August of 1775
August 7, 1775 at St. Augustine, West Florida – On August 7, the sloop Commerce, commanded by Capt. Clement Lempriere, headed to St. Augustine to capture the gunpowder and military stores on the island. He learned that the HMS Betsy, commanded by Capt. Alvara Lofthouse, was sailing to St. Augustine and contained a huge supply of gunpowder.
The Commerce spotted the Betsy and pulled alongside it. The armed crew jumped on board the Betsy and quickly captured the sleeping crew. They were able to unload about 17,000 lbs. of gunpowder when the Commerce was spotted by the HMS St. John, coming out of the harbor. The Commerce departed the area and escaped with their stolen powder.
Conclusion: American Victory
August 9-10, 1775 at Gloucester, Massachusetts – On August 9, the HMS Falcon, commanded by Capt. John Linzee, gave chase to 2 American schooners that were returning to Salem from the West Indes. Linzee captured one of the schooners and pursued the other schooner into Gloucester Harbor.
On August 10, while at the harbor, the townspeople were infuriated and from the shore, opened fire on the Falcon’s boarding party. Linzee gave orders to fire back but was forced to withdraw after losing both schooners, 2 barges, and 35 men.
Conclusion: American Victory
November of 1775
November 11-12, 1775 at Charlestown, South Carolina – Rumors of a British naval attack caused the local commanders to make changes in the harbors defense. A plan was made to sink several old ships in the Marsh Channel and Hog Island Creek. This would close the Hog Island channel to any British incursion into the area.
On November 11, the USS Defense, commanded by Capt. Simon Tufts, proceeded with 4 ship hulks in order to sink them in the channel. At 4:30 P.M., the HMS Tamar, commanded by Capt. Edward Thornborough, spotted the Defense and fired 6 shots at it. The Defense dropped anchor and fired back. After the Tamar ceased its firing, Tufts was able to sink 3 of the hulks.
On November 12, at 4:00 A.M., the Tamar and HMS Cherokee drifted close to the Defense. Both British ships commenced to fire broadside shots at the Defense for 3 hours. The Defense managed to sink the last hulk and then withdrew from the area. The Tamar sent an armed boat to the hulk and set it on fire. It then towed the hulk away from the channel.
Conclusion: Draw
November 27, 1775 off the coast, Massachussetts – On November 27, after earlier having learned that 2 British ordnance brigantines were headed to Boston, Gen. George Washington was told that Capt. John Manley had spotted both of the British ships of the coast of Massachussetts. The HMS Nancy was soon captured and the other ship managed to escape. The Nancy was taken to Cape Ann and unloaded. The cargo consisted of 2,000 muskets, 100,000 flints, 30,000 round shots, 30 tons of musket shot, and a 13-inch brass mortar. It was stated that it would have taken the Americans about 18 months to produce all of these goods that they captured.
November 29, 1775 at Boston, Massachusetts – In Boston Harbor, the American schooner, USS Lee, commanded by Capt. John Manley, chased and captured the HMS Nancy, a 250-ton British ordnance brig. Washington was greatly pleased because the booty seized by Manley included 2,000 muskets with bayonets, scabbards, ramrods, 31-tons of musket shot, a 2,700 lb. mortar, and other valuable supplies.
December of 1775
December 5, 1775 at Charlestown, South Carolina – On December 5, the HMS Scorpion captured 2 ships, the Hetty and the Thomas and Stafford at the mouth of Charlestown harbor. The Hetty would be made into a British warship and renamed HMS General Clinton.
Conclusion: British Victory
