Caulk's Field

On August 30, 1814, approximately 260 British troops under the command of Capt. Sir Peter Parker advanced on the American encampment of 170 militia under the command of Col. Philip Reed. Parker attempted a feint to keep the Americans guessing about their true intent, but Parker was mortally wounded. The British withdrew unaware that the Americans were nearly out of ammunition and on the verge of retreat.

Americans view the battle as a British defeat. The engagement was of little strategic importance, but it did cost the Royal Navy one of its most promising young officers and stopped the British from further plundering and burning the farms in the area.