085 N Jun 1 1813 Hampton Roads, Elizabeth River Commodore Tarbell’s gunboat squadron chased two British barges back to their ship. [36AN p109; Map #1]

086 M Jun 2 & 3 1813 Elizabeth City County near Back River vicinity Hampton Elizabeth City militia under Major Stapleton Crutchfield repulse a British landing (Butler)

087 N Jun 5 1813 Chesapeake “The crew of the Victorious found a “Fulton” (mine) floating toward their ship on the tide.” [WW p105; Map #2]

088 S Jun 6 1813 Accomac County, Tangier Island “…the Baltimore flotilla (four privateers leased and manned by the US Navy) stopped at Tangier Island. Here a group of runaway slaves, thinking (Captain Charles) Gordon’s force was British, offered to conduct them to their former masters’ plantations to get provisions and destroy property. While the enemy often took advantage of such offers and even ran off with the slaves, on this occasion Gordon reversed the process and returned the chagrined fugitives to their owners.” [36AN p215; Map #5]

089 D Early June 1813 Surry County, vicinity 4 Mile Tree Plantation Enemy barges land. Three enemy deserters are taken by the militia. [Source undetermined; Map #4]

090 M Jun 06-07 1813 Vicinity Surry & Isle of Wight County Enemy with three barges go up Lawn’s Creek and burn two US cargo vessels. Next morning Major Wills of Surry Co with 32 militia attack barges. Enemy from ships bombard with 18# guns causing militia retreat. Militia capture 3 deserters and suffer no casualties. Militia report seeing several enemy fall overboard.

Source Butler

091 M Jun 14 -15 1813 Princess Anne County Twelve miles south of Cape Henry About 14 Jun 1813, about 12 miles south of Cape Henry the British Sloop of war STALANTE arrived off coast of Ragged Island Lake Plantation and demanded cattle & sheep and if not delivered would burn his two windmills. They returned the next day, the owner refused and they burned his windmills. About a dozen militia from the County commanded by Major Nimmo and citizens attacked them until the ammo ran out. One Militiaman was wounded and one enemy was thought to be killed or wounded. (Butler)

092 S Jun 1813 Surry County at Mount Pleasant “Doctor graves estimated at least eight to ten slaves had escaped to British barges along its shores. Nicholas Faulcon was certain that his slaves were instrumental in guiding the enemy to his home at Mount Pleasant and helping them ransack it” (Butler)

093 N Early June 1813 Lynnhaven Roads Captain Gordon’s flotilla sailed south in an attempt to lure one or two British ships into a trap where they could be attacked by his innocent looking but heavily armed flotilla. Just above the Lynnhaven anchorage, he was spotted by a frigate and schooner which chased his ships up the Bay for 5 hours to the mouth of the Potomac. When Gordon took in his light sails the British, perhaps sensing a trap, shortened sail, came about, and retreated. [36AN p215; Map #1]

094 S Jun 8-11 1813 Northampton County Lt. Col. Kendall Addison corresponds with Admiral Cockburn requesting permission (which was granted) for his friends to come aboard the Admirals boat to search for missing slaves. [NNH p6825, 6826; Map #2]

095 N Jun 12 1813 York River, near Gloucester Point Four enemy barges at night from HMS Narcissus capture US Revenue Cutter, Surveyor commanded by Captain Travis. US - five wounded, enemy - three killed, seven wounded. [CSP p229; AVS p48-49; Map #3] Captain Samuel Travis taken prisoner (Butler)

096 F Jun 14 1813 Princess Anne County, 10 miles southwest of Cape Henry Major Nimmo reports receiving “…two letters by a flag of truce from commander of ship Atalante demanding some Sheep and Oxen, with a threat if not complied with, of using force…” [CSP p230; Map #1]

097 M Jun 15 1813 Princess Anne County, 10 miles southwest of Cape Henry Report from Major Nimmo “…several boats fired on persons on shore…they landed and burned one windmill by close engagement…they reinforced and came again and burned another mill…we attacked them, altho’ they were under cover of cannon…our ammunition ran out. They fired near 100 twenty-four pounders at us, and we reinforced in the afternoon and had another engagement. We had one man slightly wounded and the enemy carried one man on board dead or wounded.” This is the engagement that gave the Seatack area of Virginia Beach its name. [CSP p230; Map #1]

098 N Jun 20 1813 James River, vicinity Newport News Two divisions of US Navy gunboats (about 15) proceeded down the river to attack Junon stranded in calm water about 3 miles from her consorts. By 4 am the gunboats had gained position within 1500 yards of the ship and opened fire. The attack lasted about 45 minutes before a breeze came up and other British ships arrived forcing the gunboats to retire. The Junon suffered one marine killed and three seamen wounded as well as “several shot in our hull and some standing and running rigging cut” US losses were one petty officer killed and two sailors slightly wounded. [TC p43-44; CSP p231; Map #1]

099 C Jun 1813 Chesapeake Three merchant ships were captured and sent to Halifax. The Star from Alexandria was taken by the Chesapeake Squadron on June 14, the Herman from Baltimore was taken by the Squadron on Jun 24, and the Protectress from Alexandria was taken Jun 18 (captor not reported). [NHC II p280; Map #2]

100 O Jun 21 1813 Lynnhaven British mount a feinting maneuver at the Pleasure House. [CI p77] This is an example of “…the incessant skirmishing that was taking place in… Princess Anne County.” [CI p88; Map #1]

101 M Jun 22 1813 Lynnhaven A small body of British land at the Pleasure House and were repulsed by the militia “with the loss of a few men; none on our (US) side injured.” [CI p77; Map #1]

102 M Jun 22 1813 Craney Island at mouth of Elizabeth River In an effort to capture the Gosport Navy Yard in Portsmouth, the town of Norfolk, and the US Frigate Constellation which was anchored between them in the Elizabeth River, the British attacked Craney Island which guarded the approach to Norfolk. The British landed 2,500 men at Hoffler Creek, 2-3 miles west of the island, and advanced to attack, but could not forge Wise Creek. They were driven back by US artillery fire from the island. Fifty British barges of 1,500 men attempt an amphibious landing on the east side of the island but fail due to slimy mud & US fire from the island. Admiral Warren’s barge, the Centipede, is captured with its cannon. Other than Baltimore, this was the only significant Chesapeake Region land victory for the United States during the war. Enemy losses reported by US: killed, drowned, wounded-over 200, thirty prisoners and forty deserters were taken. British report: 88 killed and wounded, 62 missing. American losses: none. [IF; CI; Map #8]

103 O Jun 25 1813 Hampton A letter of Dr Thomas Massie refers to “…an American pilot who was aboard the Admirals ship when Hampton was attacked…” [7V p 409; Map #1]

104 M Jun 25 1813 Hampton River Eager for some type of morale booster after their defeat at Craney Island, the British decide to attack Hampton, a lightly defended town of questionable military value. Enemy from barges & tenders fire rockets and cannon rounds at the town and at militia batteries at Little England on Hampton Creek, who return fire and for a while resist the amphibious assault. Meanwhile, 900 to 1,150 enemy land at Celey’s plantation to the west and engage militia there and reinforcements from Little England. The militia, numbering less than 500, is eventually overwhelmed by the 2,500 man British force and disburses. The British occupy and sack Hampton for three days, departing the night of June 27th. Many civilians in Hampton were killed or wounded. British claim the rape, murder and pillage that occurred was by the Canadian Chasseurs (French prisoners enlisted in British service) and “…by the unfortunate and infuriated blacks.” The French troops were sent to Halifax and never used again. British report: 120 killed, 90-95 wounded. Americans; 16 wounded taken prisoners by enemy, 3 killed, 20+ wounded not captured.) [AVS p51; GVM p19; CSP p232-234, 238, 246, 351-353; FB p681-3; LO p214; IF; 37V p1-11; 76V p318-336] “Information from a British officer to Lieut. Parish of the Cutter, states that at the affair at Hampton their loss was 120 killed and 90 or 95 wounded: that a Transport had sailed for Halifax with the wounded and that she had not room for more. He spoke highly of the riflemen, observing that their first fire was a deadly one, which threw them into confusion, remarking that another discharge would have routed the men or caused them to have laid down their arms” [CSP p246; Map #9]

105 S Jun 26-28 1813 Vicinity shores near Hampton “During the British seizure of Hampton, at least seventeen slaves escaped that city using a mail boat, but a larger group of absconding slaves were not as fortunate. About thirty slaves tried to escape to freedom in canoes, but were prevented from doing so by two fishermen who brought them back to Hampton” (Butler)

