From 16 to 61

hzn5pk

Session 12 – The Struggle in the North
1777 Northern campaign

Schuyler and Montgomery knew that they would be overmatched by the British. They decided upon a strategy of a fighting retreat and then a harassment campaign at Burgoyne’s outstretched supply train. To this effect, they let all in command of the Northern Army (Morgan, St. Clair, Stephen, …) know not to place their commands at risk but to resist the British in any way that they could. Maintaining order during their retreats was essential. They actually wanted to lure Burgoyne into the heart of a hornet’s nest.

June 14 – Burgoyne sets out from Fort St. Jean on the Richelieu south to capture American forts of Crown Point and Ticonderoga defended by Arthur St. Clair. Crown point was occupied by Glover and the Marbleheaders along with the third and fourth Canadian regiments. Glover gave way without putting up much of a fight. His main job was to be a scout, for which he and his troops upon the southern edge of Lake Champlain performed well. At first sight of the British, Glover sent word to St. Clair at Ticonderoga to be ready. Having gained good intelligence upon the British size and movements, Glover retreated South to Ticonderoga. Once there, St. Claire ordered him to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain to resume scouting duties.

July 1 – British advance units begin to skirmish around Ticonderoga

July 4-6 - The British battle bravely up Sugar Loaf against Glover. Glover withstood them on July 4 and reinforcements of the Canadian Third and Fourth regiments came to assist in the defense of the all too important position that dominated the Ticonderoga defenses. The Canadians were able to keep an escape route for Glover open, prevented the position from being encircled. The British assaulted the hill again on July 5 with more vigor. Glover and the Canadians were able to turn it into a mini Breed’s Hill, they were able to hold out on July 5. The following day, added British forces were finally able to dislodge the Americans from the height. Glover had put up a valiant stand but was forced to retreat to prevent being cut off.

The British began to place artillery on the hill the night of July 6. St. Clair dispersed units in detail on the night of July 7 to keep his back door open. He refused the initial surrender call on July 7. Burgoyne found Fort Ticonderoga deserted the following day (July 8). This setback caused an uproar with American politicians for losing the fort, but it was noted that the Americans especially Glover fought bravely against a stronger force, inflicting more casualties than they received.

St. Clair retreated in order along the Hubbardton road, the rear guard fighting the battle of Hubbardton on July 9th.

The smaller force of Glover and Pierce Long headed by water to Fort Anne near Skenesboro, NY. On July, 9th, Glover was able to hold off the British at Skenesboro until Long could make an effective escape to For Ann. In the process, Glover’s smaller American fleet was able to do some damage to the British transports. He was then able to break off and retreat towards Fort Anne before being overrun. While at Fort Ann, Long found a force of 400 militia under Henry Van Rensselaer. With this brought hope. He was able to regroup at Fort Ann and then go back to assist Glover to safety while Rensselaer held the fort.

On July 10th, the two decided to switch rolls, Glover was to retreat to Fort Edward with the supplies and wounded while Long and Rensselaer held off the British. This was a successful withdrawal and Long with 1000 men very nearly pulled a victory over a smaller British force.

Glover, Rensselaer, and Long made it to Fort Edward relatively intact. St. Clair retreated from Hubbardton and regrouped in Rutland, Vermont.
Burgoyne rested for a couple of days in Skenesboro to regroup. On July 13, he issued orders. Most of his army was to take an overland route from Skenesboro to Fort Anne to Fort Edward. The British Heavy Artillery would travel the water rout via Lake George to Fort Edward. The Germans would feint towards Castleton, Vermont. The water rout would have been easier for the main infantry movement, but Burgoyne wanted to keep the pressure on the retreating Americans.

Burgoyne reached Fort Edward on August 1, 1777. His march was hampered by Americans who did everything possible to delay the march. The American weapon of choice to delay the British was the axe.
Fort Stanwix – General Montgomery was dispatched along with Daniel Morgan and other troops in the Hudson Valley to relieve a siege of Fort Stanwix by the British/Loyalist/Indian force commanded by Barry St. Leger. They forced St. Leger to abandon the siege and retreat back through Canada as Montgomery and Morgan made it appear that their force was actually larger than it was. With this complete, they were able to arrive back in the Patriot camp in the Hudson valley for ensuing battles in the campaign against Burgoyne.

August 3 – Burgoyne receives word that Howe will advance upon Philadelphia and not up the Hudson to link up at Albany.

August 9 – Burgoyne sends Baum and the German Dragoons to Bennington, VT to capture supplies needed for the expedition South towards Albany.

August 16 – Battle of Bennington. Stark and Warner are victorious over the Germans.

Horatio Gates is unable to persuade Congress to sack Schuyler in favor of him. The New York contingent along with Massachusetts and the Canadians defended Schuyler and praised his tactics as those that will ultimately be victorious. They cite the brave conduct of the Massachusetts Marbelheaders under Glover in their defense at Sugar Loaf and Skenesboro. Yes Schuyler did give up Crown Point and Ticonderoga, but it was not given up without a fight, and it was the right thing to do. The alternative of defending those fixed positions against greater numbers would ultimately have led to the surrender of that portion of the Northern Army. Canadian representatives also back Schuyler and Montgomery.

Burgoyne is stopped short of Albany. Schuyler and Montgomery work as an effective team; Schuyler listens to Montgomery at the battles of Freeman’s farm and Bemis Heights. Montgomery dies in battle rallying troops at Bemis Heights. He is able to turn the tide though before falling which places the final nail in the British coffin but perishes in the process. Schuyler directs troops to swarm the rear of the British and cut off their supply line. Burgoyne is trapped.

Oct. 17, 1777 - Burgoyne surrenders to Schuyler
 

hzn5pk

Session 13 – The Struggle to the South in Pennsylvania

Battle of Brandywine

The British under Howe surprise Washington by landing troops at the Head of the Elk River in Maryland.

To counter the British march from the Chesapeake to Philadelphia, Washington places his troops along Brandywine creek in order to stop the British. He positions his troops to guard the fords. He places his old reliable flanker, Benedict Arnold on his right to guard against a British flank attack. Arnold’s division is spread across multiple fords to Washington’s right. Arnold’s troops are not able to block Howe’s advance across Jeffry’s ford.

