Nathaniel Greene's Southern Army December 1780 to September 1781

 

 One of my favorite articles in the Old Courier magazine was by Stephen Haller on building Greene's army 1780-81.  I have returned to it again and again and always found it inspiring.  Having used it to build my own armies I thought I might update and expand it.  Here is my take on building Greene's, Cornwallis' and Rawdon's armies.

Wargames like to talk about building an army.  Often, our miniature collections are really bits and pieces.  Few gamers can afford to build a actual historical army.  But America Rev War gamers can build an actual army due to the limited number who fought in the war.  The campaigns of American General Nathaniel Greene in 1780 to 1781 offer the wargamer a chance to build an actual historical army at an reasonable price.  Because of the variety of regiments within his army it is also a interesting force to field on the table top.  It includes Continentals and militia as well as light infantry, rifle armed units and cavalry.   A very nice variety of troops and a very nice collection.

Continental Line:

Lt. Col. William Washington's Horse:

Made up of the 1st and 3rd Continental Light Dragoons.  They served Greene throughout his campaigns and played decisive roles at Cowpens and Guilford Courthouse.  They number between 80 and 100 men.  The old uniform of the 3rd with white coats faced light blue is one of the most attractive uniforms from the period and a shame not to paint.  I have included the red demask guidon alleged to have been made for Washington.

Lt. Col. Henry Lee's Legion:

The 2nd Partisan Corp or as it's better known name,  Lee's Legion was formed in April 1778 when it was detached from the 1st Continental Light Dragoons.  Through its commander, "Light Horse" Harry Lee and his memoir the Legion's service is one of the better known regiments during the American Revolution.  As to if it was an elite unit, that is up to the reader to decide. But what is not debatable is it could be, at times as ruthless as the British Legion with whom it fought. It was a very active part of Greene's army and played a prominent role in his campaign. Incidentally, Lee's  memoir was written partly to adress the controversy over Lee's action at Eutaw Springs.  His son, Robert E. Lee would continue the defense of his father in later editions of the book.

Legion Dragoons:

  I understand that suggesting Lee's Legion were not dressed in green coats might go against current  practice.  This color combination  is usually suggested by Lee's ambush of Pyle's loyalists.  Lee himself in his memoir says they were dressed similar to the British Legion in green.  (Please note the memoirs were published long after events and have been questioned in numerous details).  When I painted them up I bucked tradition and used the painting of Lee himself in a tan/brown faced green coat. I feel thus might be a more accurate presentation.  Again, my opinion only and I wouldn't criticize another interpretation.

In addition I also used the following quote from private Shaw of the 33rd regiment of foot. He was captured just prior to Guilford Courthouse and wrote later:

"Scarcely had we gone half way up the lane, when seven of Lee's light horse made their appearance: my companion swore there was Tarleton's light horse coming, and, says he, ‘we shall be taken up on suspicion of plundering, and get 500 lashes a piece.' ‘No;' said I, upon observing their brown coats, and white cockades, ‘no, friend, you are deceived; these must be the rebels.' Having therefore discovered his mistake, he began to cry;--but for my part, I thought it very good fortune.—As they were advancing towards us, we concluded to go and meet them; which we accordingly did, and falling on our knees begged for quarter; which they granted ….

Legion Infantry:

The Infantry of the Legion are much more of an mystery.  I think the evidence suggests the Legion infantry had a different uniform from the mounted element. There was an issue of enough cloth to three officers to make coats of blue faced red and lined white (see p40 Katcher Uniforms of the Continental Army). This was from the clothier general of Maryland in 1782.  There is also a portrait of an officer of the Legion Infantry,  Lieutenant Laurence Manning who was shown in a blue coat faced red with silver lace.

 Delaware Continentals:

After the Battle of Camden the once proud Delaware regiment is reduced to 175 rank and file plus officers.  They are reorganised into two companies of about 90 men each.  One company, under Captain Jaquett is assigned to the 2nd Maryland battalion as a line company.  The other company under Captain Kirkwood serves as a light infantry company.  They served as part of the famous Maryland-Delaware light battalion and later were often assigned to Washington's cavalry as infantry support.  Regimental coats were blue faced red and lined white.  Both companies had been issued cocked hats with yellow lace trim.

