Williamson's Plantation fight

 

  A small action which started the partisan war against the British in South Carolina during the summer of 1780.  While not a major set piece battle it did set the stage for small scale militia raids on British outposts or detachments.  A very one sided affair it was the first in a series of such fights.  It represents the bitter partisan war between factions in South Carolina very well.  In addition it illustrates the problem the British faced of small actions causing casualties which eventually they could not replace.

  Historically Captain Christian Huck of the British Legion was surprised on the morning of 20 June while at the Williamson Plantation.  His small detacment of 125 men was made up of  35 Dragoons from the British Legion, 30 mounted infantry from the New York Volunteers and 60 loyalist Militia.  Huck had made a name for himself raising patriot militia and pillaging their homes.    Colonel William Bratton had assembled a command of 260 militia to attack Huck.  In the very one sided action Bratton's militia surrounded the plantation and opened a deadly fire on the loyalists before they were assembled.  They broke and ran but most were shot down, including Huck.   With the death of their leader the remaining loyalists surrendered. 

 I fought this out solo with my usual Rev War rules, "Whites if Their Eyes." I think if you have a skirmish set like "Sharp Practice" it would work out much better.  I started the game with figures in place.  The Loyalist sure was just assembling.  The Patriot militia had taken position around the plantation.  I will allow them two throws of musket/rifle fire to simulate the surprise and the loyalists attempting to form up.   Instead of my usual 1:10 ratio of figures I am using a 1:5 ratio.

Captain Huck orders his command to firm up.

But Bratton's militia have moved up through the woods into range.  A blast if musket and rifle fire breaks the peaceful mornings air.  Numerous loyalists go down as casualties!  The New York Volunteers mounted infantry are all casualties!

  Huck orders his dragons to charge, but is shot down!

The Remaining loyalists fail morale and surrender.

Ok, not a terribly exciting game and mist definitely one sided.  But it did reflect historically what happened.  And it started my refight of the series of  battles preceding Camden.  I am sure thus could be made into a much more interesting table top action with a few adjustments.

Next time the defense of Rocky Mount by the New York Volunteers.....