This Day in American Military History

7 September 1781: Raid on New London and the Battle of Groton Heights: Connecticut militia led by Colonel William Ledyard were confronted by a large British force led by turncoat General Benedict Arnold. Arnold had raided and burned the town of New London, Connecticut, across the Thames River (part of an effort to divert George Washington’s forces then in Virginia). Ledyard and his militia—only around 160 men—were manning Fort Griswold at Groton Heights. Arnold’s force of more than 1,500 took Fort Griswold after 40 minutes. There are conflicting accounts as to whether the British troops began massacring the fort’s occupants. Eighty-three Americans were killed; Ledyard was either executed or run through with a bayonet. New London and Groton were razed. “Remember New London” became a Yorktown battle cry.

Brandus, Paul. This Day in U.S. Military History (pp. 217-218). Bernan Press. Kindle Edition.