Biography of Banastre Tarleton, British General

Biography of Banastre Tarleton, British General Banastre Tarleton (August 21, 1754–January 15, 1833) was a British Army officer during the American Revolution who became notorious for his actions in the southern theater of the war. He gained his reputation for brutality following the Battle of Waxhaws, where he reputedly had American prisoners killed. Tarleton later led part of Lieutenant General Lord Charles Cornwallis army and was crushed at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781. Remaining active until the end of the war, he was captured following the British surrender at Yorktown that October. Fast Facts: Banastre Tarleton Known For: American RevolutionBorn: August 21, 1754 in Liverpool, EnglandParents: John TarletonDied: January 15, 1833 in Leintwardine, EnglandEducation: Middle Temple in London and University College at Oxford UniversityPublished Works:  A History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, in the Southern Provinces of North AmericaSpouse(s): Mary Robinson (not married, long term relationship ca. 1782–1797) Susan Priscilla Bertie (m. December 17, 1798–his death in 1833)Children: Illegitimate daughter with Kolima, (1797–1801) Banina Georgiana Tarleton Early Life Banastre Tarleton was born August 21, 1754, in Liverpool, England, the third child of John Tarleton, a prominent merchant with extensive ties in the American colonies and the slave trade. John Tarleton served as the mayor of Liverpool in 1764 and 1765, and, holding a position of prominence in the city, Tarleton saw that his son received an upper-class education including studying the law at Middle Temple in London and University College at Oxford University. Upon his fathers death in 1773, Banastre Tarleton received 5,000 British pounds but promptly lost most of it gambling at Londons notorious Cocoa Tree club. In 1775, he sought a new life in the military and purchased a commission as a coronet (second lieutenant) in the 1st Kings Dragoon Guards. Taking to military life, Tarleton proved a skilled horseman and displayed strong leadership skills. Early Career In 1775, Tarleton obtained permission to leave the 1st Kings Dragoon Guards and proceeded to North America as a volunteer with Cornwallis. As part of a force arriving from Ireland, he took part in the failed attempt to capture Charleston, South Carolina in June 1776. Following the British defeat at the Battle of Sullivans Island, Tarleton sailed north where the expedition joined General William Howes army on Staten Island. During the New York Campaign that summer and fall he earned a reputation as a daring and effective officer. Serving under Colonel William Harcourt of the 16th Light Dragoons, Tarleton achieved fame on December 13, 1776. While on a scouting mission, Tarletons patrol located and surrounded a house in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, where American Major General Charles Lee was staying. Tarleton was able to compel Lees surrender by threatening to burn the building down. In recognition of his performance around New York, he earned a promotion to major. Charleston Waxhaws After continuing to provide able service, Tarleton was given command of a newly formed  mixed force of cavalry and light infantry known as the British Legion and Tarletons Raiders in 1778. Promoted to lieutenant colonel, his new command was largely comprised of Loyalists and at its largest numbered around 450 men. In 1780, Tarleton and his men sailed south to Charleston, South Carolina, as part of General Sir Henry Clintons army.   Landing, they aided in the siege of the city and patrolled the surrounding area in search of American troops. In the weeks before Charlestons fall on May 12, Tarleton won victories at Moncks Corner (April 14) and Lenuds Ferry (May 6). On May 29, 1780, his men fell upon 350 Virginia Continentals led by Colonel Abraham Buford. In the ensuing Battle of Waxhaws, Tarletons men butchered Bufords command, despite an American attempt to surrender, killing 113 and capturing 203. Of the captured men, 150 were too wounded to move and were left behind. Known as the Waxhaws Massacre to the Americans, it, along with his cruel treatment of the populace, cemented Tarletons image as a heartless commander. Through the remainder of 1780, Tarletons men pillaged the countryside instilling fear and earning him the nicknames Bloody Ban and Butcher. With Clintons departure after the capture of Charleston, the Legion remained in South Carolina as part of Cornwallis army. Serving with this command, Tarleton took part in the victory over Major General Horatio Gates at Camden on August 16. In the weeks that followed, he sought to suppress the guerrilla operations of Brigadier Generals Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter, but with no success. Marion and Sumters careful treatment of civilians earned them their trust and support, while Tarletons behavior alienated all those he encountered. Cowpens Instructed by Cornwallis in January 1781 to destroy an American command led by Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, Tarleton rode west seeking the enemy. Tarleton found Morgan at an area in western South Carolina known as the Cowpens. In the battle that followed on January 17, Morgan conducted a well-orchestrated double envelopment that effectively destroyed Tarletons command and routed him from the field. Fleeing back to Cornwallis, Tarleton fought in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and later commanded raiding forces in Virginia. During a foray to Charlottesville, he unsuccessfully attempted to capture Thomas Jefferson and several members of the Virginia legislature. Later War Moving east with Cornwallis army in 1781, Tarleton was given command of the forces at Gloucester Point, across the York River from the British position at Yorktown. Following the American victory at Yorktown and Cornwallis capitulation in October 1781, Tarleton surrendered his position. In negotiating the surrender, special arrangements had to be made to protect Tarleton due to his unsavory reputation. After the surrender, the American officers invited all of their British counterparts to dine with them but specifically forbade Tarleton from attending. He later served in Portugal and Ireland. Politics Returning home in 1781, Tarleton entered politics and was defeated in his first election for Parliament. In 1782, after returning to England and supposedly on a bet with her current lover, Tarleton seduced Mary Robinson, ex-mistress of the Prince of Wales and a talented actress and poet: they would have a 15-year relationship, but never married and had no surviving children. In 1790, he won the election and went to London to serve as a member of Parliament for Liverpool. During his 21 years in the House of Commons, Tarleton largely voted with the opposition and was an ardent supporter of the slave trade. This support was largely due to his brothers and other Liverpudlian shippers involvement in the business. Mary Robinson wrote his speeches after he became a member of Parliament. Later Career and Death With Mary Robinsons assistance, in 1787 Tarleton wrote Campaigns of 1780–1781 in the Southern Provinces of North America, an apologia for his failings in the American Revolution, on which he blamed  Cornwallis. Despite Robinsons active role in his life by the late 18th century, Tarletons growing political career forced him to abruptly end his relationship with her. On December 17, 1798, Tarleton married Susan Priscilla Bertie, an illegitimate daughter of Robert Bertie, the 4th Duke of Lancaster. Tarleton had no surviving children in either relationship; although he did have an illegitimate daughter (Banina Georgiana Tarleston, 1797–1801) with a woman known as Kolima. Tarleton was made a general in 1812, and in 1815, he was created a Baronet and received a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in 1820. Tarleton died in London on January 25, 1833.

