Lauzun’s Legion

One of the most interesting and colorful units of the American Revolution was Lauzun’s Legion. A mixed force of Hussars (some armed with Lances), infantry and artillery, they could provide a colorful and unusual element for your games.  They arrived in America in July 1780 as part ofthe French Army under  Rocheambeau.    They marched south a year later participating in the Yorktown campaign.  During the siege they fought a battle with Tarleton and his Legion.  Its a unit I have always wanted to add to my collection and its about time I did.

Lauzun's Legion was one (the 2nd) of eight foreign legionary corps to be formed by the Ministry of Marine for service overseas.  The project was abandoned after only three legions had been formed.  The 1st was sent to the Caribbean; the 2nd to Africa; and the 3rd to India.

Each legion was supposed to be made up of a company each of hussars, gunners and workmen as well as a small infantry battalion of one Grenadier company, one  Chasseur company and two Fusilier companies. There was also a "Compagnie Generale" (a sort of HQ formation),  of one company of hussars. This unit was thought to be the one armed with lances.

  The 2eme Legion became "Lauzun's Legion" around 1779/80.  The new Legion was composed of the 2nd Legion Volontaires Étrangers de la Marine and new recruits, was named Volontaires Étrangers de Lauzun (Foreign Volunteers of Lauzun).  This new Legion was made up of 800 infantry and 400 cavalry divided into 5 companies of infantry.  These included 2 companies of Fusiliers, one Grenadier, one Artillery and one Chasseur company.  Each squadrons of hussars were to be made up of two companies; one of French hussars and the other of Polish lancers.  The uniform of the Legion would be the same as the previous 2nd Legion except  that all  hussars were supposed to be dressed as the Compagnie Generale company.  As with all things in Lauzon Legion its doubtful that happened and a mix of the two Hussar uniforms probably occurred.

Hussars:

The first, and most famous part of the Legion were its two hussar squadrons;   the 1st Squadron of Hussars and the 2nd Squadron of Hussars. Both were supposed to have 150 men each.  Due to transport space issues the 1st Squadron arrived with 159 men while the 2nd Squadron arrived with 136 men. In addition at Yorktown Guessed from the 1st Legion arrived from the West Indies and possibly were added.   Because of the nature of supplies and the amalgamation of legions and recruits there appears to be two styles of Buscar uniforms.  The company's with Lances appear to have red trousers while the "French" style guessed wore yellow.  

Infantry:

The infantry of the Legion was supposed to contain a grenadier company of 100 men, a chasseur company of 170 men, and two line infantry (fusilier) companies of 170 men each.  When Rocheambeau’s force left France  there was a shortage of transport ships so the Fusilier companies were left behind. The Grenadier Company sailed with 116 men and wore a bearskin hat without a front plate. The Chasseur Company  sailed with 99 men and wore a black cocked hat with white tape (and not a helmet).  

Artillery :

The original establishment of the artillery company was supposed to be 171 men, so about half were left behind, which is probably why the artillery company got such a large number of the recruits originally from the Barrois Regiment. The guns consisted of four 4-pdr smoothbore cannons. The artillerists work a dark blue coat like the regular French Artillery, but with lemon yellow facings.

Wargames Organization:

I plan on addition the Legion to my table top armies.  They will comprise two squadrons of His wars of 12 figures each and a light infantry unit if 20 figures plus a artillery company.  

The Hussars will have one company dressed in the French style with yellow trim and trousers.  The second squadron will be trimmed in red and be armed with lances.  Each will be two figures per stand and a HQ stand to command the legion.  The infantry will chassaurs mounted 2per stand. A light four pounder gun and crew rounds it out.   All figures are from Perry miniatures.  With the figures ordered I will start to paint right away and I hope to have this new addition to my armies  on the table and fighting soon.  Stay tuned!

Camden 1780: Part 2 The Stand of the Continentals

 

The American general Gates was swept up in the rout of the Virginia and North Carolina militia brigades.  Although some units managed to rally, the advancing British infantry quickly routed them and cleared the field.  The British Legion cavalry rode down the isolated American gunners silencing most of the artillery.