106 M Jun 26 1813 Isle of Wight at Pagan Creek Report by Joseph Ballard “…their launches attempted to enter Pagan Creek (at the “Rocks” facing Burwell Bay) and command an attack on a detachment of Infantry and Artillery stationed there, who returned it in a spirited manner and after exchanging fourteen shot they returned” [CSP p236; Map #4]

107 O Jun 27 1813 Lynnhaven Roads Two Americans “…escaped…from the vessels in Lynnhaven, having been detained in a ship from Baltimore to Lisbon.” [CSP p234; Map #1]

108 F Jun 28 1813 Hampton Admiral Warren sends Flag of Truce to Hampton “… to assure the Admiral that every discontinuance has and will be shewn (sic) by the Commandant to occurrences of that unwarrantable nature. In the absence of supplies occasioned by the depredations committed on Hampton, which destroyed all medicine and comforts for the unfortunate wounded and sick Americans … the Admiral himself will not oppose a speedy and direct supply from Norfolk.” [CSP p238; Map #1]

109 M Jun 28 1813 Isle of Wight, presumably at mouth of Pagan Creek near Smithfield Report of Richard Byrd “Four of their barges have been sent to attack a body of our Militia stationed at the mouth of our Creek. There have been two engagements with them, but I believe that no damage has yet been done on either side” [CSP p236; Map #4]

110 D Jun 29 1813 Surry County “…a boy, about the age of 14 years, that deserted from the British at Swans Point (Tuesday night), came to the guard at Four Mile Tree.” [CSP p239; Map #4]

O Jun 29 1813 Hampton Major Stapleton Crutchfield reports “Three of his Majesty’s subjects have been taken prisoners at Hampton (assume when British departed Hampton on June 28th) whose names at this time are not recollected… (this may be a French officer and two Privates - CSP p233) … (illegible) would be informed of the number and names of those taken on the part of the British… Col. King, an aged and respected citizen, will be permitted to return to his family in Norfolk with a Flag of Truce” [CSP p238; Map #1]

111 W Jul 1 1813 Surry County British land from barges but return to ships before militia arrives. “They took from Four Mile Tree and Mount Pleasant this morning 26 head of Sheep and the Fowls; destroyed the furniture at Four Mile Tree and Mount Pleasant.” [CSP p239; Map #4]

112 W Jul 1 1813 James City Co., Jamestown William Tazwell reports “…disgraceful to state, a party landed at Jas. Town, and after plundering the plantation, destroyed Lieut. Ambler’s Household furniture of every description” [CSP p240; Map #4]

113 W Jul 1 1813 Surry County, vicinity 4 Mile Tree and Lower Chipoacks Enemy land with marauding parties. Little militia engagement occurs. [GVM p24, 25; Map #4]

114 F Jul 1 1813 Surry County Under flag, a British officer came ashore and stated that “…they wanted water; that he was determined to have it at the risk of every consequence.” It is believed they would return up as high as Kennon’s for water. [CSP p240; Map #4]

115 F Jul 1 1813 Hampton Roads Capt. John Meyers visits British with correspondence regarding British conduct at Hampton. [76V p333-334; Map #1]

116 W Jul 1 1813 Hampton Roads Sir Sidney Beckwith was ashore at Old Point Comfort trying to find a new watering place on Back River and did not return until 8PM. [76V p333-334; Map #1]

117 W Jul 1 & 2 1813 Williamsburg & Warwick County William Tazwell reports “We have been for some days in a state of great consternation here. Not less than 14 of the enemy’s Barges, accompanied by an armed Brig and 6 or 7 Tenders, have engaged in the work of plundering and desolation in our immediate neighborhood” [CSP p240; Map#4] “British land and plunder Jamestown Island (Ambler’s Plantation) & Mulberry Island” (Butler)

118 O Jul 3 1813 Hampton Roads Two American officers meet with Admirals Warren and Cockburn regarding safe passage to bring medical supplies from Norfolk to Hampton and prisoner exchange. [CSP p242–243; Map #1]

119 W Jul 5 1813 James River Various British ships are observed moving up and down river attempting to procure water. Militia detachments sent “to different parts of the river for the purpose of attempting to cut them off when they land.” No confrontations are recorded. [CSP p244; Map #4]

120 D Jul 6 1813 Near Hampton Three British deserters supply information on British strength and plans. [CSP p246; Map #1]

121 W Jul 6 1813 Chesapeake Bay at Old Point Comfort “…there are two companies of Marines encamped at the Light House to cover their watering parties;” [CSP p246; Map #1]

122 C Jul 6 1813 Lawn Creek between Surry County & Isle of Wight County William Allen reports “…three of their barges went up the Creek, burnt two vessels that were about 4 miles up, a small schooner that they got on ground below the mouth of the Creek on Isle of Wight side.” [CSP p252; Map #4]

123 M Jul 7 1813 Lawn Creek between Surry County & Isle of Wight County Report by Isbon Benedict, “The enemy made an attempt to land but got the Tender aground about 200 yards below Lawn’s Creek. 29 of our troops crossed the creek and beat the enemy off from the Tender and the barges came from the Brigs to their assistance. The enemy then commenced a heavy fire from the barges on our men, but without effect. The Enemy lost two killed and several wounded…the enemy set fire to the Tender and proceeded on board the Brigs.’ Surry County militia under Major Langley Wills receives 3 deserters. [CSP p250, 252; Map #4]

124 W Jul 7 1813 Isle of Wight County, Shoal Bay British fleet “… laying off the point of Shoals… put aboard of them water and a considerable quantity of livestock, etc.” [CSP p248; Map #4]

125 F Summer 1813 Chesapeake Bay Admiral Warren boasts to the captain of a vessel from Alexandria stopped by the blockade, that he will teach Madison the difference between a paper blockade and one of wood and iron. [DK p38; Map #1]

126 D Jul 10 1813 Princess Anne County Two British Marines deserted while serving as sentinels for a watering party that landed near Cape Henry. [CSP p256; Map #1]

127 W Jul 10-15 1813 Princess Anne County Enemy barges land and conduct marauding parties. No militia engagement is reported. [source undetermined; Map #1]

128 M Jul 14 1813 Princess Anne County Near Lighthouse at Cape Henry Captain Richard Lawson and about 40 militia surprised an enemy water party. The firefight sent the party back to their barges, but in vain. “ the result was, that one marine was killed, two drowned, one Lieutenant wounded, and the others taken, without any loss whatever on our part”(Norfolk Ledger) They capture 20 British seaman and marines (Butler)

129 W Jul 10-15 1813 Surry County, Hog Island Enemy from barges land and conduct marauding parties. [GVM p24, 202, 313; Map #4]

130 N Jul 14 1813 Westmoreland Co., Yeocomico River Enemy ships chase schooners Asp & Scorpion up Potomac. Scorpion escapes, Asp turns into Yeocomico River and after firefight is captured. Bargemen kill Midshipman Sigourney, the commander of the Asp, and set fire to the vessel & leave. Militia re-captures and save vessel. Enemy: 2 killed, 6 wounded US: One killed, 10 wounded taken as prisoners. [NHC II p366-368; 14NNH p1269; Map #6]

131 C Jul 14 1813 Northumberland County, at mouth of Potomac River Two enemy ships capture and destroy one of two small vessels. The others escaped up the Potomac. [NHC II p368; Map #6]

132 M Jul 18 1813 Rozier’s Creek between King George and Westmoreland counties Several enemy barges and two Brigs enter Creek but militia prevent them from landing. [14NNH p1269; CSP p262; Map #7]

133 O Jul 19 1813 Richmond In a deposition, William Neal relates his conversations with a Richmond counselor of law, Henry Hiort, in which Hiort discussed his acquaintance with Admiral Cockburn and unauthorized contacts with the British. [CSP p264-265]

134 M Jul 19 1813 Westmoreland County, Mattox Creek Three British barges chase a small schooner up Mattox Creek and attempt to land and plunder a large house on the creek. Militia beat them off without any casualties. An enemy officer and several men were seen to fall. Two other barges landed, however and plundered houses. [14NNH p1270; CSP p262, 267; Map #7]

135 W Jul 21 1813 Westmoreland County, Hollis Marsh on Nomini Bay Enemy lands 300 troops from 14 barges and intrudes into countryside. Enemy from barges burn vessel loaded with tanners bark. No Militia was in the area. [14NNH p1270-1271; CSP p267; Map #7]

