When was it published?

May 9, 1777 in The Virginia Gazette

Domestic News May 9, 1777

The Virginia Gazette

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Capt. Alexander Patterson, Col. Cook, Lieut. Frazer, Lieutenants Mcalbatton, Reily

Q: What keywords are associated?

Military Engagement, Bonhamtown Attack, Patterson Detachment, Enemy Picquet, American Revolution

Williamsburg, Virginia

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What is this article about?

On April 15, 1777, a detachment led by Capt. Alexander Patterson of the Pennsylvania 12th Regiment attacked an enemy picquet guard near Bonhamtown, killing or capturing all 25 men, including Lieut. Frazer of the 71st Regiment. Two American lieutenants were wounded but not mortally; the enemy retreated.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

Extract of a letter from an officer at camp near Bonhamtown, April 15, 1777.

A detachment under the command of Capt. Alexander Patterson, of the Pennsylvania 12th regiment, commanded by Col. Cook, attacked the picquet guard of the enemy at 2 o'clock this morning about 400 yards from Bonhamtown, and after a short, but obstinate engagement, the whole of the guard, 25 in number, was killed and taken prisoners. Lieut. Frazer, of the 71st regiment, was killed on the spot. The enemy, though advantageously posted, did not attempt to support their guard, but retired with precipitation to their works. Our officers and soldiers behaved with the greatest coolness and courage on this occasion; their conduct would do honour to the best disciplined troops. We had Lieutenants McAlbatton and Reily, of Col. Cook's regiment, wounded, but not mortally.

What sub-type of article is it?

Military

What keywords are associated?

Military Engagement Bonhamtown Attack Patterson Detachment Enemy Picquet American Revolution

What entities or persons were involved?

Capt. Alexander Patterson Col. Cook Lieut. Frazer Lieutenants Mcalbatton Reily

Where did it happen?

Near Bonhamtown

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Near Bonhamtown

Event Date

April 15, 1777

Key Persons

Capt. Alexander Patterson Col. Cook Lieut. Frazer Lieutenants Mcalbatton Reily

Outcome

whole enemy guard of 25 killed and taken prisoners; lieut. frazer killed on the spot; lieutenants mcalbatton and reily wounded but not mortally; enemy retired to works.

Event Details

A detachment under Capt. Alexander Patterson of the Pennsylvania 12th regiment commanded by Col. Cook attacked the enemy picquet guard at 2 o'clock this morning about 400 yards from Bonhamtown, and after a short but obstinate engagement, the whole guard was killed and taken prisoners. The enemy, advantageously posted, did not support their guard but retired with precipitation. Our officers and soldiers behaved with greatest coolness and courage.