By the summer of 1775, British control over the Colony of Virginia was in peril and Dunmore looked to Norfolk, the most heavily populated town in Virginia and the largest seaport between New York and Charleston. The occupation of Norfolk and Hampton Roads and control of the Chesapeake Bay were vital to Dunmore in his effort to maintain British sovereignty. He was joined by units of the British 14th Regiment of Foot, commanded by Captain Samuel Leslie.
On his way to try to establish a base of operations in Norfolk, the governor conducted raids in Norfolk and Princess Anne Counties, including a brief skirmish at Kemp's Landing on November 14th. The patriot "shirtmen" were easily routed and two officers were captured.
Because Great Bridge provided the only landward approach to Norfolk, Dunmore issued an order on November 14th for construction of a small stockade fort on an island north of the bridge and east of the causeway that crossed nearly a half mile of swamp. Aptly named Fort Murray, it was garrisoned by a unit of regular troops, a group of volunteers called the Queen's Own Loyal Virginia Regiment, and a number of runaway slaves.
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