136 F Jul 24 1813 Westmoreland County British set prisoners ashore. [CSP p269; Map #7]

137 N Jul 24 1813 Lynnhaven Roads During the summer of 1813, Sailing Master Elijah Mix made several attempts to destroy the HMS Plantangenet which was guarding the Chesapeake Bay near Cape Henry. He nearly succeeded on 24 July but his torpedo exploded too soon … “ [NHC II p355, 356; DGU p335] The torpedo was carried out, under cover of darkness in a heavy open boat called The Chesapeake Avenger, and dropped so as to float down under the ships bow. It exploded a few seconds too soon. A column of water was thrown up forty feet high and twenty five feet in diameter. [FB Chapter XXX; 36AN p217; Map #1]

138 S Jul 28 1813 Westmoreland County John Payne visits a British ship to find escaped slaves and persuade them to return. [57NNH p6824; Map #7]

139 M Aug 6 1813 Lancaster County at North Point “Lancaster militia encounters British barges and drives them away” (Butler)

140 C Aug 7 1813 Rappahannock River, ten miles up from the mouth LTC Chowning reports. “British vessels capture US schooner laden with munitions of war for the Eastern shore with two Ladies (Passengers)” [CSP p275; Map #6]

141 F Aug 9 1813 Rappahannock River, Lancaster County at North Point (Windmill Point) Major Brokenbrough with Flag of Truce goes to British ship Armide to obtain permission for return of two ladies from Aug 7th capture, however he found they were forwarded to their place of destination the day before. Two male escorts, however and 3 sailors remained as British prisoners. [CSP p275; Map #6]

142 D August 24 1813 Princess Anne County, Vicinity Pleasure House “ Seven British deserters came up last evening, they escaped from the watering place near Cape Henry” (Norfolk Ledger 25 Aug 1813)

143 P Sep 1 1813 Princess Anne County, Cape Henry The privateer Hornet was chased ashore below Cape Henry and bilged. [M p62, 385; Map #1]

144 M Sep 17 1813 County near Cheriton Creek “Northampton militia pursue British barges up Cheriton Creek” (Butler)

145 M Sep 21 1813 Northampton County at Kings Creek “ Northampton militia repulse a British attempt on schooner up Kings Creek” (Butler)

146 W Sep 21 or 22 1813 Princess Anne County Enemy land at Pleasure House and burn part of it taking nine prisoners. [GVM p314; EW p95; Map #1] (Butler)

147 P Sep 25 1813 Chesapeake The letter of marque schooner Halcyon was taken in the Chesapeake by the blockading squadron and later ransomed. [M p383; Map 2]

148 M Oct 29, 1813 Northumberland County, Ragged Point “…a large brig was captured and burnt at Ragged Point; and early the next morning, a schooner of Mr. N. Berryman…was taken and converted into a tender. Mr. Henderson [Capt. Wm. Henderson] lost a valuable schooner…after she was run by the enemy and got into Yeocomico, where she unfortunately grounded and became an easy prize to one of the frigate’s tenders. Some patriotic citizens from the Northumberland shore, fired several times at the tenders crew, but without effect.” [1NUM p18; Map #6]

149 S Nov 1813 Westmoreland County Downing Cox visits the Dragon to look for escaped slaves. [57NNH p6824; CSP p284, Map #7]

150 S Nov 5 1813 Westmoreland County Peter Cox, George Whitlock, William C. Chandler, Benjamin Wright, and Dr. Walter Jones go aboard the Dragon looking for escaped slaves. [57NNH p6824; CSP p284; Map #7]

151 C Nov 5, 1813 St Mary’s River, MD Lt Pedlar writes that he has captured two vessels from Alexandria, Va. (Quintessence and Alexandria) in the St Mary's River (near the Potomac) in Maryland. [NHC II p 395]

152 S Nov 8 1813 Northumberland Co., in Chesapeake Bay US officer under flag goes aboard British vessel asking for release of 100 slaves. The wish is granted to those choosing to return but none reportedly did. [14NNH p1271; Map #6]

153 P Nov 14 1813 Lynnhaven Captain Barrie writes that “In spite of our utmost endeavours the Enemy’s Clippers continue to pass us every Northerly Wind.” He attributes the clippers’ success to their speed and using the Tangier Shoals through the Cape Charles Passage (Smith Is.). He also mentions that he has over 120 escaped slaves on board. [NHC II p396; Map #2]

154 S Nov 28 1813 Westmoreland County Dr. N. V. Clopton and John Chandler went aboard the Marlborough looking for escaped slaves. [57NNH p6825; Map #7]

155 M Nov 30 1813 Princess Anne County South of Cape Henry “A small schooner laden with flour, which the enemy had captured up the Bay, went ashore on Monday night, a little southward of Cape Henry The officer commanding, and three seaman, were made prisoners.” (Norfolk Ledger I Dec 1813)

156 M Dec 1813 Princess Anne County near Pleasure House “ Captain Griffin Lampkin’s riflemen surprise a party of British seeking water rear the Pleasure House and drive them away” (Butler)

157 M Dec 3 1813 Lancaster Co., Carters Creek Enemy from 4 barges attempt landing. Militia drives them off. [Source undetermined but see GVM p122-3; Map #6]

158 W Dec 4 1813 Princess Anne County, Great Neck Enemy from barges land with marauding parties. [Source undetermined; Map #1]

159 M Dec 12 1813 Princess Anne County vicinity Cape Henry Light House Cornet William Austin, directed by Adjutant General to report to General Cocke on enemy movements, relayed on 12 December that he heard cannon fire and musketry around Cape Henry Light House and concluded that the local Militia had beat off a landing party “attempting to land near the cape for the purpose of robbing the hen roosts and pigsties” (Butler) N

160 N Dec 12 1813 York River vicinity Mobjack Bay Capt. Joseph Tarbell sent seven gunboats and two schooners from Norfolk to the York River in pursuit of two English Brigs. [NHC II p397; Map #3] “But retreats to Norfolk when larger British forces discover them” (Butler)

161 P Late 1813 Norfolk One of six Norfolk based Privateers, the Roger left port in late 1813 and sent a prize, the British packet Windsor Castle back to Norfolk. [PR p320; AP p387; Map #1]

162 P Dec 20 1813 Princess Anne County, Cape Henry With strong wind, snow, sleet and poor visibility, three ships; the privateer Tatar, letter of marque Express and the merchant man Reindeer, attempted to pass the Capes and get to sea. One by one after dark they each ran aground off Cape Henry. Several men froze to death or drowned but most made it to shore where they were assisted by two companies of Virginia militia with fires on the beach. British ships shelled the beach, the militia was forced to leave and barges came in to burn the vessels. [M p272-275] Eight to ten other ships escaped Barrie’s squadron that night. [WW p108; Map #1]

163 M Dec 20 1813 Pleasure House, Princess Anne County British landing party after engaging the County Militia, occupy the Pleasure House and set it on fire. They also capture several militiamen (Butler)

164 C Dec 25 1813 Hampton Roads Captain Barrie reports that from Sep. 6 through Dec. 25, 1813 that his squadron captured or destroyed seventy two merchant vessels attempting to elude the British blockade. [NHC III p15; Map #2]

165 P late 1813 Chesapeake Bay The British squadron captures the schooner Seaflower, of Plymouth, Ma. Later (late Dec 1813 or early Jan 1814) the Seaflower is recaptured by the privateer Tuckahoe. [M p313; Map #2]

166 P Dec 1813 Lynnhaven Roads The letter of marque schooner Atalanta is taken by the British in Lynnhaven Roads. [M p374; Map #1]

167 M Dec27 1813 Princess Anne County, near Cape Henry “A few days since, some British boats came ashore to water as usual: Captain Lampkin, commanding a detachment of militia, sent a part of his force, which drove the boats’ crew off, and stove their water-casks. After this, the enemy landed in greater force; Captain L. marched his force against them, and after nearly a whole day’s skirmishing, the enemy keeping up a constant fire of grape and musketry, with rockets; the enemy several times attempted to force the party under Captain L., and were as often repulsed. After dark, some barges took a position to enfilade our men, when Captain L., having nearly exhausted all of his ammunition, retreated.” ( Norfolk Ledger)

168 M December 30 1813 Princess Anne County near Pleasure House “Virginia militia drive away British barges from schooner near the Pleasure House.” (Butler)

