Mowat had left Boston harbor on October…
October 1775 CE
While his instructions are broad in the number of possible targets, he had opted against attacks on harbors on Cape Ann, where the buildings are too widely spaced for naval cannon fire to be effective.
On October 16 he reaches the outer parts of Falmouth harbor and anchors there.
The people of Falmouth have mixed reactions to the presence of the British fleet.
Some recognize the Canceaux and believe there is no danger; but militia members remembering Thompson's War are more suspicious.
The next day is windless: Mowat kedges the ships into the inner harbor and anchors them near the town.
He sends one of his lieutenants ashore with a proclamation stating that he wis there to "execute a just punishment" for the town's state of rebellion.
He gives the townspeople two hours to evacuate.
As soon as they receive this ultimatum, the townspeople send a deputation to plead with Mowat for mercy.
He promises to withhold fire if the town swears an oath of allegiance to King George.
They must also surrender all their small arms and powder, along with their gun carriages.
In response, the people of Falmouth begin to move out of the town.
No oaths are sworn.
A small number of muskets is surrendered, but no gun carriages.
Groups
Topics
Regions
Northern North America
View →Subregions
