This is the dynamic account of one of the most destructive maritime actions to take place in Connecticut history: the 1814 British attack on the shipping of Pettipaug Point, known today as the British Raid on Essex. During the height of the War of 1812, 136 Royal marines and sailors made their way up the Connecticut River from warships anchored in Long Island Sound. Guided by a well-paid American traitor the British navigated the Saybrook shoals and advanced up the river under cover of darkness. By the time it was over, the British had burned twenty-seven American ships, including six newly built privateers. It was the largest single maritime loss of the war. Yet this story has been virtually left out of the history books-the forgotten battle of the forgotten war. This new account from author and historian Jerry Roberts is the definitive overview of this event and includes a wealth of new information drawn from recent research and archaeological finds. Lavish illustrations and detailed maps bring the battle to life.
- ISBN10 0819574767
- ISBN13 9780819574763
- Publish Date 30 May 2014 (first published 30 April 2014)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 26 July 2021
- Publish Country US
- Publisher University Press of New England
- Imprint Wesleyan University Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 220
- Language English