Saturday, November 3, 2012

Raid on the Chesapeake

Officer's Headquarters
(Photo Courtesy of The Regiment)
The British Marines were ordered to embark at the end of October, when favorable winds would carry them to their destination, at the Head of Elk, in the upper regions of the Chesapeake Bay.  Their mission was to land as far up the Bay as practical. Once landed they established a temporary base of operations, in conjunction with the navy in the rebellious colonies of Maryland and Delaware.  They then were ordered to do as much damage to the rebel cause, confiscating what good and materials they could, while destroying the rest. They were to also establish relations to those citizens still loyal to the Crown, rallying all Loyal subjects to the King’s Colours.  The Loyalist units assigned to each command were to carry beating orders to raise more good men to serve in their ranks.  Forces were to administer the Oath, where and when practical.
 
British Commander Jim McGaughey
(Photo Courtesy of The Regiment)
While maintaining their station, they were to contact loyal subjects to gather intelligence about rebel activities in the region, and take note of their defenses for future operations against them.  All were authorized to engage in contracting further intelligence sources, as may serve in the Crown’s interests.  Reports had been received of partisan forces operating in the region as well. It was ordered that all would do their utmost to locate and destroy those banditti, at their pleasure.  May our arms obtain great success in the King’s service.
 
Protecting the gun, pushing doodles off of the bridge
(Photo Courtesy of The Regiment)
 
Close to the Mansion House
(Photo Courtesy of The Regiment)