Huzzah! Convention report

 

  This past Saturday I attended the Maine Historical Wargamers Association's convention Huzzah!  In Portland Maine.  it was a very last minute thing (late Friday night) as we are doing major house renovations.  But Janine said I needed a break and encouraged me to go off and have a fun time with the boys.  Warren was kind enough to offer to drive (I still cannot process things to drive safely) and so Dave, Warren and I set off for a day of toy soldiers and fellowship with like minded individuals.

  The true high light for me was meeting up with friends.  Mr Ed from the blog Ed M's Wargamers MeanderIngs was there and its always a pleasure and rewarding time talking with him.  Most importantly was meeting up with a long time internet friend Vincent from The Corlears Hook Fencibles!  Looking across the lobby I noticed an individual wearing a Corlears Hook Fencibles t shirt.  Running up I introduced myself and was delighted to meet Vincent in person.  Oh happy days!  We three bloggers then got together for a picture and a promise to get together this fall for a game.  

The convention was a return to the older style conventions I remember from the 1990's.  Not a gigantic historicon type but a smaller and more pleasant gaming atmosphere.  It was spread out through six rooms and had an incredible variety of games.  These included historical, fantasy and a few board games.

Speaking of board games I discovered a game of Diplomacy going on.  Had great, and many not so great memories of this game.  In high school we played a lot of Diplomacy.

AJ from the club put on The Battle of Rhode Island game using his Electric Brigadier rule set.  Beautiful table and excellent looming miniatures made thus a stand out game for me.  Thanks to Mr Ed for assisting AJ!  And very well done AJ!!

Lots of WW2 games especially with the Bolt Action rules.

Most unusual game was The Warriors. " Can you dig it brothers! " Based on the movie which was a retelling of the Iliad but in NYC with street gangs.  Oh come on!  You know you watched it!  "Warriors...come out and playyyyyy!"

My friend Peter put on a War of 1812 game Battle for Michilimackinac.  The ruled used were Carnage And Glory computer.  Beautiful terrain and figures.  I especial liked the Cigar box mat cloth and his you can crap it over hills to make very realistic terrain.  Great and fascinating battle and very well done!  There are not many War of 1812 games at conventions but Peter always puts one on and does a magnificent job.  Well done sir!

One that definitely caught my eye was The Battle of Freeman's Farm (or first Saratoga).  Thus was run by Rich Wallace and was a computer rules.  The terrain was award winning and miniatures excellent.  I was really impressed by this one.  For a better more detailed report see Corlears Hook Fencibles blog.  

I will be doing doing a separate post on the Moby Dick game next.  Lots of pictures and much more details!

Huzzah! Wargame Convention

 

  Last minute addition to my plan.  We have been doing massive housekeeping and home repairs.  Janine thought I needed a break; so I am off to Portland Maine on Saturday for the Huzzar wargamer Convention.  I will do a post when I am back stay tuned for more.

Dangers of Autocorrect

 

Malta campaign

Last game day was a massive campaign game of the Axis invasion of Malta.   Tables represented air and naval forces as well as beach landings and paratroopers seizing the airport.  There were multiple tables and most of the club took part.  It was an interesting idea.  Each table could effect the others.  If the Italian navy got through it could bombard the beaches or if the bombers got through they could bomb the targets.  Charley who put it on did a tremendous amount of work.

 .  It was an axis victory but I think it was designed as such.  The axis paratroopers captured the airport because the British were asleep!  On the navy front the royal navy could not use radar because it would be unfair to the Italian's who didn't have it.  Also they had to attack piecemeal the entire Italian fleet, first with light ships then a few heavies because it made the game more interesting we were told. Can we retire, drawing the Italians towards our battleships?  No, you have to attack right now or I will rule it as an Axis victory.  Sigh.....

Anyway it was interesting aside from being set up for a axis victory.

Arthur J. Fossa. RIP

 

  My friend Art Fossa died the other day.  Some of you might have met him through his side business Aide De Camp books.  He always had a smile and a quick laugh and was fun at the table during a game.  I remember a game where is put civilian figures out and farm animal's.  He laughter and soon were were playing is the next hidden animal.  He especially laughed at the cats by the farm house.  I will miss him a lot.  And just to upset to say more

"Four different views of the BATTLES of LEXINGTON and, CONCORD..."

 

  Amos Doolittle (1754-1832), a New Haven silversmith and engraver was a member of the Governor's Second Company of Guard.  Receiving word of the fighting on 19 April, 40 volunteers of this company marched to Cambridge, MA, arriving on 29 April. Among the ranks were Doolittle and a portrait painter named Ralph Earl. Although Earl is not recorded as being a member of the company he nevertheless came along.  

