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Description
On July 30, 1778, Captain William Reed wrote from Naskeag (Brooklin) to report a British raid that struck the settlement on July 20. Backed by the sloops Gage and How, the enemy landed around 60 men who set fire to six homes, three barns, and a number of outbuildings, destroying nearly all household belongings. With only seven men and just two hours' notice, Reed and his small garrison managed to beat back an initial landing attempt and later held off the attackers in a skirmish that lasted from late morning until five in the afternoon.
During the fight, Reed’s men recaptured two prisoners and learned from one that five of the enemy had been mortally wounded. The British took livestock—including ten calves, a yoke of steers, and five hogs—killed two cows, and left others injured. Help from Deer Island arrived the following morning. Afterward, the British vessels stopped at Robinson’s Island and demanded meat. The island’s resident gave them nine sheep in hopes of sparing his home and barn.
The British later returned under a flag of truce and offered a prisoner exchange. Reed agreed, trading two British captives for one American who was badly wounded and near death. As the enemy pulled away, they fired cannon at local men following along the shoreline. Captured soldiers told Reed the raid had been encouraged by Sam Stanley and Isaac Bunker of Cranberry Island, who had spent months warning they would see the town destroyed. Before leaving, the British also smashed several boats.
Reed ended his letter by asking Colonel Jonathan Buck to forward a copy to the court, explaining that he lived deep in the woods without any reliable way to send it himself.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: Capt. William Reed letter to Col. Buck, Brooklin, 1778
- Creator: William Reed
- Creation Date: 1778-07-30
- Subject Date: 1778
- Location: Naskeag, Brooklin, Hancock County, ME
- Media: Ink on paper
- Local Code: Coll. S-722
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Raids (Military science)--Maine--History--18th century
- Soldiers--Maine--Correspondence
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Correspondence
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775–1783--Naval operations, British
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775–1783--Personal narratives
- United States. Continental Army
People
Other Keywords
- Blockade
- Confiscation
- Encampment
- Fortification
- Invasion
- Loyalist
- Militia
- Outpost
- Resistance
- Retaliation
- Skirmish
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Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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