Battle of Cook's Mill, part 1 Preliminaries

 The battle of Cook's Mill was a small afair, evan for the War of 1812.  It is a seldom remembered action towards the end of the 1814 Niagara campaign.  As such it would make a perfect action to fight on my table top.  My refighting of the battle would not be a straight simulation but rather based on what happened.  A slight change in the order of battle to make a much more interesting fight and a chance to field some of my favorite regiments on the table top...

What happened historically?  Here is a brief synopsis from our friend Wikipedia:
"Attempting to deprive the British of their chief source of flour, Izard sent a brigade of about 1,200 men, consisting of the 5th, 14th, 15th and 16th U.S. Infantry with some detachments of riflemen and U.S. Dragoons under Brigadier General Daniel Bissell, to take Cooks Mills on Lyon's Creek in Crowland township. In response, Drummond dispatched about 750 men (the 6th Regiment, the Glengarry Light Infantry and the flank companies of the 104th Regiment, with a 6-pounder gun and a Congreve rocket detachment) under Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Myers to reconnoitre the American force."

So, a reinforced American brigade is sent to seize Cook's Mill and destroy the British Army's supply of flour.  It appears the Rifle Regiment was sent ahead with the brigade of infantry following.  The Americans have better training (morale) and numbers.  The British/Canadians are on the table with a chance to defeat the enemy in detail.  It should be a fun game and interesting tactical problem.

American Order of Battle:
1st Rifle Regiment (24)
1st US Regiment (24)
5th US Regiment (24)
25th US Regiment (24)
25th US Regiment (24)

All regiments are rated as regulars.  The Rifle Regiment starts the game deployed by the cross roads West of the bridge.  The remaining regiments enter the game one regiment each move  on the east road. 

British/Canadian Order of Battle:
Battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada (24)
Glengarry Light Infantry (24)
Flank companies British Regiment  (12)
Royal Artillery (medium gun)
Royal Marine Artillery (rocket)
This force deploys on the table top at the North West corner.

Where is Laura Secord?

The village of Cook's Mill.  

The Mill is near the center of the table.  The American Rifle Regiment is deployed to the west of the mill near the cross roads.  The American infantry enter in the road to the right side of the picture. One regiment enters each turn.   The British /Canadian forces are deployed in the upper left corner.  The river can only be crossed at the bridge. There may be a ford on the river but it can only be  discovered by troops moving along it.   Woods along the river provide cover for troops inside it.

Once a command is reduced to less the 50% that side must withdraw off the field. Victory belongs to the side who holds the mill (and the important flour supply) at the end of the game.

I do hope they do not make a mess of things!