Arnold is able to buy Washington time though to reorganize the army to meet this new advance on the right.

Arnold performs well, but the Americans are eventually forced to yield and give way. Arnold deeply apologizes to Washington for failing to hold the line. The British hit him at his weakest defended point and he was unable to react fast enough to stem the breach. Washington comforts him, tells him that it is all right to be ready again when duty calls. Washington again stresses the need for speed to Arnold.

With the loss at Brandywine and further loss at Paoli and being outmaneuvered by Howe, Washington is forced to concede Philadelphia.
He retreats North of Philadelphia. The British enter Philadelphia with the pomp and circumstance of the victors as Washington is sent licking his wounds North of Philadelphia. His army was not defeated, just out maneuvered by Howe.

As he views the situation, he sees that Howe is vulnerable after splitting up his forces between Philadelphia and Germantown. Germantown is vulnerable to another one of his rapid attacks from the previous winter. He gathers his generals and lets them know of his plans.
He wants four columns of attacks.

The main push is to be in the center. Center right to be manned by John Sullivan (Continentals), Center left to be made by Nathaniel Greene (Continentals), Left flank by Arnold’s Continentals and Smallwood’s militia, and Right flank by John Armstrong’s militia.

For this fight, Washington wants all cavalry detached and combined under the command Casimir Pulaski on the left flank with Arnold. They are to get into the enemies rear and cause havoc as the battle progresses.

As Sullivan and Greene drive in the center, Arnold with his division of light infantry from units formed since the beginning of the conflict will lead the left flank attack along with the cavalry. Smallwood’s force of militia will follow Arnold on the left for support. Pulaski will also follow Arnold on the left and then complete the movement to gain the British rear as Arnold makes a flanking attack. So the drive will start in the center, and then Arnold will make a push from the left flank and finally, Pulaski will gain the rear. The British position should collapse as they are driven back and then herded along the Wissahickon Creek and Schuykill River.

Armstrong on the right is to secure a bridge on the creek and then turn and make a flanking attack on the British to relieve the center.

Sullivan and Greene will be making the main push in the center. They were to make contact simultaneously and drive the British back. Armstrong was to create as much confusion as possible on the right flank. Arnold was to close the door on the left with the dragoon unit under Pulaski storming the British rear. It was to be like herding cattle, drive straight forward while not leaving any room on the flanks for escape.

Washington would be in the American rear with Stirling’s reserve division, he would direct it to where needed.

Washington had this plan and met with his Generals two days before moving out on October 2.

On October 3, he rested the men and completed last minute details. Greene and Sullivan developed a signal to announce a division’s approach; it was to yell “Paoli”. This would alleviate confusion as units neared each other.

In the final meeting that evening before they were to depart, Greene, Sullivan, and Arnold agreed that difficulties would arise, but they mainly had to drive and press the attack against the British to be successful. They noted that morale was high with the troops, they were itching for a fight.

The next morning, a heavy fog limits visibility as the Americans advance. The divisions of Sullivan and Greene lost contact with one another.

Problems arose with the advance, but Washington and his generals were able to address them and keep the army moving.

Sullivan was advancing in the center right ahead of Greene who had yet to make contact. Sullivan’s advance was of three divisions under Conway, himself, and Anthony Wayne from right to left. Anthony Wayne’s division on the left was ahead of Sullivan to his right and General Conway on the far right of Sullivan’s wing. Being in the forward position, Wayne was becoming bogged down and confused as he heard gunshot from behind (Sullivan’s and Conway engaging). Wayne advanced too quickly at the outset of the engagement and now the British under Howe were regrouping and pushing back to his front and right. Wayne was facing stiff resistance to his front and was confused as to what was happening on his flanks and rear. He was wavering to pull back and regroup when out of the fog came Hugh Mercer on his left as the right flank of Greene’s force to hit the British forces opposite of Wayne. Mercer had been guided into position by Calvary troops under Pulaski as they were riding to the far left to assist Arnold. Mercer almost arrived to the rear of Wayne instead of on his left flank. A few of the cavalry troops noticed that Mercer was coming down in the wrong position to the rear of Wayne. They directed Mercer to the correct position to arrive right on Wayne’s left and secured the flank and drive. Wayne’s troops were confused for a moment but gathered and with Mercer’s arrival, continued to drive the British back.

With the appearance of Mercer to the battlefield, the left flank was secure. Washington made a key command decision to keep the momentum. This was to commit his reserve, to go all in. In front of the Chew House where the British picket of the 40th foot regiment was holed up with 120 men, he took over command. He left two regiments of Sterling’s reserve division, one each from New Jersey and North Carolina, with one cannon to keep the 40th at bay. He left a junior officer in charge of these regiments, to hold the British trapped in the compound until they could be mopped up.
He split the rest of the reserve division. He ordered Lord Sterling with the other three New Jersey regiments to the far right to take command as he had reports of the Pennsylvania militia under Armstrong becoming stalled and faltering to take a key bridge and turn the British left. This had enabled the British to concentrate more forces on Conway and the American right. Momentum was being lost. Sterling was to take command of the Pennsylvania militia and along with the New Jersey Continentals to take and defend a bridge and then turn attack the flank of the British. Washington then personally led the eight North Carolina reserve regiments to the right to bolster Conway and Sullivan.

With Armstrong’s failure to engage and protect Conway’s flank, the British forces under Charles Grey were able to get to the right flank of Conway. As Grey was pressing his attack, Conway was starting to waiver. At the moment as Conway’s troops were on the verge of collapse, having already given way some, Washington arrived with the North Carolina regiments to secure Conway and Sullivan.

With the American right flank secure, Greene arrived in full force on the left. First was Mercer to bolster Wayne. When the weight of the rest of Greene’s wing came into position, they aided in driving the British right flank under General Grant back.

With his front being pressured by Sullivan and now Greene, Howe committed his reinforcements under Cornwallis to support his right from the attack of Greene. As they were coming to position though, they were engaged on the old York road by Arnold and could not add the support. The Maryland and New Jersey militia added to the strength of Arnold on the extreme left. They were able to drive Cornwallis back off the Old York Road.

