Just 30 Defenders Hold Off 1,300 British During 4-Day Attack

Amazing Tales from Off and On Connecticut‘s Beaten Path

During the War of 1812, the superior British Navy blockaded Long Island Sound, causing huge financial losses for Connecticut merchants. Sailors and civilian boaters alike were trying to win government rewards for blowing up British ships in The Sound with underwater bombs. The British responded by devastating the village of Essex on the Connecticut River, destroying its 27 ships. Four months later, they attacked the tiny village of Stonington and outnumbered the town 1,300 to 30 in manpower – but the Battle of Stonington had a very different outcome. The story is told by Tertius de Kay, author of the acclaimed narrative on the battle.