The Death of Major Peirson, Jersey, 6 January 1781

Engraving after John Singleton Copley.

In 1778 the French joined the American War of Independence (1775-1783) and in 1781 around 700 of their soldiers landed on Jersey. They moved inland and captured the Lord Lieutenant of Jersey, Major Corbet. He was fooled into believing that a force of 4,000 men had invaded, and that if he did not submit St Helier would be burnt.

Corbet surrendered and ordered the Elizabeth Castle garrison to do likewise. They refused and fired upon the French when they approached the castle. The British troops and local militia then followed the retreating French into the town square where a brief but bloody battle was fought. The British commander, Major Peirson, was killed, but the French were defeated.