Ignoring the defeat and rout of the Militia, the 2nd Maryland Brigade went on the offensive.  Charging forward the Delaware regiment charged the Legion Infantry while the 2nd/4th Maryland regiment took on the North Carolina Volunteers.  Both regiments won their fights and the loyalists retreated back.  To add insult to injury the Continental artillery fired a load of canister at the Volunteers of Ireland which caused a morale check.    

loyalist militia run by for the hills!

The 23rd and 33rd flank the Continentals.

71st marching to the rescue.

Royal Artillery

Rawdon rallied his line regiments but the loyalist militia panicked and ran. Cornwallis ordered up the 2nd /71st to help hold the flank.  Webster redeployed his brigade to attack the 1st Maryland brigade.

23rd vs Virginia militia

Delaware regiment fighting the Legion infantry.

2nd Maryland Brigade sweeping away the Loyalist line.

With Gates having been swept away in the retreat of his militia, Baron De Kalb remained with his Marylanders and Delaware regiments.  Ordering Smallwood to hold his flank he charged forward to attempt to push the Loyalist brigade out if his way.  Already weakened, and with the loyalist militia not wanting any part of the fight they were watching  the line broke.  The Maryland and Delaware regiments fired and charged causing high casualties and both defeated their opponents in the melee.  The Legion Infantry was destroyed while left the NCV broke and routed.   

On the flank the 5th /6th Maryland regiment fired a devastating volley into the VoI causing high casulties.  In addition the remaining Continental artillery joined them and the combined casualties were too much for the VoI who routed back.  At least on this flank the Americans appeared to have some success.  

But it was not to last.  Webster ordered his brigade forward and fired a devastating volley into the 1st/3rd Maryland regiment and the North Carolina militia regiment to his front.   The North Carolina militia retired.

The 71st moved up onto the flank of the Delaware regiment and fired a volley into their flank.  Their morale held, but just.

After the Royal Artillery added their firepower Tarleton launched his Cavalry into the Maryland regiment.  A long range volley caused some casualties but the dragons crashed into the Continental and defeated them, capturing their colors and killing their colonel.  They also over ran the the artillery.  

At this point, the British had broken through and both groups of Continentals were isolated.  De Kalb ordered a retreat to try and save what he could of his command.  It had been a brave stand but the early rout of the militia had doomed his small command.

Thus ended our game of the Battle of Camden.  The results mirrored the actual results of the historical battle   with the early rout if the militia and the Continental line fighting steadily.  Although one sided it did provide a fun game.  Perhaps if the Militia could have held out a little longer?  I suspect the historical set up doomed the American side.  another time perhaps a different set up or on a different field might result in a different result.  After all the American army here was very similar to what Greene later fought with at Guilford Courthouse.

Camden 1780: Part 1 The Militia Flight

The Battle of Camden 16 August 1780 was a lopsided British victory.  It marked the high point of British success in the south and possibly caused Cornwallis to under estimate his opponent in the future.  Because of the terrain it was a line them up and march forward type battle. Tactically not very interesting.   Because of these reasons I have avoided the battle on the table top.  But, can I be a serious Rev War gamer and not fight this battle? Besides I have a project for this year to refight two campaigns in the southern theater for the Rev War.  So, here I am with this recreation of the battle today.  

The British right flank.  Webster's brigade of the 23rd, 33rd and Light Infantry.  The 1/71st us in reserve.  To their front is the North Carolina and Virginia militia brigades.

British left flank.  Rawdon's brigade of Loyalists (NC Volunteers, British Legion infantry and Volunteers of Ireland) with NC loyalist militia and 2/71st in reserve.  To their from the 2nd and 1st Maryland brigades.

  The set up:  The battlefield was open with scattered trees. These did not effect movement or musket/artillery fire historically so they will not in this re fight.  Due to the poor visibility that morning (A heavy mist)  both sides had set up close to each other.  I placed the lines about 20" apart.  Due to the swamps on both flanks this is a frontal fight with no manovering.  Both sides have set up historically.  Both sides have placed their best regiments on their right flank.  Unfortunately this means the British elite regiments are against poor quality militia.  The Continental line regiments of Maryland and Delaware are opposed by veteran loyalist regiments.  Although the Americans outnumber the British heavily the numbers are off set by the superior quality of the British regiments.  Now onto the game.

