May 12-13, 2001
as given by Brevet-Major Ian McKay
General Tryon
Commander
British Invasion Force
New Haven, Colony of Connecticut;
Most Esteemed Sir;
I beg your leave to report the activities of the Eastern Shore Embarkation Force which I had the Honor to Command, May 12 /13, 1777.
Upon striking the beach on the Eastern Shore of New Haven Harbor, we
moved inland closely hugging the harbor line, and maintaining a visual
contact with our naval forces as required. Military opposition was
light, as anticipated, and civil disobedience properly chastised, as
ordered.
Beyond Serenity Cove, we met the first organized Continental resistance,
which were elements of the of the Sixth CT Regiment and local militia
units. They were directed to disburse twice in accordance with your
orders, and when they refused, we fired on them, and I ordered the
advance. Using the King's Rangers and a force of Loyalist Militia on
each of my flanks to harry the main Continental force, I directed
Peter's Corps press closely upon their front. In this way, we pushed
the smaller Continental Force back through the marsh road to the Back
Rock Fort Proper (a small fortification boasting two four pounder guns).
The Continental Force made a stand at a wide place in the marsh road
having brought up a small field piece (2 pounder) in support.
Our flanking Ranger Forces soon dislodged them and they withdrew with their gun.
Their next stand was beyond a small bridge over a deep and
muddy slew leading to the main bay. This ground was well designed for
defense and provided significant cover for it's use. Again the covering
fire from the combined Ranger Forces, proved to be too hot for the
artillery crew to maintain thier great gun defense.
The Continental Force under the command of Capt. Claghorn tendered his
sword to me in surrender at approximately 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, which I
was pleased to return to him for a strong and gallant defence against
overwhelming numbers. I have guaranteed he and his men safe conduct
through the lines, and immediate exchange in order to further reduce
unnecessary bloodshed.
I should most respectfully wish to bring to your attention, Captain
Vincent Gendreau of Peter's Corps, my second in command, who most abley
assisted me in this assault, and has satisfied me in every respect as a
determined and efficient officer. I must also mention the Serjeants of
the King's Rangers and the Loyalist Militia, both of which were
attentive to my directions and who both were vicious in their attack,
and flank pressure on the enemy. I must also remark of the Stockbridge
Indian "John" who acted as Scout and flanker. It was the first time
that I have the privilege of working with our Indian Allies, and I
would most respectfully recommend that an Indian scout be attached to
all such raiding parties.
I Remain Sir, Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant;
On the Field-------
Black Rock Fort
New Haven Harbor--East Shore;
Brevet-Major Ian McKay--General's Company, 42nd Regiment of Foot, New
Haven Detatchment, Gen. Tryon, Commanding
General Tryon;
British Forces Commander
New England Colonies
Most Esteemed Sir;
I beg most regretfully to appraise you of the capture of my whaleboat
force, upon the landing just North of Serenity Cove in New Haven Harbor
- East Shore this Sunday last.
My force of Rangers (a small detachment of King's Rangers and another of
Loyalist Militia) were assigned to land and map the eastern shore of the
harbor, in preparation for a major British Raid on New Haven. We found
ourselves pinned between a superior force of Continentals encamped
nearby the promontory marked on the chart of the bay as Black Rock.
There appears to be a small defensive work there containing two
four-pounder guns. This force of Continentals were apparently the Fort
Garrison.
We were forced by an extensive swamp and deep slew waters to take a
direct line through the Continental Camp rather than around it. We
intended to surprise them, as they had no pickets out to seaward, break
through their camp, and initiate what casualties we could and disappear
into the fringe forest beyond.
We crept up to the edge of the camp and fired one volley with half my
force into them, and in the confusion first group crossed the camp and
set up a temporary skirmish perimeter at the far edge. Covering the
first half of my force with heavy musket fire were the King's Rangers,
who then crossed the camp area as well and through the Loyalist
skirmishers to set up a secondary line. "John" our Stockbridge Scout,
was instrumental in taking out the first rebel who got to his gun, as
assigned, which he did with verve ad dispatch. An immediate volley from
the Loyalist Militia followed the King's Rangers movement.
The Rangers then "defending the defile" withdrew down a narrow lane to
the intended "forest jump off point" where we discovered much to our
chagrin that our way was blocked by an unusual natural barrier, and we
determined to escape via the "marsh road" connecting the fortification
previously mentioned with the main East Shore Road.
Unfortunately, our plans were disrupted by the arrival of a small field
gun across a bridge hidden from our view by high banks along the marsh.
Caught between the great gun, and the advancing Continental Infantry
Force, I was required to accept surrender terms from, and offer my sword
to Captain Claghorn of the 6th CT Light Infantry Company. My men and I
have been promised safe escort and immediate exchange in return for my
parole, which I have been pleased to give.
I hasten to mention the strong approbation and appreciation, that I have
for the two Serjeants under my command. They have each acquitted
themselves very well in the field, and have satisfied me in every way
with thier attention to duty. I must also mention the Indian Scout
"John" who was unswerving and most dutiful in response to my directions.
I sign myself, Most Respectfully and With Regret;
Capt.-LT. Ian McKay;
Whaleboat Force Commander
General's Company, 42nd Regiment of Foot (detached to Crown Engineers
for duties with the Cartographic Dept.)
The Event was in my view a successful one, and very enjoyable from
several aspects. The Brighton Inn was set up in the British Camp, which
always provides both excellent food and excellent company. The visitors
on Saturday were fairly numerous, but with the threatened rain and the
other competing area events were somewhat smaller than usual.
The skirmishes on both days (as described above from my aspect) I
believe were well done, and well executed. I congratulate those who
were engaged in such with me.
We initiated lantern tours of the Fort on Saturday Evening, which for
the most part, I felt went very well (Many kudus and thanks received--and several people returned on Sunday to talk further about
the tours). The tours will have to be streamlined to some degree, but
these were, in my view, a very good beginning. The parade and
flag-raising ceremony was most impressive and the Boy Scouts did an
excellent job with food service in the area.
My particular thanks for those men who assisted me in the movement of
the gun barrel from the local private storage down to the park. I am
much obliged, particularly so, as it was a last minute decision.
I will be pleased to attend again and to recommend to any unit with whom
I have any influence to seriously consider joining me at any future
event planned at Fort Nathan Hale.
Respectfully;
Jim Mathews
(aka: Ian McKay)