 Camp life being dull, the two received permission to journey to Lexington and Concord in order to investigate sites of the recent conflict.  In early May, the two men traveled from Cambridge out to Lexington and then Concord.  Doolittle interviewed numerous participants while Earl sketched the landscape. Amos instructed the painter as to what activities were to be depicted in each scene;   and even posed with musket when needed. Only a solitary person - Levi Harrington from Lexington reported the visit, "...a stranger from Connecticut came here to take a sketch of the village as it appeared on the 19th of April 1775... and he afterwards published a series of copper plate engravings".

By late May, Doolittle and Earl had returned to home where the four paintings were copied onto   copper and  "neatly engraved" plates used to make a set of prints.  These we're sold either "plain ones or coloured". Curiously neither placed their name on the advertisement.  There were claims that Doolittle used the water colors of a 14 year old for his engravings but those paintings were done in 1777-78;  probably from Amos's 1775 prints. In 1831, Doolittle credited Earl as his cohort in conversations with historian J. W. Barber and the friendship of the two was verified in June 1800 when the noted artist Earl displayed his work at the home of Doolittle.

THIS DAY PUBLISHED, and to be SOLD at the STORE of Mr. JAMES LOCKWOOD, near the College, in New-Haven, Four different views of the BATTLES of LEXINGTON, CONCORD, etc. on the 19th of April 1775" "Connecticut Journal" December 13, 1775

Thus was advertised the only pictorial record by a contemporary American of the events of 19 April. While historians have noted minor inaccuracies, the general consensus has been that the four prints are a correct, detailed representation of the fights 

The Concord plates (II and III) depicted "A View of the Town of Concord with the Ministerial Troops destroying the Stores" and "The Battle at the North Bridge in Concord"; Lexington plates, "The Battle of Lexington" (I) and "The South Part of Lexington where the first Detachment were joined by Lord Percy" (IV).

By the late 1800s/early 1900s the plate were being  carefully studied by historians of the battle. Though crude they were rich in detail and depicted the story from the colonists side.  Both Allen French and Harold Murdock used the plates in their ground breaking books and essays.  Criticism of the plates centered on the fact that no British soldiers had been interviewed and thus the prints were biased and propaganda for the colonials. In addition small detail errors were pointed out - uniforms and equipment wrong, formations and troop dispositions incorrect.  To the complaint that too many activities were depicted at once, Doolittle answered that his intent was to condense time at each location and show as many events as possible in each scene.

How many original prints were published, how many complete or partial sets remain and what happened to the original engraved plates and paintings are questions that remain unanswered. Over the years, numerous re-engravings and reprints have been done but searches for the Earl paintings have produced but one possible item;  The "View of the Town of Concord" that  currently is displayed at the Concord Museum.  But this too is shrouded in controversy with some individuals thinking it to be an original (passed Minots to Brooks to Merricks to Buttricks) while others believe it to have been painted by a Concord man, who copied from the Earl version.

The Sudbury Fight, King Philip’s War

 

  If anyone out there happens to be in the area I will be giving a talk at the Fort Devens Museum on Saturday 29 April.  Please stop by and say hello!

The Sudbury Fight, King Philip’s War

April 20, 1 PM

Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA

On April 21, 1676 over five hundred Wampanoag, Nipmuc, and Narragansett warriors attacked the frontier settlements of Sudbury (today Sudbury and Wayland) in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  Various companies of English militiamen from nearby settlements marched to that town’s defense and were drawn into ambushes and suffered heavy losses. The battle was the largest fight and the last major Native American victory in King Philip’s War before their final defeat in southern New England in August 1676.  All but forgotten today, the sites and stories of this battle are still there to be found by the curious who look for them.

Mark Nichipor is a local historian interested in the Colonial and Revolutionary History of New England.  He was a National Park Service Ranger at Revolutionary War sites until retiring after nearly thirty years. He served as an instructor in the NPS Historic Weapons Safety Program and ran The Staff Ride Programs for military visiting Minute Man and Bunker Hill parks.  He has a number of published articles on Revolutionary War history.

The Fort Devens Museum is located at 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA, on the third floor and is wheelchair accessible. This event is free and open to the public with donations gratefully accepted. Thanks to the Harvard Cultural Council.

Cigar Box Mats

 

  I have seen a lot of talk about the Cigar Box Mats over the last couple years.  Almost always positive reviews.  They are printed on a blanket type material which folds nicely over  hills and gives a good appearance.  In addition fields, woods and roads are printed on the mat.  Helps with the set up or you could just put terrain. Pieces over it.