169 M Early Jan 1814 New Point Comfort Light House area Mathews County Militia Report-“ A small artillery battery was established opposite the British watering holes, and occasionally sent shot to the enemy ships, at least one hitting the hull of one of the frigates, and according to the British, wounded three of their men” (Butler citing Scott, A Naval Life, 181-82)

170 W Jan 13 1814 New Point Comfort “”British destroy lighthouse keeper’s building and damage the lighthouse” (Butler)

171 M Jan 26-30 1814 New Point Comfort Light House area Mathews County Militia Report-“ When the militia appeared in numbers on the mainland, the enemy’s field pieces opened fire,’ but without much effect. Lt James Scott recalled that the British were reminded of the militias presence “by an occasional shot from his field pieces whenever he fancied a boat within reach of them.” Scott witnessed one impetuous “middy” who wanted to close in on the militia’s battery to get off a shot from his carronade, but in return received a shot from the battery that wounded three of his men. This foolhardy action earned his a tongue lashing from Captain Barrie for needlessly risking his men’s lives.” (Butler citing Scott, A Naval Life, 181-82)

172 N Jan 1814 Virginia Capes Captain Morris eluded Captain Barrie’s blockading squadron to take the U. S. Sloop of War Adams, to sea. [NHC II p 399; Map #2]

173 M Jan 18 1814 Crump’s Hill “ Virginia militia drive away British barges” (Butler)

174 N Feb 10 1814 Elizabeth River. “Constellation attempts to sail up Elizabeth River, but is forced to return the next day by enemy squadron” (Butler)

175 S Before Feb 24 1814 Chesapeake Bay Robert Greenhow reports “A person who had every reason to believe that a number of his negroes were on board the British fleet, obtained a Flag and went on board the ship commanded by Com. Barry. While there the Commodore designed to enter into unreserved converse with him on the course that would be pursued the succeeding summer” [CSP p304; Map #1]

176 O Feb 24 1814 Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads It is reported that twice, without regard to the manner in which Flags should be received, Admiral Cockburn disguised himself and visited American facilities. In the first instance, disguised as a common sailor he “…landed at one of the wharves of Norfolk and possessed himself of every circumstance relative to our state of defence (sic)…” In the second instance he is said to have taken the clothing and boat of an American fisherman and gone aboard the USS Constellation, ostensibly to sell fish. [CSP p304-305; Map #1]

177 W Feb 27 1814 New Point Comfort, Mathews County The enemy returned to Point Comfort…after an absence of ten days…they are busily engaged in filling water. They use the Light House as a watch tower, from whence they can see every person within three miles of the Point.” [CSP p305] The British burned the keeper’s house and left the lighthouse in shambles. [LF; Map #3]

178 M Mar 4 1814 Mathews County, New Point Comfort Captain Barrie volunteered to Yeatman at a meeting on the British ship Dragon that on Mar 4, when firing on a British boat, the militia had wounded a man in the leg. [CSP p308; Map #3]

179 S Mar 8 1814 Gloucester Court House Nine Negroes are reported escaping to enemy ships. [CSP p307; Map #3]

180 S Mar 8, 1814 Mathews County, near New Port Comfort Captain Barrie informs Yeatman that 13 Negroes from 3 different locations had come to British ships from Mathews County the evening of Mar 8. [CSP p308; Map #3]

181 D Mar 9 1814 Mathews County Three British marines ran off from the”… post where they had alternately been placed to prevent the seamen deserting. They were discovered, but they dare not send others in pursuit of them.” “We have lost 28 negro men lately.” [CSP p308-309; Map #3]

182 S Mar 10 1814 Mathews County near New Point Comfort Thomas Yeatman returns from a second visit to Commodore Barrie’s ship (the Dragon) trying to persuade escaped slaves to return. He leaves the impression that his first visit had been several months earlier. He is surprised to find out that Barrie had sufficient contacts ashore to know that Yeatman was getting ready to launch a newly built ship and that the British planed to destroy it. [CSP p308; Map #3] “ Barrie confirmed to Yeatman that cannon shot struck one of his barges and injured a sailor” (Butler)

183 M Mid Mar 1814 Mathews County, near New Port Comfort “They were using the lighthouse as a lookout tower from which they could observe any force moving against them within three miles” (Butler)

184 C Mar 14, 1814 Lynnhaven Bay Captain Barrie writes to Eliza Clayton ”- since we have anchored within the capes we have turned back at least fifty vessels so that trade within the capes is done up while we remain here –“ [NHC III p18; Map #2]

185 W Mar 16 1814 Northumberland County near mouth of Great Wicomico River “..six British barges plundered the estates of several prominent county men. Later an attempt to capture a cargo ship from the river failed” (Butler)

186 W Mar 18 1814 Northumberland County Cockerel’s Creek (North) “ Several enemy vessels, including a brig, landed at Cockerell’s Creek. Here the enemy took advantage of the absence of the militia at the courthouse by plundering nine families of stock, etc, wantonly destroying furniture and other articles,” Butler)

187 B Mar 26 1814 Lynnhaven Roads Captain Barrie writes that he is holding for Convoy [to Bermuda] a Spanish Brig detained by the Squadron for Breach of Blockade. [NHC III p40; Map #2]

188 W Mar 26 1814 Mathews County, near New Port Comfort Captain Barrie also reports that two ships are currently off watering at New Point Comfort. [NHC III p42; Map #3]

189 S Mar 26, 1814 Lynnhaven Roads Captain Barrie reports several flags of truce bearing letters from James Monroe and Lt. Col. Levin Gayle “respecting slaves eloping to His Majesty’s Ships,” and Barrie’s replies to those letters. [NHC III p42; Map #2]

190 M Late Mar 1814 Mathews County, near New Port Comfort “..the British sent fifty or sixty men across the narrow isthmus onto the mainland.. Capt Frederick Weedon of the Mathews Troop of Calvary was alerted and promptly sent as many of his men to meet the enemy advance. A stiff skirmish occurred for about fifteen minutes. A barge came up to take the enemy off, but it suffered damage from a Virginia six pounder concealed behind some trees.

191 W Late Mar 1814 Westmoreland County at Sandy Point “ ...several barges made landfall and plundered the plantations of Mr. Chandler and Captain Dozier, where they took slaves and beef cattle.” (Butler

192 N Apr 1, 1814 Mathews County, Wolf Trap Shoal Master Commandant Charles Ridgely in the sloop of war Erie attempt to go to sea. On the “…1st of April then off the Wolf Trap, descried two Sail at anchor a little above New Point Comfort, at same time discovered our lookout boat standing for us with the Signal flying for an Enemy which proved to be a 74 and her tender who immediately made sail in chase, tacked ship and stood up the Bay,-“ [NHC III p32, Map #3]

193 W Apr 2 1814 Chesapeake Bay Cockburn writes that although two British ships watered on Tangier island in 1813, he is concerned that there may not be enough water there to establish a base of operations and he will be forced to continue watering at New Point Comfort. [NHC III p44; Map #5]

194 C April 3 1814 Accomac County, Tangier Island Cockburn reports on April 25 that three light schooners were taken out of Hooper’s Straits [in Maryland] and brought to Tangier. [NHC III p49; Map #5]

195 O Apr 5 1814 Tangier & Watts Islands in Chesapeake Bay British capture both islands without resistance. On Tangier they build barracks, two hospitals and breastworks. Cannon are emplaced. All livestock are taken. They used it as a base until mid-January 1815. The fort is called “Albion” It became a training center for escaped slaves which were referred to as Colonial Marines. In 1821 a tremendous hurricane swept over Tangier Island and by mid century the site of the British fort and graveyard lay completely underwater. [CSP p320; GI p45; TI p5; Map #5] (Butler)

196 C Apr 12 1814 Accomac County, between Watts Island and Eastern Shore Cockburn reports on April 13, “… a sloop from Norfolk attempted the other day in a fresh Southerly Wind to get past between Watts Island and the Eastern Shore, but the boats cut her off at the upper part of that Channel and brought her out;” [NHC III p47; Map #5]

197 C Apr 13 1814 Onancock, Accomac County Thomas Sherrod who had, for some undisclosed reason, been aboard Admiral Cockburn’s ship reported that “They have been in Little Annamessex (MD) and Destroyed 7 Small bay craft, 5 of which belonged to this place (Onancock);” Also the enemy told Sherrod that “they intended, as soon as they could make proper arrangements on the Island (Tangier), to send a flag on shore demanding of us provisions, and in case it was refused, they intended to land a sufficient force to take such supplies as they wanted,” [CSP p319; Map #5]

