Delaware in the War of 1812-- Part 2

On March 16, 1813, the British commander, Commodore John Beresford, demanded 20 live bullocks and other provisions from Lewes and said he'd destroy the town if they didn't comply.  Over the next three weeks, messages were exchanged between Beresford and the American commander, Col. Samuel Boyer Davis.

Twenty-two hours of bombardment started April 6th.  Some of the British shots fell short into the bay and on Lewes Beach.  Others went as far as where Beebe Medical Center is now.  Others damaged homes and businesses.  One remains lodged in the wall of McCracken House on Main Street, now better known as "The Cannonball House." (Hopefully a solid shot.)

The Americans stood their ground, even firing some of the British cannonballs back.

Some of the powder used by the Americans was manufactured at Brandywine, outside of Wilmington, at the powder yards of the 11-year-old Du Pont Company.

The bombardment of Lewes also marked the first time the British used Congreve rockets which could go two or more miles and put off a red glare.  This is the one Francis Scott Key wrote about "the rockets red glare."

Bombs Burst in Air.  --Brock-Perry