Battle of Cape Henry

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Battle of Cape Henry Part of the American War of Independence Date 16 March 1781 Location Cape Henry, Virginia. Result French tactical victory; British strategic victory. Combatants Great Britain France Commanders Marriott Arbuthnot Des Touches Strength 8 ships of the line 7 ships of the line 1 frigate

Campaign in North American Waters 1778–1782 Newport – Penobscot – Cape Henry – Chesapeake

The Battle of Cape Henry was naval battle in the American War of Independence which took place near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay on 16 March 1781 between a British squadron led by Vice Admiral Marriott Arbuthnot and a squadron fleet under Captain Des Touches.

In the earlier part of the year the British at New York and the French at Newport continued to watch one another. In March the British Admiral Arbuthnot succeeded in baffling an attempt of the French to carry reinforcements to the American cause in Virginia. The action he fought off the capes of Virginia on the 16th of March was ill conducted, but his main purpose was achieved.