198 O Apr 14 1814 Accomac Court House Thomas Bayly reports “…enemy has registered every man on the Islands (Tangier & Watts), numbered their boats and canoes and would permit no one to leave without passports with orders to return…” [CSP p321; Map #5]

199 M Apr 14 1814 Accomac Court House Thomas Bayly reports defective powder. “In stopping a boat at Chissemfrix, which attempted to pass, the balls of the small arms were not thrown more than two-thirds the distance expected” [CSP p321; Map #5]

200 M Apr 15 1814 Northumberland County, Wicomico River William Lambert reports “…an attempt of the Enemy to take some small craft out of a small branch of the river, in which they did not succeed, being driven off by the militia without loss on our side” [CSP p321; Map #6]

201 C Apr 15 1814 Northumberland County, Wicomico River William Lambert reports “…They have…captured a schooner laden with sugar, coffee, whiskey, &c., on her return from Baltimore to Moschetto creek, with owner on board, whom they still detain as their prisoner.” [CSP p321; Map #6]

202 C Apr 18 1814 Lancaster County, Carters Creek Enemy from four barges capture two schooners Felicity and Antelope, with 250 barrels of flour. They land undetected by the militia and take sheep and other livestock from the Martin Shearman estate. [CSP p324; 14NNH p1273; Map #6]

203 M Apr 22 1814 Lancaster County, Carter’s Creek William Lambert reports “…same number of barges…took some negroes belonging to the Corotoman Estate. They were fired at by five or six of our Militia and one of the enemy supposed to be an officer was seen to fall…” [CSP p324; 14NNH p1273; Map #6] “...take with them 69 slaves and sixty cattle’ (Butler)

204 M Apr 23 1814 Lancaster County, Windmill or North Point William Lambert reports “…they landed…and plundered a poor man… of his boat, everything he was worth. As they were carrying off the last remains of their booty, a detachment of Militia fired across a creek upon them… (they) made off to their ship…” [CSP p327-328; 14NNH p1273; Map #6]

205 S Apr 24 1814 Middlesex County “Colonel Muse of the Middlesex militia activated his militia when at least four barges landed to pillage several inhabitants. “Their object,” he told the Governor “is negroes and provisions” (Butler)

206 M Apr 25 1814 Westmoreland County, West Yeocomico River at Kinsale Enemy from tenders come ashore and plunders homes. “Major Yates, who was left at Kinsale with a small detachment to watch the movements of the enemy, was fired upon and had one man killed by a grape shot” [CSP p327; Maps #6 & #7]

207 S About Apr 25-27 1814 Westmoreland County, vicinity Yeocomico River “ Our negroes are flocking to the enemy from all quarters, which they convert into troops, vindictive and capacious with a most reliable knowledge of every bye path…they return upon us as guides and soldiers and as incendiaries. It was by the aid of these guides that ambushes are formed everywhere in the woods firing on our troopers who are reconnoitering, whereby two of them had their horses shot under them, as had also Genl Parker, and the riders were pursued through every path and swamp…by these refugee blacks” [CSP p327] Cockburn relates that some of the negroes landed to disseminate Admiral Cochrane’s intentions regarding negroes had been taken. He claims that the Americans are not aware of the plan and some of those taken will escape and return to the British. [NHC III p65; Maps #6 & #7]

208 S Apr 27 1804 Chesapeake Bay Cockburn reports that the Dragon has more than 100 Negroes on board.” [NHC III p 50; Map #5]

209 O Apr 28 1814 Accomac County, between Nandua & Pungoteague Creeks An unmanned captured US schooner Hiram of NY (which had been used by the British as an unmanned navigational mark), in a gale storm lost her anchors and came ashore. Citizens secured and sold her to Patapsco Insurance Co of Baltimore. [CSP p341; Map #5]

210 M May 1-5 1814 Westmoreland County near Pecatone “..a skirmish between the Westmoreland militia and enemy barges lasted nearly an hour without effect. Both the Argus and the Enquirer reported that nearly a hundred blacks were removed from Northumberland at this time” (Butler)

211 N May 1 1814 Mathews County, East River Mobjack Bay “At the head of the East River....The Grecian left the upper East River and headed out toward the mouth. Reaching the mouth, the ship was becalmed, the wind ceasing altogether, and the ship anchored at the mouth hoping for better winds by next morning. From its position about ten miles away above the New point Comfort lighthouse, Capt. George E. Watts, captain of the sloop Jaseur, dispatched three barges with twenty four men and a Lieutenant to capture the unsuspecting Grecian. In the middle of the river and without detection by the ship’s crew on either shore, the barges surrounded the schooner and took possession of it with total surprise.” (Butler cites Richmond Enquier) (See May 8 1814 encounter)

212 M May 6 1814 Between Accomac & Northampton Counties at Occahannock Creek Enemy attempt landing with 3 or 4 barges. Militia drives them off. [CSP p341; Map #5]

213 C May 7 1814 Hungar Creek, Northampton County “ Approximately two hundred and fifty stands of arms and ammunition destined for the Accomack militia was captured near the mouth of the Hungar Creek. The vessel was run upon shore by the crew who escaped, but the enemy got the ship back into the bay.” (Butler)

214 C May 8 1814 Mathews County, East River John Patterson, Esq. reports “…capture…of a schooner formerly belonging to Issac McKeinen, of Baltimore, loaded with 1,050 Bbls. of Flour…was effected during the night, for want of a guard, with a piece of Artillery at the mouth of the River.” [CSP p328; Map #3] (refers to May 1, 1814 encounter)

215 F Early May 1814 Tangier Island Captain Barney complains that in early May the Russian Secretary spoke to his lookout boats near the Patuxent on their way down to Tangier Island under a flag of truce. While on board Cockburn’s ship, they were asked about Barney’s whereabouts. [NHC III p59; Map #5]

216 O May 30 1814 Tangier Island Cockburn “… received intelligence by one of these islanders …” that Barney’s flotilla had sailed south from Baltimore. [NHC III p118; Map #5]

217 D May 27 1814 Smith Island, Cape Charles David Hardgrave, a British sailor born in Boston, was sent “…in the barges of Lorie Frigate…to Smith Island at Cape Charles to take livestock. The parties carried away one bullock and 30 sheep, and while putting them in the barges he deserted.” Hardgrave stated “That negroes were then on shore with money to entice the slaves to go to the ships. That after dark the barges were sent near the shore. The negroes who wished to get on board made signals by raising a light, when the barges would go and take them off…” [CSP p333; Map #2]

218 M May 31 1814 Accomac County, Pungoteague Creek Eleven barges containing 450 to 500 men (including 30 or so escaped slaves) enter the creek and land. Rockets and cannon are fired from barges. The militia engages them and after the British advance more than a mile, they retreat to the barges and depart. Six or eight enemy are killed or wounded. Militia had one wounded and they lost one cannon. This was the first British use of ex slaves (Colonial Marines) in combat. [CSP p334-337; Map #5]

219 N Jun 1 1814 Chesapeake Bay Joshua Barney sailed from Baltimore with 18 gunboats to attack the British on Tangier Island: While sailing down the Bay, he was spotted by the British in the neighborhood of the Potomac River and chased back north where the Battle of Cedar Point occurred. He eventually sought refuge in the Patuxent River where his boats remained until they were destroyed prior to the Battle of Bladensburg. [NHC III p76; TC p68; EW p95, Map #5]

220 M Jun 2 & 3 1814 Hampton at mouth of Harris Creek onto Back Creek “two barges of sixty enemy attempted to land at the mouth of Harris creek, but were repulsed by about six militia and armed citizens. The next day, four barges arrived at the same location. To oppose them was. Armistead’s’ mounted infantry from Elizabeth City militia. The British were forced to return to their barges without landing or causing damage” (Butler from Richmond Enquirer article of 6/15/13)

221 M Early Jun 1814 Mathews County, East River Mobjack Bay “...an attempt by enemy barges to land in Mathews and seize a large ship owned by Mr. Tabb still on its stocks were thwarted by local militia.” (Butler)

222 S Jun 11 1814 Accomac County Fifteen slaves have deserted to the enemy since April 5. [CSP p341; Map #5]

223 O Jun 11 1814 Accomac County Several persons have been arrested for trading with the enemy. Since Tangier islanders willingly trade with the British, they are not allowed to come to the mainland. [CSP p341; Map #5]