With a clear road open, the British position totally collapsed as Pulaski was able to ride down the Old York Road and get into Howe’s rear. With the charge of Pulaski in the rear, the British position collapsed into two positions.

The British right under Howe broke to the right. They were able to escape encirclement as they broke through the militia to Arnold’s rear assigned to keep the British hemmed in. Seeing this, Cornwallis also broke, withdrew to the rear right.

Arnold’s reaction was to reverse his troops and contain the British breakout under Howe. General Grant and the British light foot brigades were able to disengage, escape and join up with Cornwallis to the South East of the battle. Howe and a second force could not fully breakthrough Arnold.

To the left, Lord Sterling and the New Jersey Continentals were able to capture the key bridge over the Wissahickon Creek against an outpost of Hessians. This occurred as Washington and the North Carolinians shored up the right flank of Conway.

At the end of the day, October 4th, Howe and 5000 British in the center surrendered to the Continentals. The Hessian forces, Grant, and Cornwallis were able to escape the onslaught. They made it back to Philadelphia in the evening.

October 5th – Calls went out to all British commands to come to Philadelphia. Washington rests his troops. As seen in New England in 1775, once word of success reached the countryside, militia units from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware poured into Washington’s camp.

October 6th – Washington was able to set up a loose siege of Philadelphia. Grant and Cornwallis prepare to evacuate Philadelphia. Loose as Washing merely wants to block troops movements and the flow of supplies. He does not want to damage Philadelphia.

October 7 – Pulling a Washington in reverse, The British are able to cross the Delaware at night and secure a position in New Jersey. New York is 80 miles away from the British lines. A series of forced marches get them to safety. Cornwallis guarding the rear was harassed by Arnold and New Jersey militia every step of the way. The British were able to get to safety of the New York lines on October 10th.

October 8 – Washington enters Philadelphia. His main task is to ensure that the supplies of the fleeing British are captured and secured to sustain his army in the coming months.

October 12 – Washington splits his army in two. The advance wing in New Jersey is tasked to keep watch on the British under Greene. And the second wing under Sullivan in Philadelphia. Arnold and his fast troops are with Greene. The two build a good relationship over the winter months.

The news of Howe’s defeat reached Clinton and Admiral Howe in New York. The admiral is able to build up a scratch fleet and sale to the Delaware bay and up the Delaware river. They are able to harass the Patriots some but are of not of much aid to the fleeing British forces.
 
Last edited:

hzn5pk

Session 14 – 1778, American offensive enter the French

Schuyler, Montgomery and the Patriots are cheered on when they receive the news of Washington’s victory north of Philadelphia. It spurred on the Americans to finish the job against Burgoyne. On the other side, it was the final nail for Burgoyne. Hope was gone.

The French are ecstatic upon hearing the news of the two great victories especially the victory at Germantown which was an American offensive campaign and will enter the war by recognizing the Americans in February 1778. The American delegation secures French support for 1778. The French see that the time is right to avenge old grievances from the Seven Years War with the British.

The British are stunned by the dual defeats. The peace delegation in Parliament is a little louder. But the King and the majority of Parliament is determined to keep the colonies. They are still committed to the war, they see 1778 as being on the defensive and building up strength for a shift to the southern colonies where they believe a greater number of Loyalists will join the cause so that these colonies remain in British possession. These colonies are closer to the naval strength in the Caribbean. But before making offensive moves, they need to ensure defense of Montreal, Quebec, Halifax, Newport, RI, and New York and vicinity.

The Americans and French sign a treaty of alliance in February. France increases its aid to the Patriots and assigns forces for the American continent. The 1778 campaigning season brought the French into the American side. This allowed the Americans to go on the offensive.

Washington with Lafayette were able to quell Arnold’s dislike of the French.

Washington planned to go on the offensive in 1778. He made plans against Newport Rhode Island with one force under Greene and Sullivan.

A second force under Arnold and the French were to oust the British from Nova Scotia. It was felt that if Halifax fell, Montreal and Quebec would be easier as naval strength out of Halifax was the lynch pin holding Canada.
Both forces fall short of their goals. Arnold and the French Navy were unable to coordinate effectively in the Nova Scotia to bring Halifax under siege. The Americans were able to retake Fort Cumberland and Saint John, and a large part of the Nova Scotia but were unable to capture Halifax.

The British were also able to defend Newport, RI and disrupt the second Patriot offensive under Sullivan and Greene.

Washington keeps a third force around New York to keep guard of the British in New York.

The British moves in 1778 are Mohawk raids in western New York and Pennsylvania to counter Patriot moves and the invasion of Georgia in December and January. The American Northern Army was stationed to keep the British north of Champlain and were a little understrength to meet the threat of the Iroquois (mainly Mohawks) in the west. Schuyler was missing the presence of Montgomery who had perished the year before. Gone also was Daniel Morgan, he went home to recover his health.

Before the year is done, the British start their southern campaign and capture Savannah, Georgia.
 