Frigate USS Chesapeake in the War of 1812

Frigate USS Chesapeake in the War of 1812 USS Chesapeake was one of the original six frigates constructed for the U.S. Navy. Entering service in 1800, the ship carried 38 guns and saw service during the with Quasi-War with France and the campaign against the Barbary pirates. In 1807, Chesapeake was attacked by HMS Leopard (50 guns) over the practice of impressment of sailors in what became known as the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair. Active in the War of 1812, Chesapeake was defeated and captured by HMS Shannon (38) on June 1, 1813. The ship served as HMS Chesapeake until 1819. Background With the United States separation from Great Britain after the American Revolution, the American merchant marine no longer enjoyed the security provided by the Royal Navy when at sea. As a result, its ships made easy targets for pirates and other raiders such as the Barbary corsairs. Aware that a permanent navy would need to be created, Secretary of War Henry Knox requested American shipbuilders submit plans for six frigates in late 1792. Worried about cost, debate raged in Congress for over a year until funding was finally obtained through the Naval Act of 1794. Calling for the building of four 44-gun and two 36-gun frigates, the act was put into effect and construction assigned to various cities. The designs selected by Knox were those of renowned naval architect Joshua Humphreys. Aware that the United States could not hope to build a navy of equal strength to Britain or France, Humphreys created large frigates that could best any similar vessel, but were fast enough to escape enemy ships-of-the-line. The resulting vessels were long, with wider than usual beams and possessed diagonal riders in their framing to increase strength and prevent hogging. Construction Originally intended to be a 44-gun frigate, Chesapeake was laid down at Gosport, VA in December 1795. Construction was overseen by Josiah Fox and superintended by Flamborough Head veteran Captain Richard Dale. Progress on the frigate was slow and in early 1796 construction was halted when a peace accord was reached with Algiers. For the next two years, Chesapeake remained on the blocks at Gosport. With the beginning of the Quasi-War with France in 1798, Congress authorized work to resume. Returning to work, Fox found that a shortage of timber existed as much of Gosports supply had been shipped to Baltimore for the completion of USS Constellation (38). Aware of Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stodderts desire to have the vessel completed quickly and never a supporter of Humphreys design, Fox radically redesigned the ship. The result was a frigate that was the smallest of the original six. USS Chesapeake. US Navy As Foxs new plans reduced the overall cost of the vessel, they were approved by Stoddert on August 17, 1798. The new plans for Chesapeake saw the frigates armament reduced from 44 guns to 36. Considered an oddity due to its differences relative to its sisters, Chesapeake was deemed an unfortunate ship by many. Launched on December 2, 1799, an additional six months were required to complete it. Commissioned on May 22, 1800, with Captain Samuel Barron in command, Chesapeake put to sea and transported currency from Charleston, SC to Philadelphia, PA. USS Chesapeake (1799) OverviewNation: United StatesBuilder: Gosport Navy YardAuthorized: March 27, 1794Launched: December 2, 1799Commissioned: May 22, 1800Fate: Captured by HMS Shannon, June 1, 1813SpecificationsShip Type: FrigateDisplacement: 1,244 tonsLength: 152.6 ft.Beam: 41.3 ft.Draft: 20 ft.Complement: 340Armament (War of 1812)29 x 18 pdr18 x 32 pdr2 x 12 pdr1 x 12 pdr carronade Early Service After serving with an American squadron off the southern coast and in the Caribbean, Chesapeake captured its first prize, the French privateer La Jeune Creole (16), on January 1, 1801, after a 50-hour chase. With the end of the conflict with France, Chesapeake was decommissioned on February 26 and placed in ordinary. This reserve status proved brief as a resumption of hostilities with the Barbary States led to the frigate being reactivated in early 1802. Made the flagship of an American squadron, led by Commodore Richard Morris, Chesapeake sailed for the Mediterranean in April and arrived at Gibraltar on May 25. Remaining abroad until early April 1803, the frigate took part in American operations against the Barbary pirates but was plagued by issues such as a rotted mast and bowsprit. Chesapeake-Leopard Affair Laid up at the Washington Navy Yard in June 1803, Chesapeake remained idle for nearly four years. In January 1807, Master Commandant Charles Gordon was tasked with preparing the frigate for use as Commodore James Barrons flagship in the Mediterranean. As work progressed on Chesapeake, Lieutenant Arthur Sinclair was sent ashore to recruit a crew. Among those who signed on were