Maryland Continental line:

Maryland Brigade: Colonel Otho Williams

1st Maryland Battalion (later regiment)

2nd Maryland Battalion (later regiment)

Greene had two veteran battalions or regiments of Maryland Continentals with him throughout his campaigns. Their strength ranged from a high if about 300/350 men at Guilford Courthouse to 200 or less at Hibkirk Hill and Eutaw Springs.

 The actual composition of these two groups has caused much confusion.  Following the disaster at Camden Gates reorganised the Marylanders at Hillsboro North Carolina from two brigades of  eight regiments into the Maryland Regiment of two battalions and the light infantry companies assigned to the new light battalion.  The September  returns list  42 field officers, 30 company  officers and 797 rank and file present.  When Greene arrived in December the Marylanders and an additional one hundred recruits (from the so called Additional Maryland battalion) were organized into three battalions;  the new 1st Maryland  battalion was formed from the survivors of the old 1st Maryland brigade, the 2nd Maryland battalion made up of survivors from the 2nd Maryland brigade and the Light companies assigned to the Light Battalion.  In January 1781 each battalion is listed with 300 or 350 men. By the time of Hobkirk Hill and Eutaw Springs they were down to 240 - 200 men. The Additional battalion men were distributed between the two line battalions.  

The uniform of the Maryland line were blue coats faced red and lined white.  Recruits from the Additional Maryland battalion were reported to have brown coats faced red and lined white.  Cocked hats were trimmed in white lace. Belting were either white or black leather.  Linen or wool overalls were off white or tan material.  In the hot months linen hunting shirts were issued to replace the wool coats.  

Virginia Continental line:

Virginia Brigade: Brigadier Issac Huger

4th Virginia Regiment

5th Virginia Regiment

Greene had two Virginia Continentals with him for most if his campaign.  One Regiment or battalion was organized from the survivors of Buford's 3rd Virginia Detachment (made up if the old 6th, 8th and Gist's Virginia regiments ), Porterfield's light infantry and recruits.  It is commanded by Colonel Hawes.  These be one the 4th Virginia Regiment.  An newly organized 5th Virginia Regiment arrives in time to join Greene's army retreat into Virginia.  Both are large regiments of over 300-350 men at Guilford Courthouse but by Hoboken Hill they are down to 240 men.

Both regiments were supposed to wear blue coat faced red.  It is possible other regimental coats were  issued and sleeved jackets are mentioned for the 5th.  Hunting shirts were issued for hit weather.

Maryland - Delaware Light Infantry battalion:

Was in existence from November 1780 to February 1781.  Its actual organization is open to question.   It appears to have had three companies from the Maryland Regiment ( two line and one light), plus Kirkwood's Delaware company and a Virginia company.  This battalion was disbanded and the companies returned to their patent units after crossing the Dan river.  Once Greene returned to North Carolina he reformed the light battalion.  This time it was made up of four companies and was slightly smaller then the original battalion. The men of this elite battalion would be wearing the uniform of their the parent regiment.  

North Carolina Continental Line:

Major Eaton's NC light infantry 

North Carolina Brigade: Colonel Jethro Summer

1st North Carolina

2nd North Carolina

3rd North Carolina

North Carolina's Continental line was destroyed at Charkeston in 1780.  It was not untill Cornwallis mar hed into Virgina that they were able to rebuild the line.  They did so by drafting milita to serve for 12 months. An advanced detachment under Major Eaton was used as light infantry and was attached to Lee's Legion.  Eventualy three battalions of about 200 men each commanded by Colonel Jethro Summer arrived in time for the battle of Eutaw Springs.

  North Carolina was one if the poorest colonies and their Continentals were amount the lest uniformed.  The 1779 regulations suggested light blue regimental coats faced and lined white with drummers in blue faces white also.  It us doubtful if anyone, other then officers wore thus uniform.  More probably they wore a mixture of hunting shirts and civilian clothing.  Because of their lack of uniforms these figures could do double duty as militia on your table top.

Continental Artillery:

Served throughout the campaign with mostly six pound guns.  Blue coats faced and lined red and yellow trimmed cocked hats.