hzn5pk

[FONT=&quot]Session 15 - Lessons learned, plans set for 1779
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Sept. 15, 1778 [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]After the initial disappointment to the set back to Generals Greene and Sullivan in Rhode Island and Arnold and the French in Nova Scotia, Washington has had time to think of his next move. As campaigning for 1778 seems to be over, Washington is grateful that his army and the forces of the United States are still in tact and the situation though challenging, is not as desperate as 1776. His army will be supplied in 1778.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]With the entry of the French, the war has broadened and now has a new chapter. Washington is anxious for more French aid and is fixated on forcing the British to leave New York City. For now though, they are contained to that city as they do not appear to be making further moves in the North, but Washington knows that he must be ever vigilant of the striking power that the British have. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Washington has learned some things this campaigning season;[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]French aid in naval power is a must to dislodge British from coastal cities such as New York, Newport, Halifax, and Quebec. Also, he needed to spend a little more time on the details and expectations of future campaigns that were handed to subordinates. Supply and logistics for a campaign were key.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Washington pondered his options for 1779. What were his options?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1.) Remain on strict defensive of NYC, NJ, Conn. and lower Hudson. He would be ever watchful of the British as well as have forces available if the French wanted to coordinate actions. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2.) Another campaign to raid Canada, would this dislodge the British from NYC?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]3.) Reprisal campaign against Iroquois raids of settlements in western NY ad PA. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]4.) A campaign to re-capture Savannah and then continue to English Florida. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]After viewing the options, he decided upon the western campaign to neutralize the Iroquois threat to be the main American offensive for 1779. He choose this because it could be accomplished with the least amount men being detached from the main Continental Army forces, it would eliminate this concern, and it would be a popular campaign in the North.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Supporting offensives would be to recapture Montreal and with French aid recapture Savannah, GA. He wanted to recapture Montreal to take the British eyes away from western New York and Pennsylvania and to also send a message to the Canadian Patriots that they were not abandoned. He saw in Savannah to use French Navy and to stop the British advance in the southern colonies.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Now that he had chosen the what for 1779, Washington needed to work out more details, select leaders for the campaigns and present his plans to Congress.[/FONT]
 

hzn5pk

[FONT=&quot]Session 16 - A plan is developed for 1779[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Washington had decided upon an overall strategy for the 1779 season; he now worked out the details. He liked the main goals of capturing Forts St Jean and Niagara. The two campaigns would support each other. This was the main fault with the Newport and Halifax campaigns of the previous summer; they did not support each other and were not coordinated. The British were able to squander first the Nova Scotia campaign and then Rhode Island. [/FONT]

For 1779, Washington set his objectives[FONT=&quot][/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Primary Objectives would be:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1.) Eliminating the threat posed by Loyalists and the Iroquois in western PA and NY This would be accomplished by taking of Fort Niagara.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2.) Re-establishing a presence in Canada – this would be accomplished by securing the Richelieu River, capturing Montreal, and fortifying the lower St. Lawrence to keep the gains. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]3.) Enlist the aid of Vermont. Vermont had to come into the Patriot fold.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Secondary goals[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]4.) Aid George Rogers Clark in the Ohio region by capturing Fort Detroit[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]5.) Scourge any hostile Indian and Loyalist support in Western NY and PA. Make it two more generations before they become a threat again.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The next decision would be who to lead the campaigns. Several options for competent leaders were available. Who should be the overall leader and who should the subordinates be? His generals are:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Horatio Gates[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Older general. Favored in New England where he is in command of the Eastern Department. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]John Sullivan[/FONT][FONT=&quot] - Washington had doubts about his capability in the Rhode Island campaign. He was steady and loyal though.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Nathaniel Greene[/FONT][FONT=&quot] - Had experience as a quartermaster and at leading troops in battle. The quartermaster task would be vital in capturing the forts and sustaining the campaign. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Benedict Arnold[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – One of Washington’s favorites. Washington was impressed by his initiative that he had always shown. He was a leader of men. He was also a gambler. Washington knew that it would be too much of a risk to have in overall charge, but he had shown that he was a valuable asset.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Daniel Morgan[/FONT][FONT=&quot] - He was currently in retirement due to frustrations with Congress. This was actually a common thread that Washington liked, it seemed as though the most effective and experienced leaders all disliked Congress. Washington would need to appeal to their sense of national duty as well sell it to Congress.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Lafayette[/FONT][FONT=&quot] - Could be used in support role. Could he be used in Canada.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Anthony Wayne[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Solid in battle [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]John Glover[/FONT][FONT=&quot] - Skills of the Marble Headers would be used in part of Washington's evolving plan for the campaign. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Alexander Hamilton[/FONT][FONT=&quot] - Was a part of Washington's staff wanted a field command. Perhaps this could be accomplished. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Henry Knox[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – His reliable artillery man. Knox could get things done for moving and setting artillery positions. Washington would use this for the assault on St. Jean.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Ethan Allen and Seth Warner[/FONT][FONT=&quot] - Would the Vermont forces be willing, how to use them?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Phillip Schuyler[/FONT][FONT=&quot] - Could be used to gather material in a quartermaster role as he had done before. He was also very popular with the Canadians.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Hugh Mercer[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Reliable, good in a fight[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Daniel Brodhead[/FONT][FONT=&quot] - Had conducted maneuvers in the Ohio country and western PA in 1778, will be used again for the 1779 western campaign[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]James Clinton[/FONT][FONT=&quot] - Another New Yorker who could be cast in a supporting role[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Washington saw that for the overall command, Gates was undesirable. Supply and coordination were the qualities that he wanted the most. For this, he selected Nathaniel Greene in overall command against Niagara and Schuyler to be in overall command on the Richelieu. Washington also liked the combat experience that Arnold, Morgan, and Mercer had. He wanted these three to be chief lieutenants to lead wings of the operation. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Washington realized that even more planning was needed to make the objectives more definitive. The objective of capturing forts Niagara and St. Jean seemed to be number one. Capture these, and the Indian and Loyalist menace on the frontier would be severely hampered. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]As he was thinking, two more questions came[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]1.) What should troop levels be, knowing that not too much strength could be sapped away from the main Army to counter British moves. The farther west the campaigning, the lower the troop levels could be to meet the objectives. Also knowing that the size of the Army was being restructured by Congress.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
2.) After troop levels were determined, how to best supply the forces?

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]The next step would be to review the plan with Hamilton to develop the political game and strategize on how to bring generals on line. Greene and Arnold could aid in determining troops needed, the phases, and the timing of the operation. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT]
 

hzn5pk

Session 17 - Troops are allocated for the 1779 plan

September 16th, 1778 - Development of plans with Alexander Hamilton and Lafayette

The discussions of the plans with Alexander Hamilton and Lafayette are for political reasons, to present a general time table of events, and to determine troops needed.

