The British Attack on Lewes-- Part 2: The Stand-Off

After several more attempts to procure provisions, British Commodore John P. Beresford sent a letter:  "As soon as you remit this, I must request you will send twenty live bullocks with a proportionate quantity of vegetables and hay to the Poictiers (British ship) for use of His Majesty's squadron, now at this anchorage which shall be immediately paid for at Philadelphia prices.

"If you refuse this request, I shall be under necessity of destroying your town."

Governor Joseph Haslet replied that to do so would be a violation of American laws and would be an "eternal stigma on the nation of which I am a citizen."

No food was sent.