Martha's Vineyard

Following his raids on Bedford and New Haven, Maj. Gen. Charles Grey sailed to Martha’s Vineyard on September 10, 1778, to collect livestock and other supplies. He demanded that the island’s residents hand over arms, livestock, and provisions. Although the residents attempted to comply, Grey was unsatisfied and ordered his troops to collect all available resources across the island. The British completed their raid and sailed back to New York City on September 15, 1778.

The Martha's Vineyard Raid had significant local impacts. The supplies, especially the livestock, bolstered the British supply train. By seizing arms and destroying most vessels, the British prevented the island's inhabitants from serving as soldiers or privateers, effectively neutralizing Martha's Vineyard as a threat for the remainder of the war. This raid exemplifies the strategic measures taken by the British to weaken American resources and morale.