Saint John: Nothing Happened Here
Many people think that nothing significant ever really happened in Saint John, New Brunswick. This history podcast challenges those thoughts by uncovering little known tales from the city and providing fresh perspectives on the people, places and events of the past.
Saint John: Nothing Happened Here
Except for the American Privateer Raid of 1775
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In this episode, we are joined by guest co-host, Peter Gillies, to chat about the 1775 American Privateer Raid on Saint John Harbour.
At the start of the American Revolution, privateers were used to disrupt British supply lines, especially to the besiege soldiers who were trying to hold Boston. Before Saint John was Saint John, there were two small settlements around the harbour: Portland Point and Conway. In August of 1775, a British ship named the Loyal Briton arrived at Portland Point and began loading supplies bound for Boston. The Americans caught wind of this and sent a 4-gun sloop with 40 armed men to capture the vessel.
Portland Point and Conway were virtually unprotected, making it easy for the Americans to seize the ship. While they were at, they also pillaged and burned down Fort Frederick and took 12 people prisoner.
In response to the raid, the British sent warships to the Bay of Fundy, Annapolis Royal, and Halifax. They did not, however, commit any resources to defending Portland Point and Conway. These communities would remain sitting ducks, and the Americans would return.
Show Notes: https://www.nothinghappenedhere.ca/post/except-for-the-raid-of-1775