During the War of 1812, the Kent County Militia, under the command of Lt. Col. Philip A. Reed, marched on Belle Air (Fairlee) to confront British forces at Caulk's Field. On August 31, 1814, the British were repulsed. Their commander, Sir Peter Parker, was mortally wounded and brought to the Mitchell House for possible aid. Upon his ultimate demise there, his body was transported back to his native England, preserved in a barrel of rum. This is designated in the legend recorded in the Maryland Registry of old homesites. From plantation to private home to nursing home to B&B, the Mitchell House is steeped in history.