An inconclusive 1781 skirmish near Williamsburg, Virginia, reflecting Lafayette's effort to isolate and engage Cornwallis's separated forces during the war's final campaign.
Key Facts
- Date
- 26 June 1781
- Conflict
- American Revolutionary War
- British Commander
- Lt. Col. John Graves Simcoe
- American Commander
- Col. Richard Butler
- Location
- Near Williamsburg, Virginia
- Outcome
- Inconclusive
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
As Cornwallis moved his army toward Williamsburg from central Virginia, Lafayette shadowed the British force. Recognizing that Simcoe's detachment had become separated from Cornwallis's main army, Lafayette seized the opportunity to cut Simcoe off before he could rejoin his commander.
On 26 June 1781, American light forces under Colonel Richard Butler clashed with British forces under Lieutenant Colonel John Graves Simcoe near a tavern at a road intersection close to Williamsburg, Virginia. The engagement pitted light detachments from both Lafayette's and Cornwallis's armies against each other in a sharp but limited skirmish.
Both sides disengaged when each became concerned that the other's main army might reinforce the field. The battle ended inconclusively, with neither side achieving a decisive result, and the campaign continued toward its eventual climax at Yorktown later that year.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Colonel Richard Butler, Marquis de Lafayette (overall).
Side B
1 belligerent
Lieutenant Colonel John Graves Simcoe, General Lord Cornwallis (overall).