Existing comment:
Battles of St. Leonard's Creek:
The Battles of St. Leonard's Creek began after Rear Admiral Cockburn forced Barney's squadron up the Patuxent River to the creek. Commodore Barney and his flotilla, after a few games of cat and mouse, started fighting on 10 June 1814. Barney attacked with the barges de-masted for speed, giving the Americans the upper-hand until the British chased them back to the creek. A stalemate ensued, ending with frenzied preparation culminating in the Second Battle of St. Leonard's Creek on 26 June 1814. The Americans needed control of the high ground to escape, and they planned a coordinated barrage from both land and sea. Miscommunications delayed Barney's flotilla, but it managed to surge forward and hull the British frigates. Both sides exchanged fire until both retreated; the Americans due to their exposed position, and the British due to ignorance of the Americans' plight. |