224 S Jun 11 1814 Westmoreland County A Negro man reported to his master. He had escaped from Tangier Island several months before, but intended to return with other slaves from Barren Point in Northumberland County where enemy barges were to land. [14NNH p1273-1274; CSP p338-339; Map #6]

225 O Jun 15 1814 Accomac County Thomas M. Bayly reports “…arrested three men from the Island…These Islanders came off in the morning, but not to make purchases.” [CSP p343; Map #5]

226 F Jun 21 1814 Norfolk Captain Gordon in Norfolk devised a plan to take several schooners out to create a diversion which would draw the British away from the Patuxent and allow Barney to get his boats out of the river. He had his ships positioned and ready to advance when Captain Kerr of the Acasta sent “… in a flag with a frivolous excuse of enquiring for one of his midshipmen and two men who were driven ashore.” On June 18 Cockburn received word from Kerr that several of Gordon’s ships were planning to leave Norfolk. This “flag” action by the British caused Gordon to abandon his plan. Throughout the war there are instances of flags being used to gain intelligence –sometimes on purpose and sometimes by accident. [NHC III p93, 119; Map #1]

227 O Jun 16 1814 Accomac Three island men were arrested but only Josiah Parker, the proprietor of Watts Island, was detained for multiple visits to the mainland to procure supplies for the enemy. [CSP p344; Map #5]

228 D Jun 20 1814 Accomac County, Camp Chesconessix A coxswain and ten oarsmen in a barge come ashore as deserters. (After taking an enemy Lieutenant to Watts Island, they deserted rather than return to the enemy ship Albion). [CSP p347; Map #5] “ “Bayley gleaned from them what he could, then bought the barge from them for fifty dollars for use by the regiment., and sent them on their way to Baltimore with certificates of identification. Bayley intended to use the barge to help catch islander traders with the British.” (Butler)

229 M Jun 25 1814 Accomac County, Camp Chesconessix & Deep Creek Enemy land from 11 barges with about 500 men. Militia engages the landing force but is forced to retreat with no losses, except a cannon and some muskets. Enemy burn some buildings. LTC Napier wrote “…last night landed again in confusion but with the advances we drove away some Yankees with loss of a few men, ourselves killing many of them. They were inferior in force and of course beat at every point and lost their guns, etc.” [LO p218; NHC III p120; CSP p351, Map #5]

230 M Jul 6 1814 Hampton Roads “British truce ship attacked by Virginia militia by mistake” (Butler)

231 S Jul 10 1814 Westmoreland County, Lower Machodoc Creek British barges struck Narrows Plantation on Machodoc Creek and carried off 34 slaves. [NNH p6835; Map #7]

232 M Jul 19 1814 Hungar’s Creek., Northampton County “ Five warships of undetermined size anchored off Hungar;s Creek and sent in several barges to capture a small vessel lying at the mouth of the creek. They were driven off by local militia, but landed on the opposite side of the creek, and took from a nearby farm eight or ten calves and about fifty geese, before shelling a nearby farmhouse.” (Butler)

233 M Jul 20 1814 Princess Anne County Cherrystone Creek “ A Virginia schooner dad run aground near Cherrystone Creek. British barges seize and burn the schooner but are attacked by militia with musketry and a small field piece. A small gun, probably a carronade, helped cover the British crews as they reached the vessel and destroyed it.” (Butler)

234 M Jul 20 1814 Westmoreland County, Nomini Ferry Enemy land from barges, drive militia back 4-5 miles, then return for night stay. During the attack Nomini Church is burned and the silver plate belonging to the church was carried off. “Every thing in this neighborhood was…destroyed or brought off, and…we…returned to the ships carrying with us 135 refugee Negroes—two Captured Schooners a large quantity of Tobacco, dry goods and cattle and four prisoners.” [NHC III p165; 14NNH p1275; Map #7]

235 M Jul 21&22 1814 Westmoreland County, Nomini Bay & Montross A large enemy force of 1,000 to 1,200 land, proceed inland and capture the courthouse at Montross. Militia engages, but is forced to retreat. William Lambert from Kilmarnock in Lancaster County reports on the 22nd, “I have just received information by express that the enemy has landed and are now marching down the Country in great force within 12 miles of Richmond Court-house…” In a P. S., Lambert states “A report is in circulation here (Lancaster County) that three thousand British troops have landed and are on their march;…” Enemy-1 killed, 4 wounded [CSP p359-360; 14NNH p1274; NHC III p165-166; Map #7]

236 O Mid Jul 1814 Vicinity Watts Island “The loss of a sloop that the British were using as a tender distressed Cockburn the most because it appeared that it came as a result of sabotage” (Butler)

237 O Jul 21 1814 Norfolk Captain Gordon detained the sloop Earl of Nantucket which had visited Captain Barrie in Lynnhaven and was seeking Admiral Cochrane to ask permission for the islanders to resume their fishing business and obtain supplies for their island. (On August 28 1814, four days after the British burned Washington, Nantucket declared its neutrality in the War) The sloop also carried two men paroled by Admiral Cochrane. [NHC III p97-98; CSP p 358; Map #1]

238 M Jul 23 1814 Westmoreland County at Mattox Creek “..a frigate and five or six tenders moved up the Potomac and...landed at Mattox Creek and the militia drove them off” (Butler)

239 W Jul 26 1814 Westmoreland Co., at Narrows between Machodoc and Nomini Creek 1,200 enemy from 22 barges land and plunder homes in area. Six schooners are captured and burned. The Militia arrives, but does not engage. Upwards of 100 slaves are taken. [NHC III p168; 14NNH p1275; CSP p362, 366; Map #7]

240 M Aug 3 1814 (morning) Northumberland Co, Monday’s (Mundy’s) Point on Yeocomico River British (including 5 or 6 black platoons dressed in red; one of the blacks was recognized as a fellow who had deserted from Major Claughton) land from tenders and 20 barges. “…Capt. Henderson [and 30 men] of the Northumberland militia…disputed the ground until his ammunition was expended—he retired with his piece—they pursued him to his own house [six miles inland] which they burnt to ashes—“ Other homes all the way to Richmond County were burnt. Enemy destroys two schooners; seize 5 others, and take supplies and 7 prisoners – none of which were “under arms”. In landing enemy suffer 3 killed, 4 wounded. [NHC III p169-171; CSP p367;1NUM p2; Map #6]

241 M Aug 3 1814 (afternoon) Westmoreland Co., Yeocomico River Major Pemberton Claughton observed the attack at Monday’s point from a position on the opposite of a large creek but was unable to assist. Some 3 hours later a barge was discerned entering another branch of the Yeocomico and Major Claughton with a party of about 40 men took position in a thicket opposite where the barge intended to land. When the barge grounded, he opened fire on the British from a distance of 40 to 50 yards. The British immediately pulled off but; “Instead of fifteen or twenty oars with which they reached the beach, before they got out of the range of our musketry and carbines, they could only man five or six.” Two militiamen were injured from the barge’s bow-piece. [1NUM p3; Maps #6 & #7]

242 M Aug 3 1814 Westmoreland Co., Kinsale on Yeocomico River Enemy tenders fire at houses in town. One militiaman is killed from grapeshot. Enemy-equipped refugee slaves ambush militia on inland trails. [NHC III p169; CSP p368; 1NUM p4; Map #7]

243 M Aug 3 1814 Northumberland Co., Cherry Point on Yeocomico River Enemy barge landing is attacked by Militia. Numerous enemy casualties are reported. Militia suffers two wounded. [NHC III p169; 14NNH p1276; Map #6]

244 M Aug 6 & 7 1814 Northumberland Co., Coan River Enemy from 3 ships and 13 barges capture 3 US schooners after suffering casualties in fire fight with militia. Enemy land on both sides of river and approximately 1,000 men proceed inland and plunder and burn houses at Heathsville in vicinity of the Court House. Also 150 of the enemy proceed further and occupy Wicomico Church in Northumberland County. Enemy suffers 2 wounded. [NHC III p170-172; 14NNH p1276-1278; CSP p372; Map #6] More details from Butler with Enquirer article references: “On 6 August 1814 a battalion of Royal Marines from the British warships, Thistle, Loire, and Aetna, under the command of Major Lewis attacked a battery of Northumberland militia at the mouth of Coan River. Its defenders, facing overwhelming enemy numbers, spiked their guns and retreated. Moving down the right bank of the Coan, British forces seized three schooners and tobacco, and destroyed as many dwellings as they could including that of James Smith, the postmaster. Within one mile of Heathsville, militia from Lancaster County arrived and prevented the enemy from entering Heathsville.”

