Where should the next update take place ?

  • The Battle of Santa Fe

    Votes: 3 18.8%
  • The Guns of Cherbourg

    Votes: 6 37.5%
  • The Fourth Battle of Toledo

    Votes: 5 31.3%
  • Battle of the Rhone

    Votes: 2 12.5%

  • Total voters
    16
  • Poll closed .
The New York Campaign of the Spring of 1806
The New York Campaign of the Spring of 1806 Part I

The Spring offensive in New York began on April 28, 1806 when Banastre Tarleton took 18,000 of his British regulars in New York City and March north with the objective of Taking the forts at West Point a day’s march north. His march was monitored by the American citizens and upon reaching the fortifications around dusk Tarleton found the Federal Army garrison alert and waiting for his men, He pulled back a short distance and encamped his men for the night. The Defense at west point were Commanded by New York Guards General George McClure he had under his command 2,000 Federal Legionaries, 8,000 New York State Guards and 2,000 Militia men from the local area; a total of 12,000 men with in the defenses.

Tarleton Chose not to wait and at midnight had his men up and moving into position to attack the Fortifications, so that the Dawn broke to the start of a British bombardment of the Fortifications. Tarleton only had enough ammunition for a four hour bombardment. From the start the British found themselves coming up short in the artillery exchange and Tarleton was advised to give up the attack; however he refused. The Infantry were order to advance at 0730 after The British had already lost a third of their field guns. The Attack advanced toward the Federal lines under withering fire from both artillery and rifles, so much that by the time the assaulted Fort Putnam their first objective 1,500 men had fallen killed or wounded, some Red Coats did manage to get into the defenses but the majority broke and retreated after twenty to thirty minutes of hand to hand combat. The entire assault lasted three hours, Tarleton formed a rear guard and pulled his men back the assault was a complete failure by 3 pm the British were completely clear of the field at 4pm Tarleton would send a rider under truce flag to suggest a truce to collect the wounded but McClure refused him saying that any captured wounded would be well cared for. Tarleton had suffered 1,500 men killed and 2,500 men wounded, captured, or missing; at total of 4,000 men lost. He withdrew south to the Quaker village at Mt. Ivey.

While Tarleton licked his wounds at Mt. Ivey to the south the Federal 4th Legion 35,000 men under Major General Zebulon Montgomery Pike was marching north out of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tarleton would learn of Pike’s advance on the morning of the 10th when Pike’s army was just 48 miles away with his Legion encamped at Morristown New Jersey, at close to the same time a letter reached Tarleton his force must either drive off the Federal forces approaching New York City or buy the navy time to evacuate their Base in New York Harbor. Tarleton sent word for the 2,000 men still in New York City to meat his main force at the town of Paterson New Jersey. At Paterson the Passaic river makes a large bend in the shape of the letter n. Paterson sits inside of this bend of the river. Tarleton’s forces would arrive on the Morning of the May 11, 1806 He would deploy his men on the eastern bank of the Passaic east of the town.

Pike’s men were already marching north from Morristown when is scouts reported that The British were consolidating at to the east of Paterson Nj. Benefiting form having a larger force Pike spilt his army into three pieces would send 10,000 men south though the pass between Garrett mountain and Orange mountain crossing Passaic River to the south of Tarleton’s positions. He next sent second of 10,000 men north to Malwah Nj, while Pike would advance on Paterson with the remaining 15,000 men.

The Battle of Patterson started at 10am on May 13th when Pike’s column marched though the town of Pike headed East toward Tarleton’s positions. Pike committed just enough men to the assault keep Tarleton’s attentions focused on his troops. On the Eastern Bank of the Passaic River Tarleton was starting to wonder if something was wrong as the Federalist was hitting with just enough men act like they were serious. This confirmed at 4pm when riders arrived from the south informing him of a column of Federal troops to his south. Tarleton continued to engage the Federalist forces under Pike until the sun had gone down and with the sliver thin Crescent moon in the sky Tarleton had his men stoke their campfires high then begin marching south and east under the cover of the darkens. He and his forces arrived a the Hudson River as the dawn was breaking he arranged for the Navy to ferry his men across The Hudson with long boats to the eastern bank This would not be completed until almost 10 am. With his army safe for the moment Tarleton decided to encamp and let his men rest while he and Admiral Nelson decided what the next move would be.

