Battle of Chelsea Creek

May 27-28, 1775

American victory

The Battle of Chelsea Creek or the Battle of Hog Island was the second military engagement of the Revolution and was fought on May 27th and 28th on Chelsea Creek and the salt marshes and islands in Boston Harbor. The engagement began as John Stark’s 1st New Hampshire Regiment conducted a raid on Noddle’s Island to deprive the British of supplies. The rising smoke of burning hay alerted the Royal Navy, which responded in force to stop them. Royal Marines pursued the raiding force which eventually halted to return fire, starting a brisk firefight. The Marines drew off and Stark’s men were able to return to safety. While supporting the Royal Marines, the British schooner Diana ran aground and was eventually captured by New England troops under Israel Putnam and burned. While a relatively minor action, this engagement showed the willingness and audacity of the New England troops to brave the guns of the Royal Navy, a prelude to engagements around Boston the following month.