"There is a Destiny which has the control of our actions, not to be resisted by the strongest efforts of Human Nature."- George Washington, 1758
Chapter Three: The Potomac War
News of Virginia’s secession reached the Congress of the Confederation by March 21st. They assembled and debate quickly ensued. The delegates from the New England states argued against going to war for Virginia, while the southern states argued that if Virginia is separates, more states soon will follow. Ultimately, by March 26th, they voted in favor of going to war over Virginia.
They called for an army of 2500 soldiers to be assembled to fight Virginia. Major General, Benjamin Lincoln, was chosen to lead this army. The army was not fully assembled until May 1st. Most of the soldiers in the army were pulled from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. The army had 2000 infantrymen, 200 cavalry, and 50 artillery pieces manned by 300 artillerymen. When the army was put together they moved south , hoping that one blow would quickly defeat the Virginians… he would be wrong.
Lincolns army reached the northern end Frederick County, Maryland by May 9th. They encamped their while General Lincoln developed a plan of attack on Virginia. General Henry Lee would not be beat in speed. His army had crossed the Potomac river further south near Frederick’s Town on the 8th, and was keeping his army concealed in the woods. On May 11th Lee’s forces came out of hiding. They attacked without warning, gaining the element of surprise. The attack damaged the enemy resolve more then their actual army. At the end of the skirmish Lincoln held the field, but Lee showed that he was willing to attack without warning(contrary to his style in the revolution).
After the battle of Fredrick’s Town the two armies clashed again, this time near Log Town on May 18th. This battle was less decisive then the previous one, with both Lee and Lincoln retreating. Lincoln knew that in order to do a fatal blow to Virginia, he would need to win a victory on Virginian soil. He and his armies manage to cross the Potomac River near Loudon Heights. Lee had thought Lincoln would continue moving south until they could cross the river closer to Richmond.
Lincoln attacked Harper’s Ferry on May 27th. The local militia assembled to defend, but was not able to hold back Lincoln. News of this defeat reached Lee on June 2nd. Lee turned his army west and crossed the Potomac river. Lincoln may have gained a victory and put some distance between him and Lee, but his big mistake was when he moved from Harper’s Ferry into the Shenandoah Valley. Militias were called up through the entire region. They were ordered not to engage Lincoln correctly, but instead perform hit and run attacks. By June 20th Lincoln’s army could not drudge through the valley anymore, and headed back north toward Harper’s Ferry.
When Lincoln’s army finally reached Harper’s Ferry, they were met by Henry Lee. This began the 2nd Battle of Harper’s Ferry on July 13th. The battle began in the early afternoon, and by 4 pm Lincoln retreated north across the Potomac and back to Loudon Heights.
Lincoln has less then 2100 of his soldiers left. He’s lost all of his artillery and most of his cavalry, with the remaining casualties from the infantry. Out of Lee’s original 1700, just under 1600 remain. Along with the original troops, Lee has gained additional men from different militias they have passed by in Virginia, mostly riflemen. After the recruitment from militias, Lee’s force was just under 1900.
From this point on the war became a long series of river crossings and repulsions. This continued for several months. In October, the enlistment time for all the men ran out, and most went home back to their farms and families in time for a late harvest. Lincoln offered a pay bonus (which he didn’t have the power to do) to anyone who would stay. Just over 100 men stayed for the money, but by this point there wasn’t a large enough army to make it worth it. He went to Congress and told them that he needed to assemble a new army, but with fall already here, and the harvest season in full swing, they knew they would not likely get any volunteers. There was a proposition to conscript men into service, but many of the farmers (former soldiers) hadn’t been paid for their service in the revolution, and would not likely obey a draft order.
In November a peace delegation was sent to Virginia. They attempted to convince the heads of the Virginia government to rejoin the United States. They made several offers to Virginia: Ownership of the Potomac River, removing all debt from Virginia, and paying all the pensions of Virginia officers. These propositions were discussed by the Virginia legislature, which they voted against. The only option was complete independence and sovereignty.
In January of 1791, the United States and Virginia sent delegations to Annapolis, Maryland. Virginia sent 4 delegates: Richard Henry Lee, James Madison, Patrick Henry, and James Monroe. Representing the United States were Henry Knox, John Jay, and Benjamin Lincoln. The American delegation did not have a specific task to perform, they were merely instructed to get the best deal possible. The Virginia delegation had several objectives; Recognition of Independence and Sovereignty, annexation of the Potomac River, all the land south of the Ohio river and north of the 36.5 Parallel. Virginia had a list of other possible objectives, that if attainable without sacrificing the major goals, were to be acquired.
.They met on January 17th, in the state house of Maryland. Though most of them had met before, it was now as representatives of foreign nations. After 10 days of debate and negotiation, the Treaty of Annapolis, was signed on January 27th. The main provisions of the Annapolis Treaty were:
.The United States is to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Common Wealth of Virginia.
.The Potomac River is considered territorial water of Virginia.
.The 36.5 parallel from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River would be the southern border of Virginia, and all land above it and below the Ohio river are recognized as Virginia territory.
.The traditional border lines of Virginia are to be the current borders of Virginia
.Virginia gives up claims in the Northwest Territory.
.U.S. merchants are allowed access to the Potomac River.
.The treaty was drafted and signed, and now had to be approved by both the Congress of the Confederation, and the Virginia Legislature. The Treaty reached the Virginia house of delegates and senate on February 7th. Both houses voted unanimously to approve them. However the Congress of the Confederation was not so interested in signing so soon.
In order for the treaty to be passed in the Congress of the Confederation, all states must approve. Maryland and North Carolina refused to vote yes on the treaty. This issue would continue to be debated in the Congress until there was a unanimous vote.
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