The New York Campaign of the Spring of 1806 Part II

While Tarleton was waltzing around with the Federal Army in front of New York City a second invasion of New York State was getting ready to take place. At the town of Nigeria on the Lake Prince Edward Duke of Kent{1}, Commander of all British Forces in British North America had assembled an Army aimed at down the Mohawk River Valley and taking the New York State Capital at Albany. By the End of April the Duke of Kent had assembled a force 55,000 strong consisting of 25,000 Redcoats From Britain and 30,000 Canadian Militia.

On the other side of the River was the Federal 2nd Legion 30,000 men strong under the command of Major General Nathaniel Pitcher. Pitcher also two brigades of New York State Guards totaling 8,500 men for a total of 38,500 men. The bulk of the Federal Army was encamped at the southern mouth of the Niagara River’s on Lake Erie, while a 1,500 man force of New State guards and Militiamen under Colonel Stephen Van Rensselaer III were stationed at Fort Niagara.

On May 11, 1807 the Duke of Kent would launch his offensive. He Would cross the Niagara River at Youngstown Ny. From there would march north where he quickly besieged the Fort Niagara. The Edward sent the for an offer for the conditional surrender of the fort his terms were generous surrender the fort stack arms and march south to join the Federal forces at Buffalo. Van Rensselaer refused this offer setting up the battle of Fort Niagara. The battle began before first light on May 12th. Edward sends in 15,000 men lead by Major General Arthur Wellesley, Wellesley an up and coming young officer storms the fort under the cover of darkness and with out the use of artillery. The attack catches the federalist sleeping and Fort Nagara falls with out a single loss on either side. Van Rensselaer and his 1,500 men were taken into upper Canada as prisoners of war, while the British detached 1,000 men to garrison the fort; they would rest for the day then turn south to deal with the Federal forces at Buffalo. The start of this campaign finally gave the British a bright spot in a war where they had received nothing but black eyes till this point, yet even this bright spot would be short lived.

The Duke of Kent Master Peace, The Battle of Batavia Ny.

The fall of fort Niagara reached General Pitcher and the 2nd legion as they were already marching north having learned of the British having crossed the river. Pitcher had planned to pin the British between the fortress and his army he now pressed his army to move quickly he planned to gain good ground on the Niagara road and block the British form advancing east. Duke Edward and his army was also on the march heading east. His scouts informed him of an advancing federal column coming up form the south. As he steered his army to intercept this Federal column the stage was set for the grandest battle of the war, the Battle of Batavia village.

The two armies met each other on May 13,1806 at the village of Batavia New York, where the road forded Tonawanda Creek. The battle began when the dragoon form each column ran into each other around 9:30 am this initial class was in conclusive with both sides breaking contact around 10 am to report to their commanders. Pitcher and the federals were the first to arrive and deployed two brigades with supporting artillery on the North bank of the stream in front of the village. The British vanguard would arrive from the west shortly after and the battle would commence. In a classic meeting engagement fashion, the bulk of the two armies would piece meal though from the start of the action around 1pm. As the battle slowly unfolded both sides appeared even true the British appeared to have a slight numerical advantage but from Pitcher’s point of view it was not insurmountable. However, Pitcher didn’t know that he was being played bigtime. By 3:15pm Duke Edward guessed right that the Federals were committing their last reserves to the line; it was at this time that Edward sent word to Major General Arthur Wellesley who was commanding a reserve division 20,000 strong. At 4 pm Wellesley’s Division crashed into the Federal’s left flank Pitcher’s over stretched line started to roll up. It was only the heroic action by Colonel James Alexander Hamilton of the 78th New York Guards regiment the Federalist’s only remaining reserve unit how not only managed to reformed the line but managed to rally many of the routed soldiers form the Federal left. The young Hamilton’s actions allowed the Federal Legion to make it the remaining few hours till night fall under whose cover Pitcher managed to with draw his batter Legion toward the east.

The battle of Batavia would be the greatest victory of the war for the British. The Federals casualties were 1,500 killed, 3,000 wounded and 6,000 captured (8,000 if you include the wounded that were captured after the federal withdrawal during the night. In comparison the British lost just 900 killed and another 1800 wounded. Following the battle Edward chose to divided his forces; sending Wellesley with his 20,000 men south to take the village of Buffalo and the western terminus of the Erie Canal while he and the rest of the army would continue east chasing Pitcher’s battered second legion.

