The British, under Adm. Sir John B. Warren and Brigadier Gen. Sir Sydney Beckwith were defeated at the Battle of Craney Island. The British heavily outnumbered the Americans and took many casualties, including King George’s son. The American forces were able to protect Portsmouth and the Shipyard without an adequate Navy in the region and without killing any of their soldiers. The USS Constellation was in the shipyard but unable to sail out and confront the British because it would have been fired on trying to navigate the narrow channel of the Elizabeth River.
Portsmouth and Navy Yard attacked by British
June 22, 1813
The British, under Adm. Sir John B. Warren and Brigadier Gen. Sir Sydney Beckwith were defeated at the Battle of Craney Island. The British heavily outnumbered the Americans and took many casualties, including King George’s son. The American forces were able to protect Portsmouth and the Shipyard without an adequate Navy in the region and without killing any of their soldiers. The USS Constellation was in the shipyard but unable to sail out and confront the British because it would have been fired on trying to navigate the narrow channel of the Elizabeth River.