  I was able to pick one up used at a good price.  Unfortunately it was for 15mm and has narrow roads but it should still work for my 25mm figures.  After it arrived I set it up and threw a few miniatures and terrain items on it.  I think it looks good;  but I am going to have to keep my eye out for another on to cover my table.

Imperial Guard at New Orleans

 

Does every Napoleonic wargamer have painted a battalion or more of the French Imperial Guard?   Probably. And how many games do they really get used or see the table top.  Again probably not many.  But you just have to have them.  So here is a new use for those figures that may be gathering dust.  And once again we turn to that neglected but excellent for wargameing period the War of 1812 in North America and the Battle of New Orleans!

  

The Battalion d'Orleans or Plauche's Battalion was one of the most colorful units in the American army of the War of 1812. The Battalion participated in the defeat of the British forces at the Battle of New Orleans. The Battalion was a continuation of units which had existed under the French and Spanish regimes and were reorganized by the territorial act of January, 1805. Napoleon had raised and equipped three companies of French Creoles in New Orleans in 1803 after losing Santo Domingo. It is probable that these companies became the core of the Battalion d'Orleans. New Orleans remained very pro-Bonapartist durin this period. They felt a special connection to him because the Empress Josephine was a French Creole. Also, many high ranking Napoleonic exiles fled to New Orleans after the Bourbon regime was restored in France.

After "the Battle" as New Orleanians called it, the Battalion changed it's name to the Louisiana Legion and remained in service until after the Civil War. Throughout its history, the Battalion was known for its resplendent, colorful uniforms of French design. The Battalion was modeled on the Imperial French army of the Emperor Napoleon I. They used the same drill manual and closely approximated the French uniform. Indeed, many members of the Battalion were veteran soldats and officers who had served with Napoleon before moving to New Orleans.

The Battalion consisted of two centre companies (Francs and Blues), two flank companies (Carabiners and Chasseurs) and a company of Dragoons. The flank companies had uniforms based on those of the French Imperial Guard. The centre companies were dressed as the line. The Battalion also had its own flag, adjutant, surgeons, fouriers, and band. A description of the unit's flag in the 1820's describes it as having the words 'Honneur, Patrie, Discipline, Valor' embroidered on it.

PORTER'S MILITIA VOLUNTEERS BRIGADE

 

  During the Niagara campaign of 1814, the US Left Division included a brigade of  volunteers under the command of General Peter Porter.  The including troops from New York and Pennsylvania. They acquitted themselves well in both the battle of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane,  much to the surprise of  skeptical regular army officers!  

  Pennsylvania and New York each had various state militia uniform distinctions. However during the 1814 campaign they were supposed to be equipped by the US government and dressed much like the remainder of the Left Division. The leather shako and short grey roundabout jackets or blue coats were very much in evidence. 

  But the question arose how to portray them on the table top?  I wanted them to look more organized then most militia but less regular then regulars.   I turned to the amazing figures from Knuckleduster miniatures.   These have been sculpted to portray such an unusual outfit.   The bayonets are unfixed and in their scabbards,  Each figure has a variety of irregular equipment and clothing.  Their shakos are not trimmed out to the full extent one would expect of a disciplined regular.  Most have substitute headgear such as straw hats, round hats, and old felt shakos or caps are worn by some of the troops.

Although some have the standard issue regular blue coat, others have civilian coats.  A few wear  work smocks, These were a very common item in camp and are rarely seen on the wargame table. The pattern formed the basis of the rifle frock, which had the addition of fringe and a "cape" (layer of cloth over the shoulders, also with fringes).

Miltia units sometimes painted their unit designations on the shakos rather than wearing a shako plate. They were also quite fond of decorating their knapsacks, canteens, and caps with stars, eagles, and other patriotic designs.

lastly, there is a marvelous militia general.  He is dressed to the nines and has a most self satisfied expression on his face.  A outstanding miniature!

Altogether a nice impression for the period and a unique look for an over looked period.

April Fools Day Signs

 

Native Warriors

 

  One of the things that make the War of 1812 unique is the use of native warriors.  The Mohawk (properly called the Kanien'kehá:ka), Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Seneca and Tuscarora in the East, and the tribes of Tecumseh's federation in the West, were heavily engaged throughout the War. Native warriors fought on both sides, but primarily for the British. They are essential figures to possess in order to game the , Queenston Heights, the Thames, and numerous smaller conflicts.  By the time of the War of 812,the native people's had adopted a lot of European items for their clothing. Because of this many miniatures from the French and Indian War are not quite right for the period. 

