The Battle of Westham, VA

On this day in 1781,

From Richmond, Lt. Col. John Graves Simcoe, with his Queen's Rangers ride to Henrico County and destroys the only cannon foundry in the state. Meanwhile Arnold's expedition meets small resistance from a few militia, and then plunders and destroys much of the town, capturing or spiking five brass guns, 300 stand of arms, and some quartermaster stores at The Battle of Westham, VA.
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Washington

On this day in 1777,

Washington establishes a winter headquarters in Morristown, NJ and keeps a watchful eye on the British in New York until March.

Washington has come to the realization that in order to win the War for Independence, he need not have to defeat the British, he just must not loose to them.
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Battle of Haddrell's Point

On this day in 1776,

HMS Tamar and Cherokee exchange fire with shore batteries and an auger sent to defend a detained fishing boat near Sullivan's Island. Neither side claims victory and the British ships leave the harbor after the Battle of Haddrell's Point.
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The Battle of Richmond

On this day in 1781,

Now British Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold begins his approach on Richmond, the seat of government in Virginia. Governor Thomas Jefferson flees from the approaching troops and Arnold easily takes, then burns the city during The Battle of Richmond.
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Princeton

On this day in 1777,

Washington's troops strike at the two British regiments leaving town inflicting great losses. Hamilton's guns silences fire erupting from Princeton College.

These two victories for the Americans bolster Washington's prestige. The crushing defeat sends Cornwallis back to New York City to camp out the winter with Howe after The Battle of Princeton.
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The Battle of Trenton and Princeton

On this day in 1777,

British garrisons took up positions against Washington at Trenton and both armies settled in for the night after a day of skirmishes as a prelude to the Battle of Trenton and Princeton.

1777 was called the "year of the hangman" because reversed, the sevens resembled gallows.
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Battle of Norfolk

On this day in 1776,

Having retreated to Norfolk after the Battle of Great Bridge, Lord Dunmore takes refuge aboard ships in the harbor. Running short of provisions, he bombards Norfolk, until the locals send supplies. Dunmore departs for Gwynn Island, the new base for Tories after the Battle of Norfolk.
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