On February 5, 1813, Captain George Burdett, on board the HMS San Domingo near Norfolk, issued a public notice announcing the British blockade of the Chesapeake Bay:
“I do hereby certify to all of whom it may concern, that the ports and harbors of the Bay of the Chesapeake are this day put in a state of strict and rigorous blockade. Given under my hand, on board the San Domingo, in Lynnhaven Bay in the Chesapeake, this 5th day of February, 1813, Captain George Burdett, R.N.”
The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty had directed the British Navy to blockade the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays on December 26, 1812. Learn more about the British blockade of the Chesapeake from Maryland in the War of 1812 by Scott Sheads.