Clow Rebellion facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Clow Rebellion
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date April 14–17, 1778 Location Kenton, Delaware Result Patriot Victory
Belligerents
United States	Loyalist militia
Commanders and leaders
Charles Pope	Cheney Clow
Strength
Delaware and Maryland Militia	200 Loyalists
Casualties and losses
1 dead	1 dead

The Clow Rebellion was a small uprising during the American Revolutionary War. It happened in April 1778 near the border of Maryland and Delaware. This rebellion was led by a man named Cheney Clow, who supported the British (called a Loyalist). American forces, known as Patriots, stopped the rebellion.

What Caused the Rebellion?

The rebellion started because of a supply mission. In early 1778, a group of American soldiers arrived in the area. They were led by Henry Lee III. Their job was to gather food and supplies for the Continental Army. These soldiers were stationed at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Collecting these supplies made some local people unhappy. This discontent led to the formation of a group of rebels. By mid-April, this group had grown larger. They united under the leadership of Cheney Clow.

Clow's Fort and the First Fight

Cheney Clow commanded about 200 Loyalists. These were people who remained loyal to the British King. Clow built a small fort on his own land. This fort was located northwest of Dover, near what is now Kenton, Delaware.

General William Smallwood heard about Clow's group. He sent Colonel Charles Pope to deal with the situation. Colonel Pope gathered local militia, who were citizen soldiers. On April 14, Pope's militia approached Clow's fort to investigate.

Clow responded by sending 150 of his men to face Pope's militia. A short but intense fight broke out. One person from each side was killed. Colonel Pope's forces had to retreat. He then asked for more soldiers to help defeat Clow's group.

The End of the Rebellion

Colonel Pope received reinforcements. These new soldiers came from both the Maryland and Delaware militia. With more troops, Pope attacked Clow's fort again. This final attack happened on April 16 or 17.

The Loyalists were defeated and scattered. The militia then burned Clow's fort to the ground. Many of the Loyalist rebels were captured. However, Cheney Clow himself managed to escape during the chaos.

What Happened to Cheney Clow?

A few years later, in 1782, the state of Delaware took legal action against Clow. He was accused of treason, which means betraying one's country. Clow was found guilty in 1783. He was sentenced to be executed. However, the execution did not happen until 1788.