This Month in the American Revolution: A Treaty, Saratoga, Nathan Hale and Yorktown

From the American Battlefield Trust 2021 Calendar, September.  Since this was the First War for American Independence and the War of 1812 is sometimes called the Second War for American Independence.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1783-- The Treaty of Paris was signed, bringing the American revolution to an end.

SEPTEMBER 19, 1777--  After a series of defeats,  Continental soldiers fighting under  American General Horatio Gates defeated the British at Saratoga, New York.

SEPTEMBER 22, 1776--  American patriot Nathan Hale was hanged for spying on the British.  As he was led to the gallows, he uttered the famous words:  "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

SEPTEMBER 28, 1781--  The Siege of Yorktown, Virginia begins.

--Brock-Perry

Henry Lee III-- Part 2: Hero of the American Revolution and How He Got the Nickname

During the American Revolution, he commanded a mixed group of infantry and cavalry called Lee's Legion where he won great acclaim of the leader of  light troops.

At that time, highly mobile groups of light cavalry provided valuable service not only during major battles, but also by  conducting reconnaissance and surveillance , engaging enemy troops during their movement, disrupting the delivery of supplies, raiding, skirmishing and expeditions behind enemy lines.

During his time in command of Lee's Legion, he gained the nickname "Light-Horse Harry."  After being awarded the Gold Medal by the Continental Congress, he was transferred to the southern theater and where he fought with Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, and where he captured many British outposts and distinguished himself.

He was present at the British surrender at Yorktown, but resigned from the Army shortly afterwards.

In 1794, George Washington put him in command of militia troops to defeat the Whiskey Rebellion then, in anticipation of war with France, he was appointed major general.  In 1808, President Jefferson  recommissioned him as major general in anticipation of war with England.

--Brock-Perry

Caleb P. Bennett: Important Man in Delaware History

From Wikipedia.

This past week, when writing about Delaware's governor, Joseph Haslet, during the War of 1812, I mentioned Caleb P. Bennett's name in connection with his fortifying New Castle, Delaware, because of fear of British attack.

American politician and soldier.  Veteran of the American Revolution and War of 1812 from Wilmington and New Castle County in Delaware.  Governor of Delaware.

During the American Revolution he was in the 1st Delaware.  He enlisted at the age of 17 and was at Valley Forge and the Battles of Staten Island, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Camden and Yorktown.

He was wounded three times.

--DaCoot

U.S. Revenue Cutter Surveyor-- Part 1

From the U.S. Coast Guard site.

A follow-up to the Bits of War entry earlier today.

June 12, 1813, just over 200 years ago now, was a rainy and foggy night and the USRC Surveyor was anchored in the York River near today's TC (Coast Guard Training Center) Yorktown in Virginia.  It was manned by fifteen men and attacked by 50 British sailors and Marines under the command of  Lt. John Crerie.

They approached in launches using muffled oars.  Unbeknownst to them, Captain Samuel Travis of the Surveyor had been alerted to their approach and determined to resist them.  Unable to bring his guns to bear, he issued his men two muskets apiece and held his fire until the enemy was close enough and opened up on them.  The English climbed aboard and a serious hand-to-hand fight took place until the American crew was overwhelmed.

The Surveyor was captured.  Five Americans had been wounded.  British casualties were 7 wounded and 3 killed.

The following day, Lt. Crerie returned Travis' sword for his stubborn and courageous defense of his ship.

The Surveyor then served the British the rest of the war, but its fate after that is not known.

Now, You Know.  --Brock-Perry

Bits of War: Surveyor-- Craney Island

Bits of War--  New News About an Old War.


1.  SURVEYOR--  Waterman's Museum in Yorktown will be commemorating the bicentennial of of the June 12, 1813, battle between the U.S. Revenue Cutter Surveyor and the Royal Navy in the York River, Virginia.


2.  CRANEY ISLAND--  Also, Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia, will be commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812's Battle of Craney island (by Norfolk).  It took place on June 22, 1813, when a British assault on the island that was driven off by American artillery fire. 

It will be held at Fort Norfolk tomorrow, June 22nd.

Just Some News.  --Brock-Perry