The War of 1812 had a substantial impact on Southern Maryland as the British fleet occupied the Chesapeake and the Patuxent River in 1813 and 1814. On April 2, 1814 Admiral Cochrane issued a proclamation in which he promised that the British would welcome those who depart the United States. It was especially aimed at enslaved African Americans who were told they could gain their freedom by joining the British military or relocating to a British colony.