The George Baylor Massacre
George Baylor was an aide-de-camp for General Washington.
Baylor later commanded a cavalry unit who was ambush by the British.
George Baylor
By the beginning of the American Revolution, George Baylor was already known by certain influential Founders.
His father had served with George Washington during the French and Indian War and the new Commander-in-Chief had a strong opinion of Baylor’s merits.
As such, Baylor was asked to serve as an aide-de-camp to Washington through the first year and a half of the war.
Changing Departments
Washington’s letters compliment Baylor’s ability as a horseman and his desire to please, but frequently criticized his ability two write.
This seems to be the reason George was removed as an aide-de-camp, with Washington writing to Charles Lee, “the duties of an Aid de Camp at Head Quarters cannot be properly discharged by any but Pen-men.”
This was not a problem, however, as Baylor was promoted to Colonel and given command of the 3rd Continental Dragoons, a cavalry unit.
The Baylor Massacre
In September of 1778, Baylor and his men were encamped in New Jersey when they were ambushed by an outfit of redcoats.
Fifteen of the men were killed and the rest were taken as prisoners of war.
Baylor himself was stabbed with a bayonet and was taken into custody. He was fortunate to survive and was exchanged several months later.
Barbados
The British attack was labelled a massacre and became a rallying cry for the Patriots.
As for Baylor, he never fully recovered from his wounds.
After the war concluded, George went to Barbados to recuperate, a method often recommended when doctors did not know how to resolve an issue.
This did not work, and George Baylor passed away outside of the nation he helped create.
I have written several articles about MASSACRES and BAYONET ATTACKS.
Here are a few of my favorites:
William Ledyard and the Fort Griswold Massacre
Bayonets at Night - Anthony Wayne Gets Mad
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