A Congreve Rocket Burns Henry Waller's Farmhouse

From the Maryland in the War of 1812 Blog.

This took place August 28, 1814, two days before the Battle of Caulk's Field.

On this date, Royal Marines and sailors from the HMS Menelaus, under Captain Peter Parker, landed at Fairlee Creek, in Kent County, Maryland.  At 10:30 AM, they encountered militia cavalry near the bayside home of Henry Waller's 308 acre farm.

The British officer, Lt. Henry Crease, aboard the Menelaus, ordered Congreve rockets and an 18-pdr carronade fired at them.  One rocket failed to launch and burned furiously on the deck before they were able to throw it overboard.

Later that afternoon, there was a second British landing made.  The farmhouse was set afire as were the corn fields and musket volleys exchanged with the American militia  It is a bit confusing as to whether the British set fire to the house on land or whether a Concreve rocket hit it, causing the flames.

In 1829, Henry Waller made a claim to the federal government and retained a Georgetown attorney by the name of Francis Scott Key (wonder where we've heard that name before?)  He received his compensation.

One of the Congreve rockets that set fire to his house is at the Fort McHenry National Monument. (I would think it would have burned up had it hit Waller's house.)  If Crease was on the Menelaus and I believe he was second in command, was Peter Parker leading the landing party?

Just Some More Raiding.  --Brock-Perry