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Domestic News July 24, 1813

Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

Norfolk, Virginia

What is this article about?

Report on British squadron off Swan's Point in the Potomac and U.S. troop dispositions at Fort Washington, Piscataway to Port Tobacco road, and rear positions near Washington City to counter potential enemy approach by land or water.

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One of the Editors returned from Head-Quarters on Saturday night. The last accounts left the British squadron, consisting of two frigates, two sloops of war and two tenders, off Swan's Point. This is all the force ascertained. Other force was reported to be lower down, its amount variously stated. A detachment of cavalry had proceeded with Col. Monroe down the river to ascertain and examine the force below.

The following disposition has been made of the troops at and near Fort Washington (Warburton.) A strong detachment of artillery, under the command of Capt. Ritchie, occupies the fort. The covering work and the ridge on which it stands are held by a battalion of the 10th, one company of the 20th United States infantry, commanded by Capt. Brooks; Major King's battalion of drafts, and a detachment from Capt. Burch's company, with their field pieces, the whole under the command of Col. Nicol of the first regiment of the United artillery.

On the road leading from Piscataway to Port Tobacco are posted the dragoons, supported by Capt. Davidson's infantry, Capt. Stull's riflemen, the Georgetown grenadiers under the command of Capt. Edmonson, Capt. Ruth's, Capt. Cassin's Capt. Lenox's and Capt. Young's infantry.

Still further in the rear, and nearer the point where the Warburton and Washington City roads meet, is the 36th regt. under the command of Col. Carberry, with the remainder of Captain Burch's artillery. This disposition, while it guards against the enemy's approach, whether by land or water, admits of a ready concentration of our force on either point of attack. Besides the above, Capt. Peter's artillery went down from Georgetown on Saturday, but had not been stationed when we heard from them.

If there should prove to be no other force in the Potomac than that which is stated, a small part of the force now in service would be amply sufficient to keep it in check.

National Intelligencer—July 19.

What sub-type of article is it?

Military

What keywords are associated?

British Squadron Potomac River Fort Washington Troop Dispositions Col Monroe War Of 1812

What entities or persons were involved?

Col. Monroe Capt. Ritchie Capt. Brooks Major King Capt. Burch Col. Nicol Capt. Davidson Capt. Stull Capt. Edmonson Capt. Ruth Capt. Cassin Capt. Lenox Capt. Young Col. Carberry Capt. Peter

Where did it happen?

Fort Washington (Warburton), Potomac River

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Fort Washington (Warburton), Potomac River

Event Date

July 19

Key Persons

Col. Monroe Capt. Ritchie Capt. Brooks Major King Capt. Burch Col. Nicol Capt. Davidson Capt. Stull Capt. Edmonson Capt. Ruth Capt. Cassin Capt. Lenox Capt. Young Col. Carberry Capt. Peter

Event Details

Editor returned from Head-Quarters on Saturday night with accounts of British squadron of two frigates, two sloops of war, and two tenders off Swan's Point, with possible additional force lower down. Cavalry detachment with Col. Monroe sent to examine force below. Troops disposed at Fort Washington with artillery under Capt. Ritchie and infantry under Col. Nicol; dragoons and infantry on Piscataway to Port Tobacco road; 36th regiment under Col. Carberry in rear near Warburton and Washington City roads; Capt. Peter's artillery from Georgetown. Disposition guards against land or water approach and allows concentration. Sufficient force to check reported enemy if no more present.

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