The Bloody Banks of the Oatka Creek

Following the battle of Batavia Major General Nathaniel Pitcher and his battered 2nd Legion retreated east to the small settlement of Ganson Tavern on the banks of the Oatka Creek and encamped on its eastern bank and regrouped. The Duke of Kent would give his men until noon the next day May 14th before setting off in pursuit of the Federalist Army. By dusk the two armies were once again staring at each other from the opposite banks of the Oatka creek. The Oatka Creek isn’t the deepest of creeks but its banks are steep which make crossing it a pain unless you have a bridge; which is just wat Ganson Tavern had a nice wide stone bridge part of Hamilton’s Federal Highway. No fool Pitcher had deployed his men so that any attempt to cross this bridge would be a blood bath for the British, however what Pitcher failed to find out and the Duke of Kent’s cavalry found was a ford about a mile south of town.

brdige1.jpg


The Bloody Bridge

For the entire day of May 14th The Duke of Kent bombarded the Federal positions at the bridge and moved his infantry forward to show is intent to cross the river. All the while moving his 2,500 cavalry (1500 dragoons and 1000 lancers) commanded by Brigadier General Roderick Neacel McCormick into position to cross the ford, then that night under the cover of darkness he ordered the cavalry to cross the creek, by 4am the entire force was across The Cavalry took the remaining few hours till dawn to rest and feed the horses. With the First rays of dawn McCormick had his men on the march it was supposed to be easy after all it was just over a mile away to the Federalist positions that was until they ran into the 12th New York Guards Cavalry Regiment, who Pitcher had sent out to patrol the southern flank of this army. At just 500 men was out numbered 5 to 1, its commander Colonel Lovre Miroslav Kasun ordered runners sent back to general Pitcher ordered his men to fire one volley into the British then ordered them to fall back.

Back at the left flank of Pitcher’s line Brigadier General Charles Olsen commander of the 2nd Sub Legion listened to the troopers Report “large force of British Cavalry on this side of the creek coming hard”. Olsen sent world back for the 17th State Guards Brigade to come forward ASAP. He then ordered his six cannon forward so they were interwoven with his infantry and called his Cohort commanders to him his men were going to need nerves of steel today.

By 7:30 McCormick’s men were just outside of musket range of the Federalist. The commander of the dragoons had had two Companies roughly 250 men dismount and approach the Federal lines. They had reported back to unusual nature of the American Deployment; instead of a straight line they were in a C with their cannons woven into the infantry formation That small band of Cavalry they had encountered was slightly off to the east regrouping. The Commander of the Dragoons Colonel Archibald Thompson argued to let his men fight as infantry but McCormick refused this was to be one grand cavalry charge 2500 men and horses; in his mind there was no way these backwoods bumpkins could ever resist such a splendid event, no he was quite sure they would melt away before the first lance got near their line. It wasn’t till 8 am that he had his men all formed up; the foolish Americans weren’t even firing their cannons to break up his formation this all the proof that McCormick needed to order the charge.

Olsen and his men heard the bugle blow the charge and watched and felt the thunder of the mountain of horse flesh closing at them with frightening speed. He was proud of his men as they held strong in the face of this awe inspiring sight. He waited until the British were just 50 yards away before he brought his own sword down and yelled fire at the top of his lungs an order that was picked up by all of the junior officers along the line. Cracks and booms exploded and a grey cloud of smoke enveloped the Federalist lines.

McCormick was leading the charge they were almost there now just about 50 yards to go when the American line vanished in a cloud of grey smoke. This was followed by McCormick and his men running wall of musket, rifle, and grapeshot. McCormick’s horse was hit and he was thrown forward his lance caught the ground and the was smashed into the ground this broke his spine but he never felt it as a rifle bullet caught him in the eye about the same time.

From where Olsen stood it was a sight not all the British had been killed some still thundered into his line but it was death on a cataclysmic scale. About 25 yards In front of his line was a seen of death the likes of which Olsen had never seen thousands of British men and horses lay dead or dying. Regardless those that survived were attempting to rally just outside of gun range he couldn’t allow that as the 17th New York camp up he ordered his legionaries to advance.

