Closen and du Bourg at Habre de Venture

Closen and du Bourg and their party left William Urquhart’s Tavern in Upper Marlboro early on September 14, 1781 headed for Port Tobacco, Closen noted in his journal the “charming residences,” along the way especially the Digges’ home at Mellwood. Closen also notes the fine horses and very good roads, but way too many fences to continually open and close. By mid-afternoon they had reached Habre de Venture, the Charles County residence of Thomas Stone and his family. The sudden appearance of two brightly uniformed French officers and their party was quickly noticed by the three young Stone children, Margaret, Mildred, and Frederick, and they ran from their house through the tall grasses toward the road. Their mother, Margaret Stone, has come outside to see what the children are so excited about and waves. The commotion catches the attention Closen and du Bourg and their party. Clouds portend the momentous events that will unfold over the next month as American and French land and sea forces entrap British General Cornwallis and his army at Yorktown.

 Oil on canvas 24x48 inches