Letters from an American October 17, 2025
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Oct 18, 2025 Dive into the fiery tales of Falmouth's destruction in 1775. Discover how British bombardments and local protests fueled tensions leading to chaos. Hear about Captain Mowat's failed ultimatum and the town's heroic resistance. The shocking political backfire after the burning galvanized colonial resolve for independence. Learn how this act of aggression united citizens in outrage and fostered a sense of shared purpose against British rule.
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Mowat's Devastating Raid On Falmouth
- Captain Henry Mowat ordered incendiary fire that burned nearly all of Falmouth on October 18, 1775.
- Sailors and landing parties destroyed about 400 wooden buildings, leaving the town smoldering ruins.
Colonial Militias Seized British Vessels
- Local militias captured British officers and ships, including Captain Mowat briefly on shore and the Margareta in Machias.
- These captures and privateer raids escalated coastal harassment of British shipping in 1775.
Raids Prompted Britain To Choose Force
- Privateer raids convinced the British cabinet that force was necessary to suppress the rebellion.
- Vice Admiral Samuel Graves ordered punitive raids to terrorize coastal towns and regain control.