| A Short History of the 14th Regiment of Foote during the American Revolution part 1 |
| Brief Pre-War History Raised in 1685, the regiment first saw active service in Flanders in 1693. It served in Ireland and Scotland before going to Gibraltar in 1727 for a 15 year stay. The regiment was in Scotland during the "45", fighting at Culloden. It returned to Gibraltar in 1751 for another 8 years. In 1759, when stationed at Windsor, it was granted royal permission to wear the White Horse of Hanover. The unit left Halifax for Boston in 1768. In Oct 1772, the 14th was sent to St. Augustine and the West Indies. The regiment stayed in the Floridas until it was sent piecemeal to Virginia in support of Lord Dunmore in June 1775. The situation in Virginia Apr-Nov, 1775 20 Apr After the conflict in Boston, Lord Dunmore decides to remove the powder from the public stores in Williamsburg. He uses the Royal Marines to remove the powder, this infuriates the rebels (patriots). 8 Jun Lord Dunmore removes himself and his family from Williamsburg to the HMS Fowey in Yorktown. This creates a situation exploited by the provisional government, Lord Dunmore is proclaimed to have abandoned Williamsburg and the governorship. 30 Sept 17 British soldiers seize Holt's printing press in Norfolk. Oct Various skirmishes are carried by both sides around Hampton and Norfolk. 7 Nov Lord Dunmore proclaims marshall law, calls for Virginians loyal to the crown and offers freedom to any slave who would fight for the crown. Oct Three companies of the 14th of Foote arrive in Virginia. The companies were the grenadier company, commanded by Capt. Charles Fordyce, the light company, commanded by Capt. Batut and a battalion company commansed by Capt. Leslie. This small element of the regiment was commanded by Capt. Leslie, the senior captain present. 6 Nov A stockade fort is finished just northeast of the great bridge on a small island in the marsh. 16 Nov Lord Dunmore marches 350 troops (14th of Foote, Royal Marines and Seamen), loyalist (Queen's Loyal Virginian, Norfolk Militia of Loyalist)and ex slaves (loyal Ethiopians) to Kemp's Landing. A short successful engagement is fought and heartily won. 28 Nov Lt Wallace, one sergeant, one corporal, 25 soldiers, loyalist and loyal Ethiopians defend against the first rebel attack on the fort. Great Bridge Dec 1775 British Forces on the eve of the battle of Great Bridge: 3 companies of 14th of Foote (1 battalion, 1 grenadier, 1light company) Seamen and Marines off the HMS Fowey and Otter (2 cannon) 60 townsmen of the Norfolk Militia of Loyalist Col. Jacob Elegood's Queen's Loyal Virginians Loyal Ethiopians Total Troop Strength - 350 9 Dec Main body of troops arrive at stockade fort at 3:30AM. Dawn *The two naval cannon from the HMS Fowey open fire on the rebel position. *The 14th of Foote leads the assault, at the bridge they replace the planks that had been removed (to keep the rebels from crossing) and cross the bridge. The bridge was no wider than to allow 6 abreast so that a line could not be formed until the troops were on the other side. Upon seeing the troops starting to cross rebel senties fire three rounds alerting the main force. While the bridge planks were being replaced (taking some time) the rebel forces having been alerted begin a series of heavy volley fire. As the troops filter over the bridge and form a line |
 |
 |
| Back to 14th of Foote |
 |
| 14th of Foote History part 2 |