What became known as McCormick’s charge laid the ground work for the British defeat at Oakta Creek the Federal officer commanding the Brigadier General Charles Olsen’s infantry and Colonel Lovre Miroslav Kasun’s 12th New York Guards Cavalry Regiment quickly counter attacked and chased the British Cavalry of which only around 600 remained back to their ford. Securing the crossing and ending the chance of a massive flank attack like the one at Batavia. Mean while the Duke of Kent had been trying to force the bridge with his artillery and infantry. He had ordered the men across at dawn to coincide with the Cavalry attack, his plan being to hold the Federalist in so the cavalry could roll them up. From the start the assault on the bridge was a bloody mess for the British Pitcher had his men and artillery perfectly ranged on the bridge, by the time that word reached him that the cavalry attack was crushed he had already lost close to 2,000 men.

At 10am The Duke of Kent ordered an end to the attack on the bridge, he shifted his men to stop a counter attack across the ford, and sent word for a Cease fire to allow for British wounded to be brought back to his lines form the Cavalry force; Pitcher agreed and the battle was over, after dark fell the British would withdraw back to Batavia. Oatka Creek was a reverse Batavia for the British they lost 1,800 (800 killed 800 wounded 200 missing/captured) of their best trained horsemen, and around 3,500 infantry (2,000 killed 1,500 wounded) The Federalist by contrast lost just over 600 killed and wounded. The Bridge at Ganson Tavern would for ever become know as the Bloody Bridge, and for the rest of his life the Duke of Kent would for ever lament on "the bloody banks of Oatka creek."

{1} Edward Duke of Kent OTL father of Queen Victoria
 
Last edited:
A Spanish Digression
A Spanish Digression

Cadiz, Union of Iberian Christian Republics, December 12, 1805
6ekCjSQ.png


Fleet Admiral Aser Galván Hernández arrived at the docks in Cadiz to greet his guest from America. The Union Navy had inherited parts of the old Royal Navy and consisted of 54 ships of the line ranging form 60 to 300 gun vessels, 64 frigates, and a large number of sloops and brigs and schooners. That was till today, today Hernández was under orders form the Bishops to sell the Americans what they wanted to buy. He paused he had arrived at the pier where the oversized frigate CWS George Washington with her 44 guns was tied up. Commonwealth Marines stood at the end of the pier. Hernández simply smiled and said in his halting English “Grand Admiral Aser Galván Hernández of the Union of Iberian Christian Republics’ Holy Navy here to see Admiral Theodorick Lee.” Hernández said calmly, the two marines slated and stood to the side; he quickly walked down the ramp where Lee stood at the end of the gangplank. Lee spoke in fluent Spanish (even if it was a colonial dialect) “Good day Admiral I know that this cannot be and easy day for you. I have with me enough gold to buy 6 ships of the line the price having been set by your government in Madrid and agreed to by mine in Williamsburg. The ships are to be 3 third rate ships, 2 second rate ships, and 1 first rate ship as well as 12 frigates to carry no less than 30 guns. These ships shall be sailed under the Iberian flag to Charleston where we will officially take possession and will arrange passage back to Iberia for the crews.” Lee handed Hernández the piece of paper he looked it over and nodded at which point Lee had is marines produce a chest full of commonwealth gold dollars “There you have it sir paid for in advance in gold.” Hernández nodded “Thank you Admiral and think you government for officially recognizing my nation as the true successor of the Kingdom of Spain, and the Pacific colonies if not Spain’s Caribbean or American colonies. Hernández saluted his sailors came up and took the chest and he began to issue the orders for the sold ships to make ready to sail by then end of the week, all the more hating himself as the gave the orders.

Charleston, South Carolina January 5, 1806
EsHAj5z.png


Admiral Theodorick Lee watched from the CWS George Washington as the 18 ships dropped anchor in Charleston Harbor, and strike their Iberian Colors for the last time followed by his men on each ship raising the Commonwealth Flag and Jack once the Iberian flags and jacks had been lowered, folded and been handed to each ships Spanish captain. These ex-Spanish ships were older than the Commonwealth Navy’s own custom built ships but he couldn’t help to be amazed that within two months he had been able to double the size of the fleet. It would be needed if General Jackson’s crazy plan was to work.
 
