Cryslers Farm 11-11-1813

I ran this game using Carnage and Glory II computer moderated gaming system at Cold Wars (March) and again at Huzzah (May 4, 2013). US General Wilkerson, under pressure from Secretary of War Armstrong, has finally gotten his troops from one side of Lake Ontario to the other and has begun marching along the north side of the St Lawrence River towards Montreal.  He hopes to rendevous with General Hampton who is moving up from Plattsburg to join him.  A British Corps of Observation under Colonel Morrison has moved down from Kingston and is following Wilkerson as he moves east toward Montreal.  Wilkerson is focused on his gout which has him bedridden aboard his headquarters boat while the transport vessels begin to run the first series of rapids along the river.  He orders General Boyd, a political appointee, to turn around and sweep the British aside, after all, he outnumbers them about 4 to 1.  The British are waiting at Cryslers Farm, supported by a few sloops and gun boats attempting to interfere with the US running the rapids.  Its two O'clock in the afternoon.  Snow flurries are beginning to fly.  Why did the Wilkerson wait until November to invade Canada? 

Three US players battled two British and Canadian players.  Historically, the US attack was made in a piecemeal and disjointed manner.  The field of battle itself played a large role in the event. The dark brown area represents muddy fields (poor ground) which I entered into the computer as crossing disruptive terrain.  The St. Lawrence River formed the British side's right flank with a swamp anchoring their left.  The British main line waited behind a fence line for the American advance whilst Mohawks, Canadian Voltigeurs and other skirmish infantry commanded by Major Heriot formed a skirmish line to their front.  The muddy field was bordered and bisected by fences, further slowing down and tiring the US forces. 

Pete Landry, AJ Wright and Ed Stevens move forward the US Forces.  They were all grade C troops facing Grade B British troops. 

The Americans force the skirmisher back.  Methodically using engineering moves to remove fences as they advance.  The British Artillery spit cannister into the advancing troops. 

In order to better reflect the lack of cohesion amongst the US forces I had each brigade commander role a dice.  The lowest die roll was unable to move for that turn.  It worked out pretty well. 

Recent archeological digs on the battlefield site found 24 pound shot which could only have been fired from the naval sloops harrassing the US transport running the rapids.  The wood brown waters of the St. Lawrence contain a British Sloop and cannon which seems to be intimidating the US forces.  You will note the three brown linear marks on the terrain.  These are gulleys running in from the St. Lawrence.  The British had burned the bridges during their withdrawl toward Montreal.  More disruptive terrain.  The 2nd US Dragoons under Major Woodford (Rob Walters) have appeared on the field and are staying out of arc of the sloops guns. 

The US largest unit (each stand represents about 100 men) has been absorbing much of the British artillery and infantry fire.  Their return fire has impact the British left flank command.  Note one US unit has routed to the rear.  Another fresh unit has formed column and is advancing towards the swamp and the Mohawks holding that flank. 

The fire continues hot and heavy on the British right flank.  Brigade integrity has kicked in and the US brigade can no longer advance towards the enemy. 

The high watermark of the American advance. The US infantry  has pushed the Mohawks out of the swamp and Plenderleiths two units have fallen back along with their artillery.  A unit of Canadian fencibles had formed into column and marched over to form on the US infantry's flank.  The large US infantry unit had finally succombed to exhaustion and casualties and has routed from the field.  Two of the three US brigades have brigade integrity issues.   The third is readying to perform a passage of arms to get into the fray and the dragoons are preparing to advance. 

At this stage the US Army morale drops below 75% and the US leaves the field of battle.  A major British victory.  This was the first time the British won this scenario.   Good job done by Richard Wallace and Steve Keyer as the British Commanders.  Thanks to all who played.  The US artillery had yet to make an appearance.  One thought was to hold off on the US assaults until the artillery and cavalry arrived.  Maybe next time....