New Year - Old Project . American War of Independence for Sharp Practice

I got distracted last year and our AWI campaign stalled because of that - basically I needed more figures than I had first calculated, and lost the painting mojo at the same time, which was a shame as the campaign was going quite well. New year, new mojo.

The scenario isn't too complex. Colonel Mitchell and his Cumberland County Militia have been ordered to assault and clear the hastily prepared abbatis that covers the causeway to the Penobscot headland and Fort George. The ground is soft but Mitchell has wisely decided to attack at low tide.

The abbatis is only a stop gap from the British point of view, an obstacle to be defended certainly, but not at the risk of heavy losses (we didn't have one so used a snake fence to mark the position). There is a piquet covering the area commanded by a certain Lt John Moore (yes him) and the combined Light Company under Lt Carfrae is tasked to support them. The abbatis is withing long gun range of the Fort, so some supporting fire could be expected. The British are outnumbered more than 2-1 but have both better troops and better leaders.

The attack proved the old adage "if it can go wrong, it will", at least from the British point of view. The Militia approached the muddy ground, Captain Clapsadler (yes he really existed) leading his two groups of skirmishers forward to be engaged by Moore and his skirmishing piquet. At this point what should have happened was that Moore and his better trained troops should have easily out shot the Rebels. What actually happened was the first hit knocked Moore senseless, and his now leaderless men failed to make any real impact.

Meanwhile Carfrae and his Company were rushing forward, and found themselves a rather useful position to the flank of the main body of militia where they should be able to pour in devastating volley fire. Except after the first volley they discovered their powder was damp and were firing at half effect.

Mitchell advanced the Militia, ably assisted by the Brigade Major, Major Todd. They came under fire from the Fort, but at this long range it only managed to disorder them a little.

With Moore's leaderless skirmishers involved in an ineffective exchange with Clapsadler and his men, and Carfrae unable to cause significant damage due to his damp powder, there was only the fire from Fort George to prevent Mitchell dismantling the abbatis...... and at that point the Redcoat's luck turned from bad to awful. The firing from the fort created a cloud of smoke that obscured the target - meaning no shooting was possible until it cleared. Some hope returned as Lt Moore regained consciousnesses but by now the damage had been done.

The Militia proceeded in clearing the abbatis to their front as ordered.

sorry for the blurry pic - using the phone again for convenience

Then to rub salt into the wounds wheeled to face Carfrae. Luckily at that point fresh powder had arrived, but the Lieutenant remembered the words of his Colonel not to waste his men's lives pointlessly decided he would withdraw. The Militia saw the Redcoats turn around and delivered a well aimed volley into their backs - it was long range but it was a first volley and controlled. Only 2 dead, but a lot of shock.

Then just to make matters worse the Americans drew 4 Command Cards and used them to activate the Militia as a bonus action, and loaded and fired again. Luckily this second volley was from hastily loaded guns and the Militia were no longer able to fore controlled volleys so surprisingly little damage was caused.

Mitchell halted at the line of the abbatis, having succeeded in his mission. Moore and Carfrae withdrew. The path to the Fort is now clear, and in a final twist of fate, some burning wadding has drifted from the cannon fire and has set light to one of the buildings in the fort. A fitting end to a bad day for the 82nd Foot.

In campaign terms this is a big success for the Americans and will allow them access to the main part of the peninsular.  As umpire I think it also will have given the Militia confidence so I have decided to trigger the positive effects of their "Hearth & Home" special characteristic, allowing them to use the "step out" ability for 1 Command Card rather than 2.

Thanks to Andy T and Paul D for taking the role of the Commanders.