Hamilton and Washington worked out some troop numbers.
1.)Arnold to lead the northern wing on the attack of Ft. Niagara – 1200 regulars
2.)Greene and Glover to establish a base at Ft. Eerie to support Arnold, Morgan, Clinton and Broadhed against Ft. Niagara and then as a base for the second phase of Ft Detroit – 600 regulars (Mainly the Marbleheaders to build and man supply craft)
3.)Alexander Hamilton to secure Northern end of Lake Ontario – 600 men (300 NY militia and 300 regulars). He would then divide forces to advance on both Montreal from the West and Fort Niagara from the North.
4.)Daniel Morgan – would lead troops from Ft. Eerie to From Niagara then from Eerie to Detroit through Ohio – would need 600 VA & PA militia, 300 regulars
5.)James Clinton to lead a force from Easton, PA to Ft. Niagara, south of the finger lakes – 600 regulars with Oneida support.
6.)Daniel Broadhed to lead a force from Fort Pitt to Niagara – 600 regulars, would harass Seneca and meet up with Clinton before advancing on Niagara
7.)Hugh Mercer with Seth Warner to lead the action to secure the Richelieu River – 900 regulars, 900 Vermont, MA & NH militia. All four Canadian regiments would join.
8.) Henry Knox would once again be in charge of transporting artillery against Fort St. Jean. With the French protecting Boston Harbor, the artillery that rimmed Boston would be used in reverse; it would be used in the Richelieu River campaign. After securing the Richelieu River, the artillery is to be used to defend the St. Lawrence and to protect Montreal. The intent was to re-capture and keep Montreal. The Richelieu River would be a main way of ensuring supplies flow into Montreal. His artillery train would be 100 men. Many of them vetrans from the trek from Ticonderooga to Quebec and then back to Boston in the Fall, Winter and Spring of 1775/1776.
9.) Phillip Schuyler – would be quartermaster general based in Albany to supply both campaigns against Fort St. Jean and Niagara
10.) General Sullivan and General Anthony Wayne would remain in camp with Washington. They were needed in case the British made any movements out of New York or Newport, RI.

Total of 4600 regs and 1800 militia is needed for the 1779 offensive. Hamilton mentioned that Phillip Schulyer could be used to aid in supplying both campaigns from Albany as Greene will supply the Niagara and then Ohio campaign from Eerie. Hamilton also inquires upon a military command. Washington states that Hamilton can lead the force of regulars that will go with secure the northern flank of Lake Ontario and then advance to Montreal from the West with another advance south to Niagara.

The main goal of the campaigns were to capture the two forts of Niagara and St. Jean. Continuing action from these campaigns would capture Fort Detroit and fortify the Saint Lawrence, secure the St. Lawrence for the Americans. The artillery that Knox would bring from Boston would fortify both banks of the St. Lawrence just West of Sorel, Canada. The secondary goal was to scourge the Iroquois villages in western NY and PA. The timing of the campaign is that Greene and Glover were to set up base at Eerie as soon as possible. Knox would also use the winter of 1778/1779 to transport artillery to the American base south of Lake Champlain. The rest of the campaign was to start in late spring 1779.
 

hzn5pk

Session 18 – Political support for 1779

The main effort for now will be to persuade Congress and states and assemble the generals. Washington needed support from the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Since his offensive dealt with the securing of the frontier, there was little doubt that these states would support the cause. What was also needed was support from New England, this might be trickier as Massachusetts favored activity to secure what was being called Maine and then Nova Scotia. Washington stated that he had the priorities wrong for 1778, securing Montreal and the West should have been first and then Nova Scotia second.

Washington lets New England politicians know that when the time is right, an advance will be made again in earnest towards capturing Halifax. Even with the less than stellar performance in 1778, Washington remains popular in New England based on his victories in New Jersey and at Germantown. This and the continued backing of John Adams propels Washington's plans with New England.

Gaining the support of Vermont would also be critical as Patriot support has waned with the British re-conquest of Canada. The real estate squabble with New York did not help matters. Washington hoped to gain Vermont's support that if the campaign is successful, it would go a long ways towards recognition by Congress, more importantly recognition by the State of New York. To gain the support of Vermont, Washington would have to get New York to agree to relinquish its claims of the area. To aid with the New York assembly relinquishing their claims, Washington and Hamilton would draw support from ardent Patriots from New York, Aaron Burr and Phillip Schuyler.

Hamilton and Washington concurred that an address to Congress of the plans was needed. Washington would address Congress on Monday, Sept. 21, 1778. Congress had wanted a campaign against the Iroquois and Ft. Detroit in 1778, so this 1779 proposal should be met with approval. Washington would provide the details that will lead to a successful campaign. Washington would also state that the campaign would need proper logistical support to succeed, that is why it is critical for Greene to set up a base on Lake Eerie (present day Eerie, PA) and that the 1775 experience of both Morgan and Arnold in moving men through wilderness would aid.

After gaining approval and support of Congress, Washington and Hamilton would then work for the approval of New York state to relinquish its claims to Vermont and then ultimately to Vermont to officially join the cause. The plan involving New York to set aside its claims would involve Schuyler, Burr and Hamilton politicking in the New York state assembly. Their goal was to focus New York on the bigger picture of the revolution and that Vermont's support with men and supplies would be beneficial. Also, there might be opportunity to claim new lands in the conquered western area that would make up for officially releasing claims to Vermont.

The final political domino would be support of Vermont.

During the maneuvering of New York and Vermont, support for Canada would also have to be shown. The four Canadian brigades were still loyal to the Patriot cause. The Canadians preferred the American presence over the British. The British rule was a little harsher in 1777 and 1778 after the re-conquest. The Canadians were joined now in the Patriot cause for freedom and to simply be left alone. They saw that their best interest lied with the independence of all of America.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Before talking to Congress, Washington would talk to Greene, Arnold, Mercer and Knox in camp and recruit Daniel Morgan and Phillip Schuyler via a personal letter.[/FONT]
 
Last edited:

hzn5pk

Session 19 – 1779 plans begin

Saturday, September 19, 1778 - Meeting with the generals[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Washington, Hamilton, Greene, Glover, Sullivan, Mercer, Knox, Lafayette and Arnold meet in Philadelphia. Washington was relieved when all accepted their roles for the campaign. Privately Arnold conversed with Washington that he would go anywhere Washington would send him as long as it was not with the French as it was in 1778. [FONT=&quot]

[/FONT]The group agrees that if Congress approves of the plan, that Hamilton, Mercer, and Schuyler will go to the New York assembly first and then Vermont to solicit support.

