Adit and I went for an outing to Fort Griswold in Groton, CT. It is a revolutionary era fort on a hill next to Thames river. It is a small fort but is not a disappointing one like most other forts in USA. It has some rock fortifications, but mostly earthen berms. The most interesting feature is the two levels: one on the top of the hill and another one with many canon positions closer to the river at the bottom of the hill. There is a covered passage, part of it is a tunnel that connects the top and bottom levels of the fort.

On September 6th 1781, this fort saw its most intense battle for about 40 minutes and was lost to the British army under the command of a local Connecticut traitor, Benedict Arnold (America’s own Khandoji Khopade). American Colonel Ledyard finally surrendered by giving up his sword to the British and was instantly killed by his own sword and rest of the American force was massacred. Here is the whole story:

Tangled woods and swamps slowed the British force of 800 that landed on the east side of the Thames River. A battalion of New Jersey loyalists responsible for moving the artillery could not keep pace with the Regulars who came within striking distance of Fort Griswold at 10 a.m. Meanwhile, the fort had been garrisoned with about 150 colonial militia and local men under the command of Colonel William Ledyard. Colonel Ledyard and his officers, expecting reinforcements momentarily, elected to defend the post against the superior force. Colonel Eyre, the British commander, sent forward a flag demanding surrender. Ledyard refused. The demand was made again and Eyre threatened that if he were forced to storm the fort, no quarter would be given to its defenders. The response was the same.

The British force immediately spread their ranks and advanced on Fort Griswold. As they neared the ditch, they were met with an artillery barrage that killed and wounded many, but the seasoned and disciplined troops continued their charge. Some tried to gain the southwest bastion but they were repulsed and Colonel Eyre was badly wounded. Under heavy musket fire, another group dislodged some pickets and by hand to hand combat reached a cannon and turned it against the garrison. Another party led by Major Montgomery charged with fixed bayonets. They were met with long spears and the major was killed. A few of the Regulars managed to reach the gate and open it and the enemy force marched in, in formation. Seeing this, Colonel Ledyard ordered his me to stop fighting, but some action continued on both sides.

American and British accounts of the subsequent events are at odds. The American version holds that after Ledyard gave up his sword in surrender he was immediately killed with it and that a massacre ensued. Before the “massacre” it is claimed that less than ten Americans had been killed, but when it was over, more than eighty of the garrison lay dead and mutilated and more than half of the remainder were severely wounded. The British version makes no mention of the massacre or the manner of Ledyard’s death. The entire battle had lasted only 40 minutes.

Adit had a lot of fun going back and forth through the tunnel. First he was skeptical to go in the dark passageway but followed me when I went in. It was a cold and cloudy day. We stayed at the fort for about 45 minutes before going back to the warm car.