MEIGS RAID

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR

From Sachem’s Head Harbor, Guilford, CT, on May 23, 1777, 170 men, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs, rowed across Long Island Sound to raid and destroy a British supply outpost at Sag Harbor, New York.

During the engagement with the enemy, not one of his men was killed or wounded, and 90 prisoners were taken.

Congress voted to recognize Lieutenant-Colonel Meigs for the “Prudence, Activity, Enterprise and Valor” in which the 25-hour expedition was conducted.  Lieutenant-Colonel Meigs was awarded a prestigious presentation sword for his heroism.