Greene will immediately start the process of gathering supplies to set up a base on Lake Eerie. Washington asks about the feasibility of building and supplying the two wings of the Ohio portion of the plan by oar boat. Glover states that it should not be hard to construct the boats, some may even be able to be transferred. As for Lake Eerie, if the oar boats hug the shore line with scouts on the shore, it would be possible to transport the men and supplies and keep both wings in communication.

Henry Knox will go back to Boston and prepare the artillery for the move against Canada.[FONT=&quot]

[/FONT]As they discuss details, the overall plan is updated to focus on Niagara first and then St. Jean and Fort Detroit. For the attack on Canada, Washington will use what he did at the Battle of Germantown when he bypassed the Chew House and concentrated on the goal of driving Howe back. He instructed Mercer to initially bypass Fort St. Jean to make a strong presence on the St. Lawrence. After success at Fort Niagara, forces will come from the South with the artillery to envelop Fort St. Jean.

With better use of the Vermonters and New England militia, Mercer with 600 NE militia and militia from NY and Vermont will start out from Vermont towards Sorel, Quebec. Washington states that his objective is to make as much ruckus as possible, to gain the St, Lawrence and cut of St. Jean from reinforcement from the North and East. Also, Washinton wants him to keep in communication in case Washington will need the 1200 militia for defence of the Hudson.

Hamilton will lead 600 regulars on the North shore of Lake Ontario to guard the flank. Once the eastern end of Lake Ontario is secure, he will divide his forces, 200 will travel towards Montreal 200 to join the attack on Ft. Niagara, 100 to remain on the east end of Lake Ontario, and 100 to travel back towards Albany.

The re-positioning leaves 300 regulars to be reassigned to General Clinton for operations on the south side of the finger lakes driving to Ft. Niagara. Glover will also land another 200 men to secure the Niagara peninsula opposite of the fort. The manpower totals are the same, redistributed though to strengthen the south wing of the campaign.

After capture of Niagara, forces will be redistributed to follow up on St. Jean and Detroit. Arnold and Morgan will hug the Lake Eerie coast line towards Detroit. Hamilton will lead a contingent towards St. Jean to meet up with Knox and Mercer. Clinton will lead a contingent back through New York to Washington.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Washington stresses that if the campaign is to succeed, the generals must work together, must move together. He uses the British example of 1777, Howe was in no postion to aid Burgoyne as he went after Philadelphia instead of going straight up the Hudson. The first objective was to capture Ft. Niagara. The two wings and the flanks would converge on the fort (Arnold to the North, and Clinton from the South) with Morgan, Hamilton, and Glover on the flanks. A scorched earth policy would be applied as long as it did not take time and momentum away from capturing the fort. More villages could be plundered once the fort was captured; General Clinton could accomplish this upon his way back to Albany. [FONT=&quot]

[/FONT]Monday, September 21, 1778 - Proposal to Congress[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Washington addresses Congress of his plans. After the address of an hour, Congress debates the details of the campaign.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]The biggest debate is over which state will lay claim to the conquered territory. New York debates the Vermont issue. PA and VA debate over the Ohio region. The debate continues until Henry Laurens, current President of the Congress, speaks up and states that the debate over the territory was contingent upon the success of the campaign and that the success would eliminate the Iroquois, Loyalist, and British threat to western PA, New York, and the Ohio and Kentucky lands. He states, the fact that they were debating over the spoils, meant that the states must approve of the campaign.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]New York once again laid claim to Vermont. Laurens and others in Congress stat that the Vermont situation would be best addressed after the successful conclusion of the campaign along with the long term status of the territory gained. Until then, it is wise to enlist as much aid as possible, and Vermont could provide some aid as they had done in the past. To this they implore the New York contingent to formally have their state assembly make peace with Vermont, recognize Vermont.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]The other issue that is debated in Congress is the troop levels and the current restructuring of the Army. To support this campaign, and it was quite evident that NY, PA, and VA strongly supported it, the current redistribution of the Continental Army might have to be curtailed. [FONT=&quot]

[/FONT]A vote on the campaign as detailed and the curtailment of the army would be taken the next day. That night, Washington’s detractors agreed to the campaign thinking that if it failed which they thought that it would that it would be the end of Washington. They also agreed upon voting in favor to stop the downsizing of the army.
 

hzn5pk

Session 20 – Rest of 1778

Tuesday, September 22, 1778 – A vote taken in Congress; the campaigns for 1779 are approved as Washington detailed the previous day. The current restructuring of the army was to be stopped as well. The delegates of New York, Penn, and Virginia would inquire upon their states for militia. Massachusetts and New Hampshire delegates also would inquire upon militia but questioned when the campaign to secure the Maine border would be made.

Upon gaining Congressional approval, Washington writes another letter to Daniel Morgan and his personal desire to have Morgan in the field, he chooses a trusted messenger to deliver it personally.

Washington advises Hamilton, Mercer, and Schuyler to address George Clinton and the New York assembly to set their land claims in Vermont aside for the benefit of the cause. And then to ultimately go to Vermont with personal letters from Washington, Congress, and New York to bring Vermont firmly into the Patriot camp.

With the generals assembled in Philadelphia, Washington again stresses the conformity of action and the example of the British in 1777 of not acting together. For success, the two main wings of both operations must work together. The second item was to ensure that operations concluded in 1779 so that forces would be available to counter any British moves for 1780.

Thursday, September 24 – Greene and Glover start gathering supplies to travel to Eerie, PA to start the boat making process for 30 supply boats on lake Eerie to support assault on Niagara and continuing action against Detroit. The goal for the winter is simply to set up camp and ready for the folloing spring. Some of the oar boats may be transferred to Ft. Eerie instead of building from scratch.