245 S Aug 14 1814 Onancock, Accomac County Oars are heard at 2AM from barges carrying off slaves. [CSP p375; Map #5]

246 M Aug 21 1814 King George County along Potomac River 9:30 am British Bomb ship Meteor threw several shells at a house and men on horseback. At 11:00 am did same thing at another house and horsemen. The British fleet was ascending the river to DC (Patrick O’Neal-Ship’s logs)

247 M Aug 22 1814 King George County along Potomac River Bomb ships Meteor & Devastation heave ten inch shells at houses near shore Devastation 5pm “sent a boat on shore with truce” (Patrick O’Neal-Ship’s logs)

248 F Aug 22 1814 King George County along Potomac River “ When Napier landed with a flag of truce he was greeted by a farmer whose primary concern was that the British not take any of his slaves..,a seaman was seriously wounded,” (Butler)

249 M Aug 23 1814 King George County along Potomac River From ship logs:

Before 7am Anna Maria “heard firing from guard boats” Am- Devastation ”hove several shells and shot” 3pm Meteor “threw several shots at Cavalry” 4-5pm Devastation & Anna Maria commenced bombarding troops on south shore 5pm Erebus “observed an encampment on banks. Opened fire-sent up two rockets” 5pm Aetna “Observed enemy Calvary & Infantry. Fired twelve 13 inch shells & four 10 inch shells” (Patrick O’Neal-Ship’s logs)

250 M Aug 24 1814 King George County along Potomac River From ship logs:

Afternoon: Anna Maria observed horseman on southern shore Seahorse & Ruryalus fire at horsemen pm Meteor “brought off three Black men from VA shore” After 9:30 pm : Meteor “ observed a large fire NNE” (This would be the burning of DC by British troops)

251 O Aug 24 1814 Arlington The corporal in charge of the Virginia militiamen guarding the far end of Long Bridge (where the current 14th street bridge crosses the Potomac from Washington to Arlington) “felt sure he could see Redcoats getting ready to cross the bridge. …so he quickly set fire to his end of the bridge. Seeing the smoke and commotion – and deciding that it must mean an American attack – the guard at the British end did the same.” [DEL p178; Map #10]

252 M Aug 24 1814 King George & Stafford Counties From Ship’s logs:

From 7:30am to 2:40 pm the armed boats from the frigates Seahorse & Euryalus engage a US schooner inside the mouth of Potomac Creek. King George County Militia from Bull Bluff and Camp Selden & the Stafford County Militia from Marlboro Point engage the enemy boats. At the end of a heavy firefight the militia were disbursed and the schooner was burned. (Source of logs from Patrick O’Neil) “..one Virginian wounded” (Butler)

253 O Aug 25 1814 Washington, DC As authorized by the Alexandria Common Council, a “peace” delegation of 4 Alexandrians, including 3 clergymen, battle their way through a storm and visit General Ross and Admiral Cockburn in Washington, DC to inquire about terms of surrender when the Royal Navy squadron arrived in Alexandria. [TC p111; DEL p182-183; ALX p19-20; Map #10]

254 O Aug 28 1814 Potomac River six miles south of Alexandria The day after Captain Dyson spiked his cannons and blew up Fort Washington – thereby destroying the last line of defense for Alexandria and earning himself a court martial, at 10AM three Alexandrians led by Jonathan Swift came downriver in a small boat flying a flag of truce and went aboard the frigate Seahorse to discuss surrender terms with Captain James Gordon. Gordon would not give specifics but responded that he planned to seize all ships and cargoes waiting for export. Swift answered that those terms were unfair since Alexandrians were all Federalists. [DEL p198; NHC III p240; ALX p20; ARL p48; Map #10]

255 O Aug 28 1814 Potomac River two miles south of Alexandria William Wilson, a local businessman who had close commercial ties with the British, “went aboard the Seahorse at 9:30, pleaded the town’s cause for three hours, but Gordon was unimpressed.” [DEL p199; Map #10]

256 W Aug 29- Sep 3 1814 Alexandria Enemy ships blockade the city. Captain Gordon agrees on receipt of bounty instead of destroying the city. Twenty one ships are taken and loaded with cargo. Some ships start to descend down the river on Sep 1. One loaded ship was too heavy to sail and was burned. [NW p152; NHC III p246; BW p174; Map #10]

257 O Sep 1 1814 Alexandria Captain David Porter and two other officers rode into Alexandria dressed as civilians. Porter seized a young British Midshipman who got away and alerted the others. The British hoisted a signal and prepared for battle before the mayor of Alexandria convinced them that it was an outsider and no one from town that displayed the hostility. [NHC III p246-247; Map #10]

258 M Sep 1 1814 Fairfax County at what is now Fort Belvoir Little White House battery fires on British 18 gun brig Fairy as it ascends the Potomac to Alexandria. British had 18 killed and many more wounded, US had one wounded. [VC p16; NHC III p251-252; BW p175-176; Map #10]

259 M Sep 1 1814 Potomac below Alexandria As the first of new Secretary of War James Monroe’s three prong plan to trap the British as they left Alexandria (batteries at White House, VA and Indian Head, MD being the other two), Commodore Rogers took 5 cutters and 3 fireboats down river to attack the retreating British fleet. When the wind died, boats under oar from the Royal Navy chased Rogers back to Alexandria. Later, on Sep 4, Rogers tried again with two more fire vessels but without success. [VC p18; BW p176; TC p122; ARL p50; Map #10]

260 W Sep 4 1814 at 2AM Alexandria Three British boats were fired upon as they came up to reconnoiter Alexandria. [NHC III p249; Map #10]

261 M On the evening of Sep 4 1814 Potomac below Alexandria While trying to get a fire boat in place, Commodore Rogers disembarked on the Virginia shore to reconnoiter an enemy frigate near Washington’s Reach. Upon returning to his boats he discovered and took into custody a suspicious man near a small boat on the beach. This caused him to move to the Maryland shore and stationed his men on a cliff overlooking the river. At 11PM he was attacked by enemy boats but was able to beat them off. [NHC III p257; Map #10]

262 M Sep 1-10 1814 Fairfax County, Little White House at what is now Fort Belvoir US batteries under the command of Captain David Porter fire on enemy ships leaving Alexandria, but receive heavy fire in return. Militia with rifles fire from the shoreline. Enemy casualties 7 killed, 35 wounded. US casualties: 7 killed, 15-20 wounded. Another report indicates US had 14 killed, 32 wounded [NW p152; NHC III p251–254; ARL p51-52] Further downriver at Indian Head, MD, Captain Oliver Hazard Perry tried to engage the British but had only one gun heavy enough to reach the fleet and that gun only arrived 30 minutes before the engagement began and soon ran out of shot which enabled Captain Gordon to slip by and reach the Bay. [NHC III p256; Map #10]

263 O Sep 14 1814 (Sunday) Accomac County, British camp on Tangier Island American Methodist Minister Joshua Thomas from the island was asked to hold worship service for the assembled British Army. During his sermon he dwelt on the commandant “Thou shall not kill” and he indicated “I told them it was given to me from the Almighty that they could not take Baltimore, and would not succeed in their expedition.” In her account of the sermon, Elizabeth Kelly, who was 18 at the time, claimed that Parson Thomas also said that “If you attack that city…you will lose your best general.” General Ross was shot and killed during the campaign at North Point. [GI p40-44; Map #5]

264 O Late Sep 1814 Accomac County, Tangier Island After the British returned from their failed attempt to capture Baltimore, “Parson Thomas went aboard the ships to comfort the dying and wounded.” [WCB p81; Map #5]

265 M Oct 4 1814 Northumberland County, Coan River at Black Point, Yeocomico River at Mundy Point and Westmoreland County at Ragged Point Enemy land 3000 men in two detachments. The eastern force engages the Militia and suffers 2 killed, then proceeds to Heathsville burning and destroying property on the way. They remain and plunder and destroy homes there for two days. Western detachment engage Militia and capture arms and equipment. Enemy had 2 killed and 4 were taken prisoner, one militiaman was wounded. [NHC III p331-332; CSP p396; Maps #6 & #7] More detailed account by Butler’s other source references “ Adm. Malcolm Pulteney sent three detachments of at least one thousand Royal Marines and seamen up the Coan River to attack Virginia militia at Northumberland Court House. One detachment landed at Ragged Point, one up the Yeocomico River, and the third up Coan River. Defending the small town was Lt Col. Thomas Downing and approximately one hundred men. As the British advanced toward town by way of Route 601, Capt. William Jett’s riflemen opposed them, but had to give way to overwhelming force. Jett’s men retreated down the road, opened fire, retreated, reformed, opened fire, and finally, left town and camped three miles beyond the Court house on the road to Lancaster Court House (Route 201). The court house was occupied for several hours by the British during which time considerable damage was done to houses and their contents, while several residents were stripped of their personal belongings. During the assault on the town, British Capt. Richard Kenah was killed by rifle fire.. No Virginians were killed during the conflict.”

