Capture of the Dolphin

Lancaster County · dedicated 2010 · Route 3, on the Lancaster side of the Robert O. Norris Bridge

On 3 April 1813, one of the largest naval engagements in Virginia waters during the War of 1812 took place at the mouth of Corrotoman River. One hundred five British naval and marine forces under Lt. Polkinghorne managed to subdue four American privateers: Arab, Dolphin, Lynx, and Racer. The largest ship, Dolphin, out of Baltimore, had twelve guns and one hundred men commanded by Capt. W.J. Stafford. Stafford stubbornly refused to give up when the other ships were taken, and defended his ship until he was severely wounded and his ship boarded.

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Capture of the Dolphin

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