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Today in History: First Privateer Battle of Revolutionary War Begins

6/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On June 29, 1776, the Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet marked the first privateer engagement of the American Revolutionary War near Cape May, New Jersey. This naval conflict, led by Captain John Barry, resulted in the war's first American casualty, Lieutenant Richard Wickes, highlighting the early struggles of the Continental Navy against British forces.

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Story summary

On June 29, 1776, the Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet marked the first privateer engagement of the American Revolutionary War near Cape May, New Jersey. This naval conflict, led by Captain John Barry, resulted in the war's first American casualty, Lieutenant Richard Wickes, highlighting the early struggles of the Continental Navy against British forces.