Last edited:
Pre operation Blackbeard
Commonwealth of American States Navy
Commanding officer Commonwealth Admiral Theodorick Lee

Chesapeake Bay Flotilla
Stationed Baltimore Md
Commanding officer Commodore Mathew Scott


Sloops 1
CWS Potomac 20 guns Flagship

7 Brigs and Cutters between 6-14 guns

Northern Squadron
Stationed Norfolk Va
Commanding Officer Rear Admiral John Rodgers


Frigates 1
CWS Enterprise 36 guns

Sloops 3
CWS Lion 26 guns
CWS Shennandoah 20 guns
CWS Wasp 24 guns

12 Brigs and Cutters between 6-14 guns

Center Squadron
Stationed Charleston Sc
Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Stephen Decatur, Jr.


Ships of the Line 6
CWS Commonweatlh 88 guns Flagship
CWS VIrginia 88 guns
CWS Florida 88 guns
CWS Thomas Jefferson (ex SAn Pedro) 98 guns
CWS Warrior (ex San Francisco) 74 guns
CWS Peachtree (ex Santa Catalina) 64 guns

Frigates 10
CWS George Washington 44 guns
CWS Yorktown 44 guns
CWS Nathanel Green 44 guns
CWS Kings Mountian 44 guns
CWS Ranger 36 guns
CWS Bald Eagle (Ex-La Rata Santa María Encoronada ) 34 guns
CWS Blue Jay (Ex-Juliana) 34 guns
CWS American Darter (Ex-San Lorenzo) 32 guns
CWS Mockingbird (ex-San Nicolás Prodaneli) 36 guns
CWS Robin (Ex-La Lavia) 36 guns

Sloops 6
CWS Bobcat 26 guns
CWS Hornet 24 guns
CWS Bee 24 guns
CWS Orion 22 guns
CWS Libra 22 guns
CWS Cancer 22 guns

12 Brigs and Cutters between 6-14 guns

Southern Squadron
Stationed Savannah Ga
Commander Rear Admiral Adam Bedford


Ships of the Line 6
CWS North Carolina 88 guns
CWS South Carolina 88 guns
CWS Georgia 88 guns
CWS OLd Dominion (ex San Christobal) 120 guns
CWS Thomas Pinckany (ex La Asunción) 96 guns
CWS Palmetto (ex La Concepción) 66 guns

Frigates 10
CWS Cowpens 44 guns
CWS Saratoga 44 guns
CWS Ticondergoa 44 guns
CWS Ranger 36 guns
CWS Bonhomme Richard 36 guns
CWS John Paul Jones 36 guns
CWS Black Rail (Ex-Zúñiga) 32 guns
CWS Painted Bunting (Ex-La Girona) 32 guns
CWS Black vulture (Ex-Napolitana) 30 guns
CWS Wood Stork (Ex-San Andrés) 30 guns

Sloops 8
CWS Begal 26 guns
CWS Bloodhound 26 guns
CWS Basset 26 guns
CWS Toras 22 guns
CWS Gemini 22 guns
CWS Pee Dee 20 guns
CWS Cape Fear 20 guns
CWS York 20 guns

12 Brigs and Cutters between 6-14 guns

GUlf Squadron
Stationed Pensacola Ga
Commander Rear Admiral Gordon Nathaniel


Frigate 1
CWS Daniel Morgan 24 guns

Sloops 4
CWS Horsefly 24 guns
CWS Junebug 24 guns
CWS James 20 guns
CWS Rapidan 20 guns

10 Brigs and Cutters between 6-14 guns

Raider Squadron
Stationed Charleston Sc
Commander: Commodore Charles Crocker


Frigates 3
CWS Cardnial (ex-Santa Ana) 38 guns
CWS Carolina wren (ex-SAn Juan de Sicilia) 38 guns
CWS Bobwhite (ex- La Anunciada) 36 guns

Sloops 3
CWS Everglade 20 guns
CWS Dan 20 guns
CWS Savannah 20 guns
 
Last edited:
Operation Blackbeard Part I Spring 1806
April 25,1806

The Southern and Central Squadrons of the Commonwealth of American States Navy (CASN) approach the islands of the Bahamas. Sixty-six war ships carrying 20 guns or more centered around 12 ships of the line the main force of the CASN escorting a force of transports carrying General Andrew Jackson’s 25,000 strong army with a mission to capture as much of the Bahamas as possible.