Nervously awaiting the British advance.

One militia regiment breaks and runs.

British advance against the American line. Artillery fire causes one militia regiment to rout.  Units to either side check and one regiment in second line is nervous but holds.  Brigade commanders are busy holding their men together.  

Rally with me my brave fellows!

Webster's brigade advances into musket range.  A devastating volley turns the militia line into ruin and regiments break and retreat. 

Delaware Regiment confronts the Legion infantry and Volunteers of Ireland.

2nd Maryland Brigade faces Rawdon's Loyalist Brigade whole the 1st Maryland brigade moves to protect the flank.

 On the opposite flank the 2nd Maryland brigade advances against the Loyalist line.  Both sides exchange volley fire and both sides stand steady.  

The  British right flank sweeping away the militia.

At this point following a close range volley from Webster's brigade the militia line collapsed.  All American Militia regiments are either all retreating or routed.  The British commander now charges forward into this mess and completes the rout of the American left flank.

2nd Maryland brigade closes the gap.

Seeing this Gates quickly moves the 1st Maryland brigade to cover his exposed flank.  One militia regiment holds, but for how long?.

Tarleton, moves the Legion cavalry forward getting ready for a decisive charge.

End of part 1

Next up The Continental line stands fast.

Rawdon's Army April - September 1781

 

When Cornwallis' chased off after Greene he took the best of the best with him.  Lord Rawdon was left to defend South Carolina with a mixed bag of worn out understrength British regiments, poor moral Hessian regiments used for garrisson duty and a number of crack loyalist regiments.  There was little cavalry and most were mounted infantry who were learning on the go.  Quite the opposite of Cornwallis' army.  Yet, he accomplished wonders with it and his army can make a very good table top collection.  Please note that information on loyalist uniforms is sketchy at best and most documents are for 1783 so what a particular regiment wore and when is often a best guess.  Most details for uniforms would be similar to dress in Cornwallis' army.

British Regiments:

3rd Regiment:

Arrived June 3, 1781.  Took part in relief of Ninety Six and Battle of Eutaw Springs.  Uniform red coat with buff facings, small clothes and belting.  It is not known if they adapted their uniforms to campaign conditions or not.  So possible to use figures in their 1768 regulation uniforms.

17th Company

Served with Provincial Light Infantry in operations against Marion and other partisans.  Made up from survivors of the 17th Regiment of Foot after Stoney Point.  Dressed in the battalion companies uniform of red coat faced white,  cocked hats, and overalls. Officer silver lace.

Marjoribanks' Flank battalion

Made up of the light and Grenadier companies from the 3rd, 19th and 30th Regiments. It is not known if they adapted their uniforms to campaign conditions or not.  So possible to use figures in their 1768 regulation uniforms.

19th Regiment

Arrived June 3, 1781. Took part in relief of Ninety Six.  Regimental baggage lost at Monk's Corner S.C. July 1781 and fought at Quinby Bridge.  Flank companies at Eutaw Springs.  It is not known if they adapted their uniforms to campaign conditions or not.  So possible to use figures in their 1768 regulation uniforms.

30th Regiment

Arrived June 3, 1781.  Took part in relief of Ninety Six.  Uniform red coat with pale yellow facings.  It is not known if they adapted their uniforms to campaign conditions or not.  So possible to use figures in their 1768 regulation uniforms.

63rd Regiment

Sent to siege of Charleston in 1779 and remained in South Carolina until 1782.  Detachments fought as mounted infantry at Fishdam Ford and Blackstock's Hill in 1780.  Regiment fought at Hobkirk Hill and Eutaw  Springs 1781. Green facings. Officers gold lace.

64th Regiment

Fought at siege of Charleston 1779 and Eutaw Springs 1781.  Very active against Marion and fought a series of actions against him. Uniform black facings.  Officers gold lace.

82nd Regiment

Arrived in South Carolina as part of General Leslie's reinforcement December 1780.  Black facings.  Officers gold lace.

