Name/Title
W Tyree's plantation letter June 28 1781Entry/Object ID
000704Tags
Tyree Plantation, Revolutionary WarDescription
Mr. Tyree's Plantation 20 miles from Williamsburg
28th June 1781
Sir
I have only to add a few words to my last letter. Col. Simcoe was so lucky as to avoid a part of the stroke; but altho' the whole of the light corps could not arrive in time, some of them did. Majr. Macpherson having taken up fifty light infantry, besides fifty dragoons, overtook Simcoe's rear-guard & made a charge of uncommon impetuosity & spirit. He was supported by the rifle-men who behaved most gallantly and did great execution. The alarm
guns were fired at Williamsburg only six miles distant from the field; & detachments just then going to Gloucester were recalled, and the whole British army concentrated to save Simcoe. They retired next morning when our army got within striking distance. Our loss is 2 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, 10 privates wounded. 2 Lieuts, 1 sergeant, 6 privates
killed. One Lieut. 12 privates, whose fate is not known; 1 sergeant taken. The enemy had about 60 killed, among whom are six visual oicers, and about one hundred wounded. They acknowledge the action was a smart one. Lord Cornwallis was heard to express himself vehemently upon the disproportion between his and our killed, which must be attributed to the great skill of our rifle-men. This little success has given great satisfaction to the troops, and increased their ardor. I have put all the rifle-men under Campbell. Tomorrow
Intend to reconnoitre a position below lands or ordinary.
Your return to Richmond, and this little aair will particularly mark his lordship's retreat and the recovery of every part of the state not under naval protection. With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be your Excellency
most nobly
Lafayette
His Excellency
Governor NelsonRelationships
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Tyree Plantation