The Incident at Welbourne

May 31 - June 1, 2008

Virginia. Spring, 1781.

General William Phillips leads a British command across Virginia, hammering the local Whig militia and raiding with impunity. In response to this nearly unchecked aggression, General Washington sends the Marquis de Lafayette south with a strong force of Continentals. Before Lafayette arrives, Phillips takes Petersburg, burning stores, capturing supplies and destroying all Whig vessels on the James. Lafayette then secures Richmond and Lord Cornwallis responds by moving north from Wilmington with his army and entering Virginia. In the face of Cornwallis' greater numbers, Lafayette falls back to await promised reinforcement from General Anthony Wayne. During this wait an American picket of cavalry, light infantry and militia takes its post as an advanced guard against the expected British advance. Meanwhile, Lord Cornwallis sends forward a column of light infantry and cavalry to scout out his route of march.