2/84th Regiment (Royal Highland Emigrants)

Sent to South Carolina April 1781 and fought at Eutaw Springs.  Originaly dressed in Highland uniform similar to 42nd.  May have worn overalls in south rather then kilt.  Blue facings.  Officers gold lace.

Loyalist Regiments:

Provincial Light Infantry

Arrived with the forces under General Alexander Leslie in December 1780.  

Formed in New York in 1780, the battalion was made up six companies from the following loyalist regiments: 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalions New Jersey Volunteers (blue facings),3rd bn. De Lancey's (green facings),Loyal American Regiment (green facings) and King's American Regiment (Blue facings) and numbered about 200 men. They were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John Watson Tadswell Watson, a Guards officer.  The battalion  wore their parent regiments uniform but were to be equipped as light infantry. They also had a company from the 17th Regiment of Foot operating with them.  For most of their time in the south they operated in anti partisan operations against Sumner and later with the 64th Regiment of Foot and a troop of loyalist horse against Francis Marion's partisans.  They took part in the Battle of Eutaw Springs.

Volunteers of Ireland  (2nd American Regiment)

The regiment was raised in Philadelphia Pennsylvania during the British occupation in 1777 by Francis Rawdon-Hastings.  He had been given permission to form a British Provincial regiment from Irishmen, serving in the American Thirteen Colonies. It was felt that many of these men would desert to the Crown of such a regiment was raised.  Known as the Volunteers of Ireland the regiment was placed on the American establishment as the 2nd American Regiment (Volunteers of Ireland) on 2 May 1779.

  The Volunteers served at the siege of  Charleston in 1780, and the Battle of Camden 1780.  Sergeant Thomas Hudson of the Volunteers  received a decoration for heroism at Camden. The regiment fought at the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill in April 1781, as well as the relief of the Loyalist fort at the Siege of Ninety-Six in May 1781.

 

New York Volunteers (3rd American Regiment)

  One of the very first loyalist fighting regiments they had a long and stories history.  Organized as two independent companies under Captains  Grant and Campbell in late 1775, they fought at the Battle of Long Island although "dressed in rags."  They later took part in the fighting around White Plains New York.  Sent south with Colonel Archibald Campbell in 1779 they fought in Georgia and South Carolina.  After their defense of Rocky Mount their commander Colonel Turnball suggested they were given a standard. In addition a company from the regiment under Captain Coffin was equipped as cavalry and served as dragoons at Hobkirk's Hill and Eutaw Springs battles. In 1779 they were taken on the American Establishment as the 3rd American Regiment. Uniform is based on returns in 1782 which suggest they wore red coats faced blue. Prior to that it is very unclear and contradictory.  Officers appear to have had silver lace .  

    

Kings American Regiment (4th American Regiment)

The King's American Regiment was raised in New York in December 1776 by Colonel Edmund Fanning. It took part in the 1777 attacks on Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery,  the 1780 Siege of Charleston, the 1781 raids on Newport and Richmond, Virginia, and the 1781 Campaigns in South Carolina,  Georgia and East Florida. The regiment was brought into the American Establishment, on March 7, 1781 and renamed the "4th American Regiment". The regiment became part of the British Establishment in 1782 (possibly as the "110th Regiment of Foot" ) and was disbanded in Canada in 1783.  During much of their history they fought along side the New York Volunteers at Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton 1777 and again later at  Hobkirk Hill 1781. The regiments uniform for much of their history appears to be red coats faced green (later faced blue).  Officers lace was gold.  

South Carolina Royalists

Although raised as an infantry battalion by the summer of 1781 they were converted to a legion type organization.   From a nine company infantry regiment eight companies were equipped  as cavalry, and one infantry company.  In this configuration they were more mobile and equipped to fight the American partisans.    They reverted back to infantry companies before being moved to to St Augustine, November 1782 .    It appears the regiment had many black soldiers in its ranks. When disbanded in October 1783 the white soldiers were sent to settle in Nova Scotia.  Black soldiers were combined with other men from various loyalist corps and sent  to the West Indies to serve there as Carolina Corps.