Militia and State Forces:

The various militia, Rifle men, mounted militia and State regiments deserves a page of their own.  But because numbers and regiments varied from month to month this is almost impossible to do. I suggest painting up a number of stands for militia regiments and rifle men that can be used for various battles.  Four to eight regiments would be enough for any historical battle.  Figures should be dressed in mixtures of civilian clothing and hunting shirts.  Actual uniforms would be few but could add to the appearance if you want.  Use your imagination!

Battle of West Ford village 1776

 

 Set up for game:

In setting up for the battle the American commander placed his rifle unit in the woods to flank the British.  They were then ordered to fall back across the north ford where the 26th Continentals and a artillery battery would hold the line.  They were to cause casualties and delay the advance if the enemy on that side.  On the road from the southern edge of the table a militia battalion was placed in the farm with a artillery battery to hold any out flanking attempt.  In the center a militia battalion hid in the woods while two Continentals (13th and 3rd) under General Glover took defensive potion in front of the town.  In reserve was a small troop of the 3rd Continental Light Dragoons.

The British entered the field by way of the eastern edge of the table.  General Rall with his three battalions and a battery (Rall, Knyphausen and Lossberg) would cross the southern ford while General Webster's Brigade (23rd, 33rd and 63rd) and two batteries crossed at the bridge.  The Jagers would attempt to clear the woods.  General Cornwallis held the 17th light Dragoons in reserve.  Not on the table, the 1st and 2nd Grenadier battalions were marching to out flank the American position and would enter on the fourth turn.

Turns 1&2:

In the woods the American rifles slowly fell back towards the ford pursued by the Hessian Jager company.  Both units caused casualties.  The Jager commander then charged his enemy and in a fierce melee drive the Rifles back across the ford with heavy casualties.  

General Rall had his Regiment across the ford under heavy fire from the militia in the woods and the American battery.  Once across they formed  line to return fire.  Although they suffered heavy casualties they passed their morale check with the presence of their commander.  The rest if the Brigade hurried to cross.  The militia, under fire from two batteries at close range hung in for two turns before failing their morale check and retired.  

In the center the 23rd crossed the bridge and firmed line to protect the 33rd as they crossed.  They were very lucky to not suffer any casualties due to very poor American dice rolling!  

Along the line the Continentals of Glover's Brigade prepared to engage the British.

Turns 3 & 4:

The Jager and 63rd crossed the ford through the woods driving the Rifles before them.  Once across the 26th Continentals charged them, destroying the jagers and driving the 63rd back across the river.

In the center the 13th Continentals and Hamilton's battery drove the 23rd back into the woods when they failed a morale check. The 33rd took their place and the British commander quickly called his cavalry and artillery up.  The Hessian commander continued to  pressure the American line and on the fourth turn the Grenadier battalions made their appearance.

Turn 5 & 6:

The 1st Grenadier battalion formed column to march up the road and out flank the Americans.  Waiting for them was the 3rd Continental Light Dragoons who charged and drove the 1st back.  The 2nd Grenadier routed the militia behind the fence and captured the artillery.  Quickly facing to their left they fired a devastating volley which destroyed the poor dragoons.  

As the British poured over the bridge in the center Glover ordered his Brigade to fall back. The militia, rallied by their commander and Washington himself formed line in the village of West Ford.  Washington begged them to hold and give the Continentals time to withdraw.

Turn 7 & 8:

The Grenadier battalions advanced into the village from the south.  Rall, determined to not lose any more men brought two batteries up and their combined fire routed the militia in front of them.  Glover pulled his men and gun back towards the bridge with the 13th Continentals and the rifles as rear guard.  The British launched their light dragoons at the rifles who managed to shoot down some before they were sudden down.  

In the foot race to the bridge the Americans managed to get the Continentals and the gun across the river.  The militia, what was left of them broke and ran off the north edge of the table.  The British succeed in capturing the town. Lord Cornwallis could write home about a glorious victory.  But the Americans had saved the Continentals and one of their guns to fight another day.  Although the militia were decimated  more militia were available to be called up to take their place.  

 

Conclusion:

It was a very hard fought battle which I greatly enjoyed.  It's an interesting game with both sides able to win.  The defenders are not going to stop the attackers but just need to cause casualties and withdraw their troops.  In the end the casualties were nearly equal (70 British and 85 American).  Because of this I think the game accurately reflected the war and how both sides fought.  Both could claim victory but in the long run I feel the result favored the Americans.

