Turkey Hill
At 8 AM the British forces under the command of Von Der Malsburg chased Col. John Laurens and his American troops. There were skirmishes up West (Main) Road as the two sides made contact.
Skirmish at West Main Road and Union Street
The first skirmish in the Battle of Rhode Island was around 7AM on August, 29, 1778.
Skirmish at East Main Road and Union Street
Early the morning of August, 29, 1778, British General Pigot sent General Smith up the East (Main) Road toward Quaker Hill.
Significant People
Some of those young soldiers who fought in the Battle of Rhode Island or participated in the Siege of Newport went on to brilliant careers.
Quaker Hill
After a skirmish with Wade’s American forces, British General Smith and the 43rd Regiment pushed up Middle Road while the 22nd Regiment proceeded up East Main Road.
Patriot’s Retreat to Tiverton
Sullivan justifies the retreat:
“Lord Howe and his fleet were approaching…”
Eyewitness Accounts
We are fortunate to have eyewitness accounts of the Battle of Rhode Island. One of those accounts is by Lieut.-Colonel Samuel Ward, Junior.
The Aftermath of the Battle
A diary entry by Israel Angell gives us a glimpse of the aftermath of the Battle of Rhode Island.
Lehigh Hill
The skirmishes around Lehigh Hill have taken on importance because of the presence of the Black Regiment.
Skirmish Timelines & Maps
Action in the Battle of Rhode Island took place along what we call East and West Main Roads. It was the East Road and West Road to them. Sometimes there were two or more actions going on at approximately the same time.
