Boston Campaign > Battle of Chelsea Creek

Battle of Chelsea Creek

Background

The Battle of Chelsea Creek, also known as the Battle of Noddle's Island, took place on May 27-28, 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. This engagement was significant for the Patriots as it resulted in the first naval capture of the war and boosted American morale following the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord.

Background:

1. Strategic Context:

   • Following the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, the American colonies were in a state of heightened conflict with British forces. The Siege of Boston began, with the Continental Army encircling British-held Boston.
   • The British needed supplies and forage to support their troops in Boston, leading them to target the surrounding areas, including the islands in Boston Harbor.

2. American Objectives:

   • The American forces aimed to cut off British supply lines by raiding livestock and supplies from the islands in Boston Harbor. By denying these resources to the British, they hoped to weaken the enemy's position in Boston.
   • The area around Chelsea Creek and the islands of Noddle's Island (now East Boston) and Hog Island (now Orient Heights) were targeted for these raids.

The Battle:

1. Initial Movements:

   • On the night of May 27, 1775, Colonel John Stark led a force of New Hampshire and Massachusetts militia across Chelsea Creek to raid Noddle's Island and Hog Island. The American forces aimed to capture livestock and destroy British supplies.
   • The raid began successfully, with the Americans driving off the British defenders and capturing livestock.

2. British Response:

   • The British, realizing the threat, dispatched reinforcements from Boston, including marines and sailors from the Royal Navy warships HMS Diana and HMS Britannia.
   • The British forces engaged the American militia on Noddle's Island. The Americans, under Stark's leadership, effectively used the terrain to their advantage, harassing the British and using hit-and-run tactics.

3. Naval Engagement:

   • HMS Diana, a schooner commanded by Lieutenant Thomas Graves, moved into Chelsea Creek to support the British forces. The Americans, however, opened fire from the shore and managed to damage the vessel.
   • As the tide went out, HMS Diana became stranded in the shallow waters of Chelsea Creek. The American militia took advantage of the situation, continuing their attack with small arms and artillery fire.

4. Capture of HMS Diana:

   • Despite attempts by the British to refloat and recover HMS Diana, the Americans intensified their assault. As night fell, Lieutenant Graves and his crew abandoned the ship, setting it on fire to prevent its capture.
   • The Americans extinguished the fire and successfully captured the schooner, marking the first naval capture by American forces during the Revolutionary War.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties:

   • The battle resulted in relatively low casualties. American losses were minimal, with a few wounded. British casualties included several killed and wounded, primarily among the crew of HMS Diana.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • The Battle of Chelsea Creek was a strategic victory for the American forces. The capture of HMS Diana provided a significant morale boost and demonstrated the effectiveness of the American militia against British forces.
   • The destruction and capture of British supplies and livestock further strained the resources available to the British garrison in Boston, contributing to the broader siege efforts.

3. Naval Implications:

   • The capture of HMS Diana highlighted the potential for American forces to challenge British naval superiority, encouraging further naval actions and raids against British supply lines.
   • The battle underscored the importance of controlling supply routes and resources in the conflict, influencing future strategies on both sides.

Significance:

• Early American Victory: The Battle of Chelsea Creek was one of the first significant American victories of the Revolutionary War, boosting Patriot morale and confidence in their ability to confront British forces.
• Naval Capture: The capture of HMS Diana was the first naval capture of the war, symbolizing the growing capabilities and resolve of the American forces.
• Contribution to the Siege of Boston: The battle contributed to the overall efforts to isolate and weaken the British garrison in Boston, playing a role in the eventual British evacuation of the city in March 1776.

The Battle of Chelsea Creek remains an important early engagement in the American Revolutionary War, showcasing the determination and resourcefulness of the American forces in their fight for independence.

Boston Campaign Battles

• Battle of Bunker Hill
• Battle of Chelsea Creek
• Battle of Gloucester
• Battle of Machias
• Battles of Lexington and Concord
• Burning of Falmouth
• Fortification of Dorchester Heights
• Knox Expedition
• Paul Revere's Ride

Sources

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources