American Revolution in Massachusetts

In an effort to halt the British practice of raiding farms on the harbor islands and coastal towns for supplies, the Massachusetts Committee of Safety under Joseph Warren ordered that the livestock be removed from Noddle's Island, Hog Island, Snake Island, and coastal Chelsea. A few days after the skirmish on Grape Island a contingent of local colonial soldiers headed by Colonel John Stark were spotted by the British burning hay on Noddle’s Island.

British Vice Admiral Graves then ordered the royal marines to land on the island and engage the colonists. The two-day running battle on the islands, salt marshes, and mudflats of the harbor was the second major military engagement of the war. Several ships and barges were sent to provide support to the British, including the armed schooner HMS Diana. The Diana became stuck in the shallow waters of Chelsea Creek, and was subsequently abandoned by her crew. Colonists quickly stripped the ship of anything valuable before destroying it by setting it on fire.

Casualties
Colonists: 4 wounded
British: 2 killed, several wounded

Result
American victory

Aftermath
The Colonists succeeding in removing or destroying livestock and other supplies, thus keeping them out of reach of the British. The successful capture and destruction of the Diana would also prove to be a significant morale booster. Israel Putnam, who had led a group of colonial reinforcements during the battle, would be made a General in the Continental Army.

General Gage ordered canons to be placed atop Copp’s Hill, Vice Admiral Graves had one of his ships moved to deeper water and sent a contingent of army regulars to secure Noddle’s Island.