Occupation of Middletown: Patriot Raid Captures British General Prescott

Two hundred forty-five years ago, a band of American soldiers, led by Lt. Col. William Barton, conducted a daring raid on Aquidneck Island during the British occupation.

French Arrival and Departure: Arrival

On July 11, 1780 a squadron of French warships approached Newport. Their journey was started on February 2, 1780…

French Arrival and Departure: Introduction

On July 29, 1778 a French squadron sailed into Narragansett Bay. It created a military alliance between the United States and France against Great Britain. On the American side it was negotiated by Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee.

Turkey Hill

At 8 AM the British forces under the command of Von Der Malsburg chased Col. John Laurens and his American troops. There were skirmishes up West (Main) Road as the two sides made contact.

Skirmish at West Main Road and Union Street

The first skirmish in the Battle of Rhode Island was around 7AM on August, 29, 1778.

Skirmish at East Main Road and Union Street

Early the morning of August, 29, 1778, British General Pigot sent General Smith up the East (Main) Road toward Quaker Hill.

Significant People

Some of those young soldiers who fought in the Battle of Rhode Island or participated in the Siege of Newport went on to brilliant careers.

Quaker Hill

After a skirmish with Wade’s American forces, British General Smith and the 43rd Regiment pushed up Middle Road while the 22nd Regiment proceeded up East Main Road.

Patriot’s Retreat to Tiverton

Sullivan justifies the retreat:

“Lord Howe and his fleet were approaching…”

Eyewitness Accounts

We are fortunate to have eyewitness accounts of the Battle of Rhode Island. One of those accounts is by Lieut.-Colonel Samuel Ward, Junior.