Friday, September 25 – Henry Knox sets out to Boston to once again start the process of gathering the artillery assembled around Boston harbor to transport it to American positions south of Lake Champlain

Tuesday, September 29 – Proposal to New York
Mercer, Hamilton, along with Phillip Schluyer address New York Assembly, and governor George Clinton. They appeal to the patriotic side of the New Yorkers to lay aside claims to the New Hampshire land grants for unity of purpose. Hamilton goes another step to state that a claim on the strip of land connecting Lakes Eerie and Ontario may be more beneficial to New York in the future than the current squabble with Vermont. The political maneuvering meets some success as New York decides to place its claims on hold while the conflict with Britain is still ongoing. They further state in letter to Vermont that after hostilities with Britain have concluded, New York will peacefully arbitrate conflicting land claims with current residents. New York goes so far as to welcome Vermont soldiers to fight side by side with for the cause of freedom.

Wednesday, October 7 – Proposal to Vermont
Hamilton, Mercer, Phillip Schluyer along with Vermont officers currently volunteering in the Continental Army address the Vermont Assembly. As with New York, they make an appeal to the Patriotic side and the common cause of freedom. They reveal letters from Congress, New York, and General Washington. With Vermont participation, NY agrees to place claims on hold until the end of hostilities with Britain. The attitude of New York to place claims on hold and then to peacefully arbitrate those claims after hostilities with Britain have ceased make the largest impact with the leaders of Vermont for continued support of the war against the British.

Thursday, October 8, 1778 - The Vermont assembly came back and agreed to raise the additional 300 man militia for the 1779 campaign.

October 23 – Daniel Morgan arrives at winter quarters to confer with Washington, Greene, Hamilton, Glover, and Arnold. Morgan is convinced of the plan and will go back to Virginia to lead a contingent of militia.

November 2 – Greene and Glover set out to Ft. Pitt then to Eerie, PA with 600 men, mainly the Marbleheaders and other men with boat building skills. They do their best to avoid contact with the Seneca’s. Upon reaching Eerie they set up camp and start the process of building the 30 oar boats needed to supply the effort to Ft. Detroit. They arrive in Eerie on December 15.
 

hzn5pk

Session 21 – 1779

February 1779 – Lafayette is set to travel back to France to garner more support from the French. Before leaving, he introduces Arnold and Clinton to the Oneidas that he had established a relationship in 1777. The Oneidas will be able to provide 300 men to Clinton and additional scouts to Arnold. An Oneida representative is now assigned to both Arnold and Clinton.

April 1779 – Daniel Morgan and a force of 600 Virginia and Pennsylvania militia arrive at Fort Pitt. The 300 regulars that were assigned to Morgan have been re-distributed to Clinton. Washington's fear is that the center going through Iroquois territory needs to be strengthened.

Current allocation of troops is:
Alexander Hamilton – 300 regulars and 300 NY militia, based in Schenectady, NY will travel North and set up a base at the eastern end of Lake Ontario. Once the base is set up, forces will divide up to converge on both Forts St. Jean (Montreal) and Fort Niagara.

Benedict Arnold – 1200 regulars, based at Schenectady, NY. Will travel to Fort Oswego and continue north of the Finger Lakes. On the way, 300 troops will detach and travel down the Susquehanna River and meet up with General Clinton. Separate commands, of Arnold, Clinton, and Broadhead will unite at Genesee Castle, NY. Arnold will then take command and travel to Fort Niagara.

James Clinton – 1200 regulars and 300 Oneida Braves based in Easton, PA. Will travel through Wyoming Valley to South of finger Lakes. Meet up with Arnold at Genesee Castle, NY.

Daniel Broadhead – 600 regulars based at Fort Pitt, will travel north east through Seneca lands to Genesee Castle.

John Glover – 600 regulars, based at Fort Eerie, PA. Building supply boats on Lake Eerie. Will land 200 troops opposite the Niagara River, opposite Fort Niagara. Another 200 troops will join Daniel Morgan from Fort Pitt to march overland to Fort Niagara.

Daniel Morgan – 600 Virginia and Pennsylvania militia based at Fort Pitt, will march overland to Fort Eerie and then to Niagara.

Hugh Mercer – 600 regulars with 300 Vermont and 900 NE militia based in Burlington, VT. The regulars are the four regiments of Canadian troops. Will travel North, initially bypass Fort St. Jean and set up base on the St. Lawrence.

Henry Knox – With 100 engineers and wagoneers has siege artillery based at Schenectady, NY will travel North to the St. Lawrence to fortify both shores at a location west of Sorel, Canada

Nathaniel Greene – Fort Eerie, quartermaster general for western NY, PA, and Ohio

Phillip Schuyler – Schenectady, quartermaster general for eastern NY and Canada

Total troops, 4600 regulars, 2100 militia, 300 Oneida braves

April – Hamilton leaves Schenectady, NY to head North to east end of Lake Ontario with 600 regulars.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]May 1 – Mercer sets out from Burlington Vermont towards Sorel, Canada. The pace is slow. The trick is to March and fake that numbers are greater. Former Continental Army deserters in Vermont are offered a pardon if they join campaign.[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
May 1 - Arnold leaves Schenectady westward towards Old Ft. Johnson, where 300 men then travel South down the Susquehanna to meet up with Clinton. The others travel, west north of the finger lakes to Forts Stanwix, Oswego and Niagara.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Brodhead leaves Ft. Pitt up the Cherry Valley with 600 men
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Morgan leaves Ft. Pitt towards Fort Eerie and then to Fort Niagara as the advance force. Glover covers with 200 regulars sent in 10 boats that land on the Niagara peninsula opposite the fort. Another 200 of Glover’s troops are sent to support Morgan. This leaves 200 at Ft. Eerie (the camp that Greene established) to complete the last oar boats.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]May 15 - Clinton leaves Easton, PA up the Wyoming Valley to the south end of the finger lakes. 300 Oneidas join him along the way at Ft. Clinton (Sullivan), the 300 troops from Arnold are there as well.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Joseph Brandt and John Butler agree that they need to combine forces and attack the weakest American column first which they perceive as Clinton’s. Their goal is to stop Clinton, then address Arnold
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]June - Clinton has one battle at Newtown. His Oneida scouts effectively screen and detect an ambush of Mohawks and Loyalists. He has 1500 regulars and 300 Oneidas against 250 loyalists, 1000 Iroquois and 15 British regulars. Upon hearing the news of the intended British ambush along his route of advance, Clinton held a council of war, he divides his 1800 men into three forces, to cover the flanks the British position. Clinton attacks in the center with some initial success to pin the opposition down. Joseph Brandt leads a counter attack but is beaten back. The flanking maneuver that Clinton set in motion earlier in the day works as the forces on the left and right flank join the battle to effectively out flank the Loyalists. The Loyalists and Iroquois are forced to retreat leading Clinton to plunder a few villages. Clinton concentrates more on making it to Genesee Castle and hooking up with Arnold and Brodhead than with plundering villages. He does make sure that no opposing forces are able to get around him.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Morgan reaches Fort Eerie