  There is not a lot of documentation for this regiment so it's a educated guess based on what is out there.  Here is what we do know;  Early in their history they had red coats faced white.   Wiederhold’s 1783 Almanack states that the South Carolina Royalists had red coats, but no facing and button colors are indicated. The 1783 New York List mentions “Red Coat — Yellow Lappel Variety button hole,” for the South Carolina Royalists.  It is also possible they might have had blue jackets for a short time.

 3/DeLancy

Red coat faced green in 1783.

2/New Jersey Volunteers

Red coat faced blue 1783.

Coffins Dragoons (Mounted company NYV)

Raised from a company of infantry from the New York Volunteers.  A report from December reported the men dressed in "green jackets.". These were either left over uniforms from the NYV rifle Company or possibly from Queens Rangers or British Legion uniforms in supply at Charleston.

South Carolina Dragoons

Commanded by Captain Edward Fenwick this troop Of about 30-40 men served with the South Carolina Royalists.  no documents about uniform.  

South Carolina Rangers

Raised in Charleston in 1780 and served in that area.  Commanded by Major John Harrison.  Nothing known about uniform.

Hessian Regiments

By 1781 Hessian regiments were usually second class units and reserved for garrisson duty.  They seldom took the field.  Researching Hessian regiments can be confusing due to the name of the regiment changing with new commander.

De Angelelli

Originally the Grenadier Regiment Rall.  Part of the garrison of Charleston about 400 men.  Uniform blue coat lined red with red collar and cuffs.  Small clothes buff.  Brass Grenadier caps.  

Fusiliers Regiment Ditfurth

Part of the garrisson of Charleston.  As a Fusilier regiment wore brass cap with yellow bag edged white.  Blue coat lined red and pale yellow facings.  Small clothing yellow and red neck stocks.  Officer lace gold.   About 500 men.

Garrison Regiment von Huyn

Part if the garrison of Charleston.  About 500 men.  Uniform blue coat with yellow collar and cuffs and lined red.  Small clothes buff.  Officers lace  silver.

Cornwallis' Southern Army 1781

 

  Cornwallis' Field force is something of a wargamers dream.  You get all the bells and whistles and the really neat stuff with little or no fluff.  It is built for that gamer who loves to have the elite regiments.  Only the best is good enough! There are Guard regiments, elite line regiments, light infantry, cavalry , artillety, Jagers and Hessian. Due to the small numbers involved you can build this army at a 1:10 ratio without breaking the bank.

British:

Most British regiments will be dressed similar.  Red coats with regimental facings on the lapels, collar and cuffs were often cut short.  Winter overalls of brown wool were worn in place of breeches.  The westkit or vest was of white wool or linen material.  The cocked hat or tricon was usually cut down into a round or slouch hat. Belting was whiten buff leather for most regiments except the Highlander.  On the right hip was a black cartridge box, sometimes with a brass regimental badge and a bayonet on the left hip.  Water bottles or canteens were usualy tin although the Guards had their unusual tubs.  A linen haversack held rations and there were a variety of knapsack. Exceptions to this will be listed with each regiment.

17th Light Dragoons

A small troop of about 40 to 50  men were attached to the British Legion.  They kept their regulation uniforms.  When offered new British Legion uniforms as replacements after their uniforms were worn out refused.

Brigade of Guards:

Arrived in December 1780 and served throughout the campaign.   The Brigade was drawn from all three Guard's regiments and their uniform was very heavily modified for service in America.   After arriving in South Carolina in January 1781 the Guards were reorganized into six oversized companies of about 140 rank and file each.  The first battalion was made up of two battalion companies and the Grenadier company.  The second battalion had two battalion companies and the Light Infantry company.  The light company was often detached and saw service with Tarleton's British Legion cavalry during the campaign.  

Regimental coats were shortened, shoulder straps replaced with blue cloth.  The distinctive regimental lace was removed in 1776 but may have been replaced by 1780.  Trousers and short gaiters were issued to replace breeches.  The cocked hat was uncocked, lace removed, brim cut short and recocked on one side only.  The waistbelt was placed in storage and the bayonet standard attached to the cartridge box belt.  Haversacks and a water tub issued.  

The Grenadiers and Light Infantry were issued a curious hat-cap.  This appears to be a visor cap with a bearskin crest.  A possible drawing of this was done by Major John Andre on his map of Brandywine. To distinguish the two battalions the first were to leave strips of lace on their shoulder straps.

