Boston Campaign > Battle of Machias

Battle of Machias

Background

The Battle of Machias, fought on June 11-12, 1775, was one of the first naval engagements of the American Revolutionary War. This battle took place in and around Machias, a small coastal town in what is now Maine, then part of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. The battle resulted in a significant American victory and demonstrated the growing resolve and capabilities of the Patriot forces.

Background:

1. Strategic Context:

   • In the spring of 1775, tensions between the American colonies and the British government had escalated into open conflict with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April.
   • British authorities sought to enforce control over the colonies by maintaining supply lines and communication routes, including coastal towns like Machias, which were crucial for trade and supplies.

2. Events Leading to the Battle:

   • In May 1775, the British schooner HMS Margaretta, commanded by Midshipman James Moore, arrived in Machias to procure lumber for the construction of British barracks in Boston.
   • The local population in Machias, sympathetic to the Patriot cause, was outraged by the presence of the British vessel and the intentions of the crew. Tensions escalated as the townspeople plotted to capture the Margaretta.

The Battle:

1. Initial Skirmish:

   • On June 11, 1775, Benjamin Foster and Jeremiah O'Brien, leaders of the local militia, organized an attempt to capture the British vessel. The townspeople seized a local sloop named the Unity to pursue the Margaretta.
   • An initial skirmish occurred when the townspeople attempted to board the Margaretta, but they were repelled. Midshipman Moore, recognizing the threat, decided to flee down the Machias River to open sea.

2. Chase and Engagement:

   • Determined to capture the Margaretta, the Unity, now manned by O'Brien and a crew of armed townspeople, pursued the British schooner.
   • The chase continued into Machias Bay, where the Unity managed to close the distance. On June 12, the Unity engaged the Margaretta in a fierce battle. The Americans, armed with muskets and improvised weapons, boarded the British schooner.

3. Capture of the Margaretta:

   • Despite being outgunned, the Americans fought with determination. Midshipman Moore was mortally wounded in the engagement, and the British crew, overwhelmed by the aggressive assault, eventually surrendered.
   • The capture of the Margaretta marked a significant victory for the American forces. The Americans took control of the schooner, along with its supplies and armaments.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties:

   • The battle resulted in several casualties on both sides. The British suffered the loss of Midshipman Moore and several crew members were killed or wounded. The Americans also sustained casualties, but their victory overshadowed the losses.

2. Strategic Consequences:

   • The capture of the Margaretta was a morale-boosting victory for the American colonists. It demonstrated their ability to successfully challenge British naval power and assert control over key coastal areas.
   • The victory at Machias encouraged further resistance and contributed to the growing revolutionary fervor in New England.

3. Naval Implications:

   • The Battle of Machias is often considered one of the first naval engagements of the American Revolutionary War. It highlighted the importance of naval power and the need for the Continental Congress to establish a navy to protect American interests.
   • The success of the battle inspired other coastal communities to take similar actions against British vessels, contributing to the broader strategy of disrupting British supply lines and communications.

Significance:

• Early American Victory: The Battle of Machias was one of the earliest American victories in the Revolutionary War. It boosted Patriot morale and demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated local resistance against British forces.
• Naval Warfare: The battle underscored the significance of naval engagements in the Revolutionary War and the necessity for the Americans to develop naval capabilities to challenge British dominance at sea.
• Symbol of Defiance: The successful capture of the Margaretta became a symbol of defiance and resistance against British rule, inspiring other towns and communities to take action in support of the Patriot cause.

The Battle of Machias remains a notable and inspirational episode in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, showcasing the courage and determination of the American colonists 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