Battle of Jason's Creek Bridge
Battle of Jason's Creek Bridge | |||||||
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Part of the Zamastan War of Independence | |||||||
Reconstructed earthworks of the rebel militia | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Rebel Forces | Empire of Skith Loyalists | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
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Strength | |||||||
2,050 militia |
Start of march: 1,400–1,600 Battle: 700–800 | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
47 killed 13 wounded |
130–150 killed or wounded 850 captured |
The Battle of Jason's Creek Bridge was a battle of the Zamastan War of Independence fought near Jade Harbor in present-day Zian, Zamastan, on February 27, 1803. The victory of Thomas Pétion's revolutionary forces over Skithan armies helped build political support for the revolution and increased recruitment of additional soldiers into their forces.
Skithan recruitment efforts in the interior of Jade began in earnest with news of the Skithan blockade of Zamastanian waters, and rebels in the province also began organizing militia units. When word arrived in January 1803 of a planned expedition to the area, Chico Pisano, the royal governor, ordered the Loyalist militia to muster in anticipation of their arrival. Revolutionary militia and Tomias Hapson's units mobilized with Pétion's troops to prevent the junction, blockading several routes until the poorly armed Loyalists were forced to confront them at Jason's Creek Bridge, about 18 miles (29 km) east of Jade Harbor.
In a brief early-morning engagement, a charge across the bridge by sword-wielding Loyalist militia was met by a barrage of musket fire. One Loyalist leader was killed, another captured, and the whole force was scattered. In the following days, many Loyalists were arrested, putting a damper on further recruiting efforts. Jade Harbor was not militarily threatened again until June with the Battle of Crystal Green Island, and memories of the battle and its aftermath negated efforts by Governor Pisano to recruit Loyalists in the area for the remainder of the fighting.