Joseph Hutchings and the Battle of Kemp's Landing
The Battle of Kemp’s Landing was the first major fight of the Revolutionary War to take place in the South.
Joseph Hutchings, the Patriot commander, was a former member of the House of Burgesses who would only participate in this one battle during the war.
Joseph Hutchings
During the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, Joseph Hutchings was an active member of Virginia’s House of Burgesses.
In these circumstances, Hutchings signed both the Virginia Nonimportation Resolutions and the Association of Members of the Late house of Burgesses. The latter of these included a call for a meeting which resulted in the First Continental Congress.
Joseph was also selected as a Colonel and put in command of a Regiment of Minutemen for Norfolk County.
Lord Dunmore
Six months after the war erupted, Virginia’s Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, had assembled a military force of his own and began moving out to take supplies from the Patriots.
Unbeknownst to the public, Dunmore had just issued a soon-to-be-famous proclamation which put the colonies under martial law. Furthermore, it granted freedom to slaves who left their masters to fight with the British (a move that would bother Loyalists just as much as Rebels).
Among the slaves who fled to Dunmore’s side were several who belonged to Joseph Hutchings.
The Battle of Kemp’s Landing
Having learned of Dunmore’s movements, Hutchings called together his militia.
Along with fellow officer Anthony Lawson, Joseph decided to ambush Dunmore at Kemp’s Landing.
Dunmore became aware of the ambush and, despite being outnumbered, was able to use his well trained Regulars to overcome Hutchings’ men.
While retreating, Joseph was taken prisoner by one of his own slaves.
Immediately after the Battle of Kemp’s Landing, Dunmore announced his proclamation.
Prison Ship
Hutchings was put on a prison ship following his capture.
Shortly thereafter, the city of Norfolk was burned and with it went Joseph’s house and belongings.
Sadly, like many residents on these prison ships, Joseph Hutchings fell ill. His parole had been arranged but before he was released he passed away while still in the custody of the British.
Want to learn about PRISON SHIPS in the Revolutionary War?
OK, here you go:
Hell in the Harbor - Death on Board the HMS Jersey
Elizabeth Lewis Stands Confidently Against the British
Neither Joseph Hutchings nor the Battle of Kemp’s Landing have book on them.
However, certain topics we discussed today give me reason to recommend ‘Forced Founders’ which covers some of the less appreciated communities of the American Founding.
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
Want to get fun American Revolution articles straight to your inbox every morning?
Subscribe to my email list here.
You can also support this site on Patreon by clicking here.
Thanks for your support!
