Raid on Chesconessex Creek

Raid on Chesconessex Creek
Part of the War of 1812
Date25 June 1814
Location
Chesconessex Creek, Virginia
37°45′18″N 75°46′34″W / 37.755°N 75.776°W / 37.755; -75.776
Result British victory
Belligerents
 United Kingdom  United States
Commanders and leaders
George Urmston
James Scott		 John G. Joynes
Strength
Several hundred marines and sailors Garrison of one fort
Chesconessex Creek is located in Virginia
Chesconessex Creek
Chesconessex Creek
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Location within Virginia
Chesconessex Creek is located in the United States
Chesconessex Creek
Chesconessex Creek
Chesconessex Creek (the United States)

On 25 June 1814 a British maritime force landed at Chesconessex Creek, Virginia, to attack an American fort. The British forces, several hundred Royal Marines, Colonial Marines and sailors, landed from Royal Navy vessels Albion, Dragon and Endymion. They were commanded by Lieutenant George Urmston of the Albion. The commander of the first British landing boat, Lieutenant James Scott, had requested permission to attack the fort as the commander of its Virginia Militia garrison, Captain John G. Joynes, had previously threatened to "blow [him] to hell" if he attempted it.

The British were assisted by a guide, one of Joynes' slaves who had escaped. They landed close to the fort which fired one round from its six-pounder cannon before the garrison fled. Scott took items of Joynes' uniform and his sword as trophies. Before the British withdrew to their ships, taking the captured cannon, they destroyed the fort and some nearby guardhouses.