Between the burning of Washington and the attack on Fort McHenry was the Battle of Caulk’s Field on the Delmarva Peninsula in Kent County, MD.
Taking place on the night of August 30, and early morning hours of August 31, 1814, Captain Sir Peter Parker, commander of the frigate HM Menelaus, learning of a a company of Maryland militiamen in Belle Air, now called Fairlee, led a force of about 140 marines and sailors onto the shore near Tolchester.
The two units came together at around 1am. The battle ultimately would have fourteen British soldiers and sailors, including Parker, dead. Twelve are buried in unmarked graves. As many as 27 were wounded, some seriously, with only three Americans with minor wounds.
The Battle of Caulk’s Field was declared a militia victory, one that was sorely needed at the time.
The Highway Historical Marker can be seen on MD20 half-way between Chestertown. Turn right onto MD21 towards Tolchester and shortly you’ll see the Memorial Monument commemorating the battle and the 14 British Sailors killed. The Battlefield is private property.