Hamilton reaches east end of Lake Ontario sets up base and distributes forces. 200 men will travel to Niagara, 200 will travel to Montreal with Hamilton, 100 will stay at the base, 100 will go back to Schenectady to keep supply route open.

British make a presence in Maine, Penobscot. Mass is rattled but can do little at the time. [FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
July – Arnold, Clinton, and Brodhead meet up at Genesee Castle [FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
Morgan reaches Niagara and scouts about does not engage.

Mercer reaches his destination on the St. Lawrence, west of Sorel. 600 militia and 600 regs are with him. The other 600 militia are with Seth Warner around Forts Chambly and St. Jean. They are met there by the 200 regs with Hamilton. St. Jean is under a loose siege.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Stony point on the Hudson is stormed and captured by Anthony Wayne[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
July 15, Fort Niagara is besieged as troops under Hamilton reach Niagara as well (900 regs from Arnold, 1500 regs from Clinton, 600 from Brodhead, 800 from Morgan, 200 from Hamilton, 200 Glover) 3900 troops converge. Greene and Arnold confer and agree that to conserve their strength, a direct assault is not needed, the fort is already doomed. Glover cuts off the retreat across the Niagara peninsula.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]August – Fort Niagara falls to Arnold with little casualties. Brandt and Butler are forced to surrender.

Knox arrives with the artillery and sets up positions on the North and South shore of the St. Lawrence. With the few extra batteries he has left, he sends them south toward St. Jean.
 

hzn5pk

Session 22 – Rest of 1779, American actions

August 1, 1779 – Fort Niagara falls to Arnold with few American casualties. Brandt and Butler are forced to surrender. A question arises of what to do with the prisoners? The prisoners include Joseph Brandt, John Butler, the garrison of the fort, and the Indians (mainly Mohawks), Loyalists, and British regulars that had retreated through Iroquois territory to make the last stand at Niagara. The decision was up to Greene, who was in overall in command. Greene conferred with Arnold on the situation. They do not want further trouble when they leave Niagara for Ft. Detroit. It was also clear that Brandt and Butler could not be released as they would stir up trouble again. The solution was to keep the officers and influential men and release the common infantry soldier Loyalist and brave. All weapons and supplies had to be surrendered. The supplies would aid in the second portion of the campaign.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]After the fall of Niagara, Morgan with 600 and Glover with 400 head back to Eerie. Hamilton’s 200 will now be forwarded to St. Jean with Clinton, Brodhead splits forces with 100 to garrison at Niagara and 100 to Ft. Pitt, 400 will go with Clinton to St. Jean. Clinton takes 2100 regulars to Fort St. Jean. Arnold with 600 regulars prepares to travel through Ontario to Ft. Detroit. He will generally hug the north coastline of Lake Eerie, the same as Morgan on the south shore. (300 men are casualties of the two battles and general fall out from the campaign).
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]August 19 – Raid on Paulus Hook, New Jersey battle is success for Americans under Henry Lee
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]August 8[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Clinton sets out from Niagara with 2100 regulars to Fort St. Jean[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]August 15 – Arnold leaves fort Niagara with 600 regulars on North side of Lake Eerie, is supplied from Ft. Niagara and Ft Eerie via 10 of Glover boats with additional 200 men. Arnold’s path generally hugs shore line some Oneidas are used as scouts.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Glover sets out with another 10 boats, 200 men to be the advance crew to reach Ft. Detroit and link up with George Rogers Clarke. The advance base and link up with Clarke is at present day Toledo.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]September – Morgan leaves Eerie through Ohio with 600 (300 PA militia, and 300 VA militia) men, 10 supply boats and 200 men from Glover. Some Delawares are used as scouts. Like Arnold, he hugs the southern shore of Lake Eerie.

Clinton arrives at Fort St. Jean with 2100 troops to place fort in full siege.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]October – Morgan meets up with Clarke and Glover at present day Toledo
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]October 15 – Ft Detroit is besieged by Clarke (300), Morgan (600), Glover (600), and Arnold (600) plus Indian scouts.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]November – Ft. Detroit falls to the Americans. As like at Niagara, no direct assault is waged. [FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]Clark to remain in Ft. Detroit area with 300, Morgan to advance through Kentucky on way back to VA to raid Indians with 300 VA militia, the 300 PA militia to retrace path across Ohio. Clarke convinces Glover to aid on a surprise raid of Ft. Michilimackinac with a scratch force of volunteers, 400 total. Arnold with his regulars will travel back to Washington.[FONT=&quot][/FONT]

Fort St. Jean surrenders to Mercer. The main key was that Knox was able to effectively shut down the St. Lawrence.

December – Montreal is liberated to the Patriots
 

Silver

More please. Also, will this ATL of yours continue until all of the Founding Fathers or all those who are involved in the American Revolution (including those French volunteers such as Lafayette) are dead? If not, how far are you going to take this ATL? Will there be a French Revolution, The Terror, the Napoleonic Wars and a War of 1812 in your ATL? Will the Patriots make gains in the Caribbean, especially by taking and holding both the Bahamas and Bermuda? Will the Patriots before the end of the war eventually take the rest of British North America such as Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Prince Rupert's Land belonging to the Hudson Bay Company? Please let me know. Thank you. :):):)
 
100Fathoms

100Fathoms

Great post Sir, seems like some serious butterflies are going to start flapping their little chaos generators presently :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top
Top