“It is a fine fox chase my boys!”

The set up:

Mawhood's Brigade (17th Regiment of Foot, Converged battalion of drafts and recruit and light Dragoons (mounted and dismounted)) are in march formation on the road to Trenton.  Having spotted Mercer's brigade they have reversed course and marched back to the Thomas Oldan House.  They deploy into line in front of the house facing the orchard.  The 17th with artillery in the center, Dragoons to left and  Converged battalion to the right protecting the flanks.  The 55th could enter the field on turn 4.

Mercer's Brigade ( battalion and medium gun)  enter the William Clarke farm yard and deploy along the fence facing the British.  Cadwalader's brigade (3 militia battalions, A light battalion and some riflemen) enter the table in march column on turn 2.  Fermoy's Brigade ( A continental line battalion and some riflemen)  rolls and will enter the game on turn 5.  Hitchcock's Brigade (Rhode Island Continentals) will enter on turn 6 .   (Note: Mercer's brigade was a mixed rifle and muskets.  I am giving them rifle range but they roll on musket chart)

Turn 1:

British advanced  from the Olden house towards the Clarke farm.  Mercer's Brigade fires at them and cause some casualties to the 17th. The British brushed off the hits without a pause and continue their advance.

Turn 2 and 3:

The British use a fire and charge order ( they fire then move into contact with no movement bonus.  Casualties are removed before contact). This disordered the Americans line.  The devastating musket volley not only inflicted heavy losses but killed the American  battalion commander.  (Rule note: a volley which causes 7 or more hits causes a separate roll to see if the battalion commander is killed. If so thus causes morale headaches for that battalion.). The British overrun Mercer's brigade and they rout off the table.  

Mercer is not killed however and he joins Cadwalder in steadying his militia who pass their morale after witnessing the retreating troops.  One American battalion forms along the fence line with the artillery.  A second battalion takes position to their left and Cadwalader holds a third battalion in reserve.  The lights and rifles move out to the right and skirmish with the Dragoons.  

turn 4 and 5:

The 55th marches to get into the fight but have a long  way to come.  Mawhood deploys the 17th along the fence in front it the orchard and fires at the Americans.  He deployed the converged  battalion  to their right and moves against the militia.  The single stand of Dragoons charges the rifles who shoot them down!  The American lights advance against  the dismounted Dragoons who fall back guarding the artillery. 

The American lights and rifles push against the British left flank pushing the Dragoons away and threatening the guns,  and threaten to overwhelming that flank.  

Turn 6:

The 55th Regiment of Foot arrives and moves up to try and save the flank.  Seeing more Americans arriving Mawhood gambles on driving the Militia in front of him away and boldly advances forward.  The 17th Regiment pushes back the militia battalion in front of them as do the British converged battalion. 

 

American reinforcements have now arrived  on the field in strength.  Fermoy's Brigade moves quickly to attack the Converged battalion and the Hitchcock's Brigade against the 55th.

Washington is now on the field and is ralling the retreating battalions of Cadwalader's Brigade.  A single militia battalion and the artillery hold and poor fire into the advancing 17th who pass morale but are losing men quickly.

Turn 7:

With Fermoy's brigade driving into the drafts and the 17th taking heavy casualties the British in the farm just hold on.  The American lights and rifles silence the Royal Artillery.  Although the 55th is now on the field it is too little too late.  The Americans have overwhelming numbers and fresh troops.

Turn 8:

The Converged battalion and 17th  now collapse due to casualties and retreat towards the bridge. The Royal Artillery is shot up by the lights battalion and silenced.  The 55th is now alone and pulls back towards Princeton.  Washington waves his hat at the retreating enemy and orders a advance all along the front;  “It is a fine fox chase my boys!”

Conclusion:

A bloody, fast moving game. But one sided.  I do not think the British have much of a chance here if fought as a historical battle.  Especially once the American reinforcements arrive.  Interestingly there were more possible American reinforcements if I had wanted to add them.  I feel this is a very good little action to play as there is a small amount of terrain and troops.  I added the 55th Regiment who historically did not march to the sound of the guns.

  If you are a competitive gamers thus us not the game for you.  But if you are the type of gamer who gets in to the time period you will enjoy this one.