(NHC III p331-332, CSP p396; Maps #6 &7)

266 W Early October 1814 Lynnhaven Roads “The great fleet, more than one hundred vessels, sailed on down the Chesapeake. It paused at Lynnhaven Bay, near Cape Henry, to fill its water casks.” [WCB p81; Map #2]

267 W Oct 7 1814 Northumberland Co., lower portion Enemy land in 5 barges and a marauding party burn a farmhouse and plunder inhabitants of Negroes and stock. [NHC III p332; CSP p396; Map #6]

268 O Oct 7 1814 Chesapeake Bay, Piankatank River Joshua Barney met the British fleet off the Piankatank River and exchanged British prisoners taken at Washington and North Point (Baltimore) thereby fulfilling his conditions of parole. [NHC III p352; Map #3]

269 N Nov 6 1814 Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads Enemy from 16 barges and a tender, after a heavy exchange of fire, overwhelm and capture the US schooner Franklin. [NHC III p357; 36AN p110; Map #1]

270 F Nov 17 1814 Chesapeake Bay Barney writes that “… a flag has arrived from Capt. Barrie announcing the arrival in the Bay of the Americans which were exchanged [on Oct 7) by me.” [NHC III p352; Map #2]

271 M Nov 22 1814 Mouth of York River & Gloucester Point “..several barges from an enemy brig lying at the mouth of the York chased a fishing boat into shore. Later, an enemy barge rowed close enough to the Gloucester shore that several militia fired several shots from their four pounder which forced the barge to leave.” (Butler)

272 C Nov 30 1814 Rappahannock River, south of Tappahannock Enemy ships sailing north capture several US vessels coming down the river. [CSP p403; Map #6]

F Dec 2 1814 Norfolk British release a U S Navy sailing Master who had been a prisoner. [CSP p403; Map #1]

273 F Dec 3 1814 Norfolk Captain Charles Gordon reports “… the arrival of the last Officers and Crew of the late Tender Franklin in a flag granted by Capt. Barrie…Fourteen had been previously exchanged by a Captn. Wise of the Eastern Shore Militia and sent up by Capt. Barrie’s Tender, and the remaining fifteen arrived last night…” [NHC III p358; Map #1]

274 M Dec 2-4 1814 Essex County, Tappahannock After a heavy shelling, 500 enemy from barges land and occupy town for several days capturing arms & ammunition. The militia retreat without engaging. Enemy burn some of the town, blow up the tannery and destroy the court house before leaving. Enemy forces ascend the river 12 miles but are forced to return because of contrary winds. [CSP p401-405; NHC III p341-342; 14NNH p1278; Map #11]

275 M Dec 6 1814 Richmond County, North Farnham Church Enemy land in the vicinity of Sharp’s Landing and proceed inland to North Farnham Church. The militia is engaged. One militiaman is killed and Captain Shackleford is wounded and captured. Delayed in their attempt to reach Warsaw, the British return to their ships. Twelve drunk enemy soldiers, which are left behind, are taken as prisoners. [NHC III p342-344, GVM p27, 186; Map #11]

276 M Dec 6 1814 Essex County, Bowler’s Wharf Enemy barges land. The militia engages them with unknown results [NHC III p344; Map #11]

277 D Dec 6 1814 Middlesex County Two British deserters come ashore at Jones Point in a British barge. [54NNH p6448] The British estimate their total desertions at 300 (probably understated) in the Chesapeake. [CSP p404; Map #11] “Captain Sheridan of the bomb ship Terror arrived off Jones Point to harass the militia there.” (Butler)

278 M Dec 7 1814 Middlesex County Thirty eight militia attack British barges sent to retrieve deserter’s barge. The militia kills or wound most of the British in the first barge but retreat when several other barges (one with a small cannon) approach. [54NNH p6448; Map #11]

279 P Dec 17 1814 Virginia Capes The William, a merchant ship captured by the privateer Lawrence was safely brought through the blockade by a prize crew. [M p280; Map #2]

280 F Jan 4 1815 Norfolk Captain Charles Gordon sends a flag of truce requesting release of four school boys taken from the Hampton Packet. Gordon goes on to say “It will enable my officer to give me a full description of the two ships with their names, rate, and force-.“ Gordon was still attempting to get the Constellation to sea at this time. [NHC III p348, 362; Map #1]

281 C Jan 29 1815 Chesapeake Bay, near Newport News Richard Crump reports “This morning nine of the Enemy’s barges made their appearance in Hampton Roads…the barges went above Craney Island from four to five miles, where they run a sloop on shore nearly opposite Newport News, which they took off and carried down” [CSP p416-417; Map #1]

282 C Jan 28 & 29 1815 Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads “Captain Robert Lively…reports that early this morning (29th) the Enemy captured three small vessels near Old Point Company (Comfort) and one off Craney Island, which they burnt. Three vessels were fired on by our Artillery, and ordered back up the James River, or they probably would have fallen into the hands of the Enemy.” [CSP p417; Map #1]

283 P Feb 14 1815 Cape Henry The letter of marque Matchless was run ashore by English barges at Cape Henry and taken. [M p388; Map #1]

284 D Mid February 1815 Northumberland County “ Four British deserters from Havanna managed to make it to shore and would be captured. Colonel Downing sent the four along with a guard to Richmond and alerted the governor that they were on the way.” (Butler)

285 M Mid Feb 1815 Mathews County near Mobjack Bay “ Colonel Gayle’s militia managed to seize an enemy schooner, Saturn, an American schooner out of Baltimore , was recently taken by the enemy in Lynnhaven Bay, and was on its way to Tangier with fish barrels and nine slaves who had escaped from Princess Ann.” (Butler)

286 S Probably 1815 Nassau, Bahamas A Captain Williams gave an affidavit that while a prisoner of war in Nassau, he witnessed a number of slaves from Norfolk or Hampton being sold in the Bahamas slave markets. [NNH p6227; Map #2]

287 P Various Virginia Capes The blockade while effective was not complete. Although a limited number of British warships patrolled the coast in 1812, not until 1813 was an effective blockade instituted. By 1814 merchant traffic through the Virginia Capes was almost nonexistent and only a few fast privateers and letters of marque were able to elude the blockade squadron. In addition to previously listed encounters, over 45 privateers (P) or letter of marque (LM) ships and at least 15 prize vessels are known to have eluded the British and either entered or exited the Chesapeake during the war. Undoubtedly there were many other privateers, letter of marques, prize vessels, and merchantmen that successfully ran the blockade. In the winter of 1813/14 Captain Barrie reported frequently chasing vessels that he was unable to catch. [Map #2]

In 1805, after over twelve years of work, the Dismal Swamp Canal between the Elizabeth River in Virginia and the Pasquotank River in North Carolina was completed to allow “shingle flats” to pass the whole distance. Subsequent to the British blockade of the Chesapeake, Ocracoke Inlet in North Carolina served as a base of operations for privateers and as an important avenue for supplies bound for Southeastern Virginia through the Dismal Swamp Canal. On July 12 1813, Admiral Cockburn with a squadron of seven ships and 500 troops, in an attempt to put an end to traffic through Ocracoke Inlet, attacked and occupied Ocracoke and Portsmouth islands for five days. Two privateers, the Anaconda and Atlas were also captured. This was the only attempt to disrupt shipping through Ocracoke during the War. In June 1814 the Norfolk Gazette and Public Ledger reported that, the first boat other than a shingle flat, a 20 ton decked boat had completed passage through the canal. [CSP vol. 9; NHC III p184; Map #1]

During the war a company was formed in Norfolk to bypass the blockade by building a canal connecting the upper reaches of the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River with the Lynnhaven River. Construction was begun but the project was abandoned and never completed. Vestiges of that effort are still visible in places. [Email from George Ramsey, Dismal Swamp Canal historian]

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