three sailors who had deserted from HMS Melampus (36). Though alerted to the status of these men by the British ambassador, Barron refused to return them as they had been forcibly impressed into the Royal Navy. Dropping down to Norfolk in June, Barron began provisioning Chesapeake for its voyage. On June 22, Barron departed Norfolk. Loaded with supplies, Chesapeake was not in fighting trim as the new crew was still stowing equipment and preparing the vessel for active operations. Leaving port, Chesapeake passed a British squadron which was blockading two French ships at Norfolk. HMS Leopard fires on USS Chesapeake. US Naval History and Heritage Command A few hours later, the American frigate was chased down by HMS Leopard (50), commanded by Captain Salusbury Humphreys. Hailing Barron, Humphreys requested Chesapeake carry dispatches to Britain. A normal request, Barron agreed and one of Leopards lieutenants rowed across to the American ship. Coming aboard, he presented Barron with orders from Vice Admiral George Berkeley which stated he was to search Chesapeake for deserters. Barron promptly refused this request and the lieutenant departed. A short time later, Leopard hailed Chesapeake. Barron was unable to understand Humphreys message and moments later Leopard fired a shot across Chesapeakes bow before delivering a full broadside into the frigate. Barron ordered the ship to general quarters, but the cluttered nature of the decks made this difficult. As Chesapeake struggled to prepare for battle, the larger Leopard continued to pound the American ship. After enduring fifteen minutes of British fire, during which Chesapeake responded with only one shot, Barron struck his colors. Coming aboard, the British removed four sailors from Chesapeake before departing. In the incident, three Americans were killed and eighteen, including Barron, were wounded. Badly battered, Chesapeake limped back to Norfolk. For his part in the affair, Barron was court-martialed and suspended from the US Navy for five years. A national humiliation, the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair led to a diplomatic crisis and President Thomas Jefferson banned all British warships from American ports. The affair also led to the Embargo Act of 1807 which devastated the American economy. War of 1812 Repaired, Chesapeake later saw patrol duty enforcing the embargo with Captain Stephen Decatur in command. With the beginning of the War of 1812, the frigate was fitting out at Boston in preparation to sail as part of squadron consisting of USS United States (44) and USS Argus (18). Delayed, Chesapeake remained behind when the other ships sailed and did not leave port until mid-December. Commanded by Captain Samuel Evans, the frigate conducted a sweep of the Atlantic and captured six prizes before arriving back at Boston on April 9, 1813. In poor health, Evans left the ship the following month and was replaced by Captain James Lawrence. Captain James Lawrence, USN. US Naval History and Heritage Command Battle with HMS Shannon Taking command, Lawrence found the ship in poor condition and the crews morale low as enlistments were expiring and their prize money was tied up in court. Working to appease the remaining sailors, he also began recruiting to fill out the crew. As Lawrence worked to ready his ship, HMS Shannon (38), commanded by Captain Philip Broke, began blockading Boston. In command of the frigate since 1806, Broke had built Shannon into a crack ship with an elite crew. On May 31, after learning that Shannon had moved closer to the harbor, Lawrence decided to sail out and battle the British frigate. Putting to sea the next day, Chesapeake, now mounting 50 guns, emerged from the harbor. This corresponded to a challenge sent by Broke that morning, though Lawrence never received the letter. Though Chesapeake possessed a larger armament, Lawrences crew was green and many had yet to train on the ships guns. HMS Shannon leads the captured USS Chesapeake into Halifx harbor, June 1813. Library and Archives Canada (Public Domain) Flying a large banner proclaiming Free Trade and Sailors Rights, Chesapeake met the enemy around 5:30 p.m. approximately twenty miles east of Boston. Nearing, the two ships exchanged broadsides and soon after became entangled. As Shannons guns began sweeping Chesapeakes decks, both captains gave the order to board. Shortly after issuing this order, Lawrence was mortally wounded. His loss and Chesapeakes bugler failing to sound the call led the Americans to hesitate. Surging aboard, the Shannons sailors succeeded in overwhelming Chesapeakes crew after bitter fighting. In the battle, Chesapeake lost 48 killed and 99 wounded while Shannon suffered 23 killed and 56 wounded. Repaired at Halifax, the captured ship served in the Royal Navy as HMS Chesapeake until 1815. Sold four years later, many of its timbers were used in the Chesapeake Mill in Wickham, England.