It is October, 1778. The American army has lost the Battle of Rhode Island. In the aftermath, General Sullivan, the American commander, has expected, almost daily a major British counter attack. With the intention of stemming an invasion of Massachusetts Bay, the General has abandoned Rhode Island and stationed Continental and French forces at several strategic posts along major roadways outside of Rehoboth, Taunton and Attleboro. Located 20 miles north of the posts, the general also established a fortified supply depot. The purpose of the depot is to shuttle necessary supplies to the American army if and when an invasion of Massachusetts comes. Located near Richardson's Tavern in Millis, Massachusetts, this supply depot is protected by elements of Glover's Brigade (the 4th and 15th Massachusetts), a detachment of French troops, several artillery pieces, a squad of dragoons and a large contingent of Massachusetts militia. The depot is supported by three redoubts, two of which overlook the major roadway leading to the station. Supplies inside the depot include clothing, ammunition, gun powder, food, equipment, tents, entrenching tools and muskets. On September 25, 1778, General Robert Pigot, British commander in Newport, learned of the supply depot via his loyalist intelligence network. Concerned that the depot could support a second invasion of Rhode Island, General Pigot is determined to destroy the station at all costs. During planning, Pigot discovers that Sullivan has left a corridor through Wrentham to Millis unprotected. He orders a large force of British and German troops, artillery and horse to advance on the depot via the Town of Wrentham and destroy the depot. Upon completion of the mission, the force is to retire back to Rhode Island. To prevent Sullivan from stopping the British expedition to Millis, he coordinates a diversionary attack against Taunton. On the evening of October 15th, the British force advances on Millis. By the next day, the force is in Medfield and is less than 5 miles away from the depot. Without support from Sullivan, General Glover orders Colonel Timothy Bigelow, commander of the 15th Massachusetts and a native of Worcester, to stop the attack. Leaving a small contingent behind to man the redoubts, Colonel Bigelow takes the remainder of American forces and attacks the British column.
The fight in Medfield is violent and drawn out. At the conclusion, Bigelow is forced to retreat or face defeat. Bigelow's forces retire back to the fortifications in Millis with the British army hot on its heels. Throughout most of the retreat, the American army is forced to fight a rear guard action. The fight at Richardson's Tavern is about to begin....
The fight at Richardson's Tavern is about to begin....