In July 1813, British troops seized St. Clements and St. George Islands and established a base at Point Lookout. From there they repeatedly raided the countryside, terrorizing local residents. They intensified their assault in the summer of 1814 with a series of raids along the Potomac side of St. Mary's County, beginning with Leonardtown. On July 19, the British approached the town by land and water. A regiment of county militia stationed in Leonardtown withdrew in advance of the enemy. Meeting no resistance, the British spared the town the devastation they inflicted at Chaptico and elsewhere.