 

  There are numerous excellent Native figures on the market, mostly of the "naked savage" variety which depict traditional summer dress, which is why I only make one figure in that idiom. The remainder of my figures make an attempt to show what they would have looked like in 1812.

 For summer time dress., linen shirts and Leggings and breechclouts are worn by all, but generally covered by a shirt or coat belted with a sash. Bare heads were plucked, not shaved and a small square patch of hair was left in the back of the crown, which was grown long and braided. A decorative "roach" was attached to the hair, composed of dyed porcupine quills, deer hair, and various feathers, creating a very personalized headdress. Mohaws did not have the "Mohawk" hair style we associate with them, and popularized in the movie, "Drums on the Mowhawk."   Warpaint is very much in evidence, black and red being the most common colors.

  It's difficult to do justice to all their wampum belts and other decorative fabrics. Sashes and belts were finely decorated, some with geometric designs and others with very sophisticated floral patterns woven into the cloth. Even loincloths (breechclouts) sported colorful stripes and geometric designs. Because of this I only paint to give  an impression of these ornate designs.

In cold weather, like at  the Battle of Crysler's Farm heavier shirts , wool coats or capots  are worn. In addition stocking caps or  head scarves cover their traditional hairstyles. 

 

Embodied and Sedentary Militia 1814

 

    The  battalions of Canadian militia were active throughout the 1814 campaign.  The 2nd Regiment fought at both Chippewa and Lundy's Lane.  When I started this project I was confused over the terms "embodied" and "sedentary" militia.  These troops who served for longer tours of duty were termed "embodied" militia while those who were called  away from their farms and businesses only during times of dire emergency were the "sedentary" militia.  

The Sedentary militia units seldom had uniforms.  They might have castffs from stores but fir tge most part hey were instructed to report for battle turned out in a civilian coat made of a dark cloth. They were advised to avoid grey coats, which was the color frequently used by the Americans.

   The Embodied militia wore both uniforms and civilian clothes. While  they  wanted to present a uniform appearance, it was very rarley achieved.  Depending on the year or month they were given red coats with yellow facings, green coats with red or yellow facings, castoffs from the 41st Foot (red faced red), regulation gray trousers,  "gunmouth" blue trousers. Head gear were left over stove pipe shakos, round hats or what ever the individual brought with them.  Equipment were regular accoutrements.  The troops who came the closest to military uniformity were the flank companies, who's uniforms included lace and possibly wings.

On the table top they present a interesting and unusual appearance. 

   

British Infantry Shakos War of 1812

 

  A major question when creating your British/Canadian army for the War of 1812 is which shako type will your regulars wear?  Opinions, debate and speculation about what equipment might have been in stores, Horse Guard's attitudes toward equipping  units in far-flung quarters, and isolated and obscure eye-witness accounts all flavor the question.  I still have not pinned down sources but here are my thoughts and opinions and I sincerely welcome you to draw your own conclusions. 

Stovepipe

Belgic

A British infantryman's cap (shako) was meant to last him two years. If an infantryman was issued a stovepipe shako in 1812, it would not be replaced until 1814 unless the entire unit was re-equipped. The British army went to war against Napoleon in Spain wearing the Stove Pipe shako.  The Belgic shako (sometimes called the "Waterloo" shako) was adopted by regulation in 1812, but did not find its way into the hands of infantrymen until nearly the end of fighting in Spain. It is usually associated with the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

1812/1813

What about the written orders in Canadian or British archives that determine which caps were in service. As it turns out, the orders provide very little guidance as the headgear is simply referred-to as "caps", or "felt caps."What the neck is a "Felt Regulation Cap."   Is it a stovepipe or Belgic shako? Both were made of felt.  Other documents mention 600 "bucket caps" returned to storage at Kingston in 1813. Were these stovepipe shakos returned because they had been replaced by Belgic shakos, or were they the shorter bucket shakos worn by Caldwell Rangers?  One would think these clerks could be more helpful!!!!

1814

The solution I  have reached for my armies  (and it is only an opinion) is that the Stove Pipe shall was worn in 1812/1813 and the Belgic shako by the time the 1814 Niagara campaign. There remains much debate about the Incorporated Militia regiment. The remainder of the militia, especially the Sedentary Militia, are presumed to be wearing primarily castoffs and items brought from home.  This could let you field them in stovepipe shako, round hats or any civilian hat or cap you like.

The times they are a changing....