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HISTORY

The David Porter Attack

Alexandria Virginia was captured and held by the British from August 28 to September 3, 1814. The town was captured with virtually no resistance. The sole counterattack was made by US Navy Captain David Porter, Jr.

Porter, without any weapons, carefully observed British sailors plundering a warehouse for some time. Then he saw his chance. Mounting a horse, he charged down the road at the sailors and grabbed one midshipman by the collar. He then rode off down the street attempting to pull the midshipman on to the horse. The boy resisted violently until observers feared that he would choke. Finally the collar gave way and the midshipman was able to escape.

So ended the only American counterattack during the capture of Alexandria.