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Show battalions of marines. At Charlston Harbor, South Carolina, on November 11 and 12, American Captain Silas Tufts, aboard the Defense, clashed with two British vessels, HMS Tamer and HMS Cherokee, while on a mission to blockade Hog Island Creek. Tufts succeeded in sinking three of four hulks he had towed in to set up the blockade. No casualties were suffered by either side. The British ship Adamant prepared to sail for England with two American passengers 200 years ago this week. The first, Ethan Allen, a prize captive, was below decks in chains. He had been taken during an ill-conceived ill-conceived attack on Montreal on September 25. The second was Mohawk chief Joseph Brant, or Thayendanegea by his tribal name, who had gained fame as a figfhter for the British and a favorite of British Indian superintendent Sir William Johnson. Brant went to London to assess British strength and make the best bargain he could for himself and his people. While there he became the toast of London. He returned to America the following spring to begin a career as one of England's most loyal and ferocious allies. 200 Years ago this week On November 7, 1775, the House of Commons rejected the Continental Congress's Olive Branch Petition. The petition, a last-ditch effort at reconciliation, had been rejected by King George, who refuesed to even read it, on September 1. On November 9, Congress learned that the King had rejected its petition. It also learned on that day that the King had isused a proclamation on August 23, declaring the colonies to be in open rebellion. Virginia Governor Dunmore issued a proclamation on November 7, declaring Virginia under martial law. He established a base at Norfolk and began recruiting a loyalist army. On the same day, the General assembly of Rhode Island deposed Governor Joseph Wanton. He had been suspended on May 3, 1775, for unpatriotic activities. At Phipp's Farm, (Lechmere Point), Massachusetts, nine companies of British light infantry in-fantry and 100 grenadiers landed on November 9, to seize cattle for the Boston Garrison. The Americans, however, feared the landing was more than just a foraging raid, and in panic they launched a counterattack led by Colonel William Thompson with his Pennsylvania Riflemen. The Americans plunged through two feet of icy water, advanced on the British and forced them to withdraw with only 10 cows for their trouble. Two Americans were wounded. Benedict Arnold and his American force, on an expedition into Canada, reached the St. Lawrence on November 9. Arnold Ar-nold had a force of 600 men opposite op-posite Quebec. On November 10, 1775-the date now considered the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. -Congress resolved to raise two |