Action at Osborne's facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Action at Osborne's
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Map of the engagement
Date April 27, 1781 Location James River at Osborne's, Chesterfield County, Virginia Result British Victory
Belligerents
United States	Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Benedict Arnold
Units involved
Virginia State Navy Virginia Militia	76th Regiment of Foot 80th Regiment of Foot Queen's Rangers American Legion
Casualties and losses
No fatalities Numerous vessels sunk or captured	None

The Action at Osborne's was a small battle during the American Revolutionary War. It happened on April 27, 1781, on the James River in Virginia. This fight was between British forces and the small Virginia State Navy. The battle ended with a big loss for the Americans. Most of Virginia's navy was destroyed or captured. Also, a large amount of tobacco was lost. At that time, tobacco was used like money in Virginia.

What Happened at Osborne's?

After a battle at Petersburg, British troops needed more supplies. On April 27, 1781, they set out to find them.

British Attack Plan

British General William Phillips led some troops to Chesterfield Court House. There, they destroyed army barracks and food supplies. At the same time, General Benedict Arnold led other British soldiers to Osborne's. Osborne's was a small village on the James River. It was about 15 miles (24 km) south of Richmond.

Osborne's was an important meeting spot for the Virginia State Navy. Their ships were gathered there. They planned to work with the French navy to attack Portsmouth. It was surprising that the ships were left in such an open place. The enemy was very close by.

The Battle Begins

The British moved very quietly. They made sure the Americans did not know they were coming. So, the British forces were very close before the Americans realized it. General Arnold told the American commander to give up. He offered to let them keep half of their cargo if they did not destroy anything.

The American commander, whose name is not known, refused. He sent back a message saying, "We are determined and ready to defend our ships, and will sink them rather than surrender."

When Arnold heard this, he ordered his soldiers to start firing. Two small cannons fired at the back of an American ship called Tempest. Another British captain, Page, fired from a different spot. His shots were very effective. At the same time, some British soldiers moved close to the Tempest. They could shoot anyone who appeared on the ship's deck.

American Ships Fight Back

The American ships, including the Tempest, Renown, and Jefferson, fired back. Some Virginia militia soldiers on the riverbank also joined the fight. But the British had many more soldiers and cannons. The battle was very uneven.

A British cannonball hit the Tempest's anchor rope. The ship turned, showing its side to the British cannons. The crew quickly got into boats and tried to escape. The British did not have boats, and the wind was strong. So, Arnold could not chase them.

The Outcome

The British captured many American ships. They took two large ships, three smaller ships called brigs, two schooners, and five sloops. All these ships were full of tobacco, flour, and ropes. The British also burned or sank four more ships, five brigs, and several smaller vessels. These ships also carried valuable goods.

More than two thousand large barrels of tobacco were destroyed. Other supplies were also lost. The British did not lose any soldiers. It is not known if any Virginians were killed, only that they lost their property. This was a huge blow to Virginia. Losing so much tobacco was very bad. Tobacco was their main way of trading and paying for things. This loss also hurt the American cause in the war.

In the days after the battle, General Phillips and General Arnold marched north. They stopped in Manchester, Virginia. This was a port town across the James River from Richmond.

Images for kids

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  Map of the engagement