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Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
Gen. Macomb's letter details repelling a 6-day British invasion under Sir Geo. Prevost with 1500 US troops, silencing artillery, capturing the enemy fleet, and forcing retreat with heavy British losses; US casualties: 150 killed, 130 wounded.
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The British army under sir Geo. Prevost, consisting of four brigades, each commanded by a major general of experience—a light corps and squadron of dragoons, & an immense train of artillery, invaded us for 6 days; during which period our troops in small parties skirmished with them, and took prisoners and killed many. Yesterday they opened their batteries on us with bombs, 24 pounders, howitzers and rockets, but we silenced the whole by 6 in the evening. Their fleet attacked ours at the same time and after an engagement of two hours, their large vessels all struck to our gallant commodore. The galleys ran off. The British commodore was slain, and the killed and wounded is numerous. Our loss is 150 men killed, and 130 wounded. The British army raised the siege: last night or rather this morning, at 2 o'clock, and are now in full retreat, leaving on the field their wounded and sick. Sir George has requested me to treat them with humanity and kindness.—Our whole force does not exceed 1500 effectives.
I have sent the militia and my light troops in pursuit—they are constantly taking prisoners and sending in deserters. I am in hopes of destroying at least one third of the British army. I am in perfect health.
My troops are the remnant of gen. Izard's army, invalids and convalescents, except about 600 men. I am in haste, &c.
ALEX. MACOMB.
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Domestic News Details
Event Date
Recent Invasion Lasting 6 Days, Bombardment Yesterday, Retreat This Morning
Key Persons
Outcome
british: numerous killed and wounded including commodore slain, many prisoners taken, one third of army hoped to be destroyed, leaving wounded and sick; us: 150 killed, 130 wounded
Event Details
British army of four brigades, light corps, dragoons, and artillery invaded for 6 days; US troops skirmished, taking prisoners and killing many. British opened batteries with bombs, 24-pounders, howitzers, rockets; silenced by evening. Fleet attacked US fleet; after 2 hours, British large vessels struck to US commodore, galleys fled. British raised siege at 2 a.m., in full retreat. US force: 1500 effectives, remnant of gen. Izard's army, invalids, convalescents, except 600 men. Militia and light troops in pursuit, taking prisoners and deserters. Request to treat British wounded humanely.