War Comes to the Chesapeake Bay-- Part 2

There was a two-hour battle that ensued between the British ships and the Lottery.  It was the first salvo in a campaign of fire, plunder and fear for the Tidewater and Bay which would continue for two years.  During this time, the Royal Navy seized and burned hundreds of vessels, launched scores of hit and run raids and pillaged.

The Times of London had demanded "America must be BEATEN INTO SUBMISSION."  And the Royal Navy was to be just the instrument to do it.

A major reason for the arrival of the British fleet was to blunt an American invasion of Canada.

The American frigate Constellation almost became a victim of the British ships.  Captain Charles Stewart had arrived in the ship from Annapolis and had anchored at Hampton Road and had to leave quickly, being pursued by two ships-of-the-line, three frigates, a brig and a schooner.

As the months went by, the number of British ships increased with huge effect on the Virginia,  The state's trade dropped from $3 million annually to just $17,000.

And, Then, There Was Another Blockade of the Area in 1861.  --Brock-Perry