As the War progressed it appears that the regimental lace was placed back on the coats, and bayonets placed on  separate belts.  The Guards were also in 1780 issued brown overalls like the rest of Cornwallis' army for the winter. 

Light Infantry battalion:

The Light battalion fought at Camden and was destroyed at Cowpens.  It often was attached to the British Region and flight with them in many of their actions. It was composed of 2 companies of  the 71st Highland Regiment (35+34 ), 1 company of the 16th Regiment of Foot (41), & 1 company of the Prince of Wales’ American Volunteers (40).  

 Uniforms are a bit of a mystery and since there is little documentation they are a best guess.  Presently I field them as British light infantry in short coats, overalls and round hats with black equipment.  The 71st had white facings, the 16th yellow and the Prince of Wales possibly blue.  If you want more variety you could field them in their regimental uniforms.  

7th Regiment of Foot:

The eight battalion companies of about 200 men served until captured at Cowpens in January 1781.   By 1780 the regiment was a veteran battalion of long service and were not recruits.  The regiment wore red coats faced blue.  Although it was very common for most British regiments to wear their hats cut down the 7th may not have done this according to the present reenactment group.  If so it would be one way to make the regiment look different from the 23rd.  Colors captured at Cowpens.

23rd Regiment of Foot:

This famous regiment numbered about 250 to 300 men and served together with the 33rd throughout Cornwallis' campaign.  They took part in most important actions

The regimental coat with blue facings was shortened and brown winter overalls issued.  By 1779 the Regiment had placed the expensive Fusiliers cap in storage and wore a cocked, probably cut down like the Brigade of Guards hat.   The cartridge box had a badge in brass of the three feathers of the Prince of Wales. The regimental and Kings colors were carried in the south.

33rd Regiment of Foot:

Served throughout the campaign with about 240 to 300 men.The regimental coat with red facings were shortened and a hat similar to the Guards worn.  Otherwise same uniform information as for the 23rd who they served together with in most actions throughout the campaign.

71st Highland Regiment:

By 1781 this hard fighting regiment had been campaigning in the south since 1779.  The regiment was made up of two battalions.  The light infantry company served with the compbined ad hoc light battalion.  Both the light company and first battalion captured at Cowpens.

The regiment wore a shortened red coat with white facings.  The belting was black and probably A cartridge box rather then a belly box.  Overalls were brown wool for winter.  The highland bonnet was worn.

Royal Artillery:

Served throughout the campaign with three and six pound guns.  Wire a blue coat faced and lined red and yellow lace.  Gun carriages were gray with metal parts painted black.  May have worn cocked hats trimmed yellow or cut down caps.

Hessian:

Jager Company:

A oversized company of about 90 men.  Green coats faced and lined red.  Probably overalls.

Musketeer Regiment von Bose:

Arrived in December 1780. A large regiment of over 300 men.  Dressed in blue coats faced white and lined red.  Issued The British brown winter overalls.  Cocked hat had white lace and a Red pompom.  

Loyalists:

British Legion Dragoons:

The most famous of loyalist regiments. Tarleton's dragoons served throughout the campaign and acquired a reputation for ruthlessness.  Organized into three troops they numbered between 120 and 240 men.  Before Cowpens they took in  very large numbers of  Continentals captured at Camden.  This could account for their poor performance at that battle as many took the opportunity to desert back afterwards.  Dressed in short green jackets with black collar and cuffs, buff breeches and the famous Tarleton cap.  In summer may gave been dressed in white socks.

British Legion Infantry:

The poor step child if the British legion. Served until captured at Cowpens in 1781.  In addition a light three pounder usually operated with the Legion.

Wore a green coat with black cuffs and collar.  Waistcoat was also green and possibly laced and overalls.  Possible leather helmet or cap or campaign modified cocked hat.  Documentation is lacking.

Royal North Carolina Regiment:

Although they marched with Cornwallis' they were usually assigned to guard the baggage.  Possible wore red coat faced blue with no lace. There is no documentation for white hats.  Although if you want them who am I to say no!