In Nassau Admiral Alexander Inglis Cochrane the commander of the Bahamas Squadron of the Royal Navy couldn’t believe the reports that the over excited fishermen were telling him; that a massive American fleet was fast approaching the islands he thought it absurd. But better safe than sorry at worst the men got some training in. It took till noon for his Squadron to get out of harbor and formed up; by then it was clear that the fishermen were not exaggerating. Cochrane knew that he was greatly out numbered. The Bahamas Squadron consisted of three fourth rate ships of the line HMS Ramses 54 guns HMS St. James 52 guns and HMS Valor 60 guns his flagship. These are supported by seven frigates ten sloops and a dozen or so of smaller ships. The two forces would meet at two o'clock in the passage between Great Harbor Cay and Gorda Cay. The battle of Gorda Cay as history records it highlights the very best of the Royal Navy; outnumbered and out gunned Cochrane's force held the CASN at bay until 6 pm. However as the sun started to set the weight of numbers started to show and Cochrane was forced to withdraw as his battered squadron sailed South to Turks island to repair and regroup. The British left behind three frigates, five sloops and the 54 gun HMS Ramses sunk, as well as a frigate and the 52 gun HMS St. James captured. The CASN did not escape unscathed as the 66 gun CWS Palmetto, was reduced to a burning hulk and the CWS Warrior (ex San Francisco) 74 guns was heavily damaged and beached on the cay. They also lost the Frigates CWS Cowpens 44 guns, CWS Saratoga 44 guns, CWS Mockingbird (ex-San Nicolás Prodaneli) 36 guns CWS Robin (Ex-La Lavia) 36 guns, and the Sloops CWS Bobcat 26 guns, CWS Hornet 24 guns, CWS Bee 24 guns sunk. Yet as the moon rose the way was clear for Jackson’s invasion force.

In order to accomplish his task Jackson was forced to divide his command up between the islands. He would keep the bulk of his force intact as much as possible to take the most heavily defended Island New Providence Island (Nassau). Jackson would land the 7th Georgia Rifles Brigade on Grand Bahama Island, The 1st Florida Infantry would land at Abaco Island, the 2nd Florida Infantry would land on Eleuthera Island, and the 17th South Carolina Brigade would land on Cat Island, and lastly the 37th South Carolina Brigade would land on Andros Island. The Core force of 10,000 landed on New Providence Island (Nassau).

The landings would take place on the Morning of April 26th with the high tide. On most of the Islands the Americans encountered little in the way of resistance however due to there being few troops stationed on them the British relying on local militia to aid Redcoat companies in their defense. These forces were easily overcome and by the end of April 29, 1806 All the islands except New Providence Island (Nassau) and the southern half of Andros Island were under Commonwealth control, It was clear by this point that the Biggest land battle at least of the Bahama Campaign would take place on New Providence Island (Nassau) where Jackson had encountered a two full regiments of Redcoats in four masonry forts.

New Providence Island was the heaviest garrisoned of the entire chain with four forts built on the Island. Fort Charlotte housing 42 guns and an infantry regiment 1,500 strong, Fort Fincastle housing 7 heavy guns and an infantry Company of 500 men, Fort Montagu mounting 4 guns and a company of 50 infantry, and lastly fort Nassau which had been abandoned in 1789 when fort charlotte was completed, however since the outbreak of the War was maned by 1,000 infantry and 10 guns

Jackson and his men came ashore on New Providence Island at Clifton Bay on the West side of the Island at the start of the morning tide. He would not have all 10,000 men ashore until the end of the evening tide. Had the British attacked the beach head then and there they might have been able to overpower the men Jackson had ashore and end the landing however the commander of the British forces on the island Edward Pakenham chose to remain in his forts and wait. At dawn on the 28th Jackson would move is force east. Jackson was able to overrun the rundown fort Nassau driving the remaining British away from the old fort. Jackson would make this is headquarters. Jackson now split his force sending 4,000 under Major General David Brydie Mitchell to besiege Fort Charlotte and 3,500 under Major General James Chesnut ( Sr.) to besiege Fort Fincastle. Jackson quickly realized a major flaw in his planning, no artillery had been brought with the campaign. On April 30th Jackson would return to the fleet and meet with Admiral Theodorick Lee; the two would decide to transfer 25 guns form the captured HMS St. James with crews taken from ships though out the fleet to keep it from hindering the fighting ability of the fleet which was preparing to return to its Ports in Savannah and Charleston. The Cannons and crews would ashore until May 7, 1806 ,and would not be in position until dusk on May 9th; with the guns and Jackson’s men ashore the Fleet sat sail with the morning tied on May 8, 1806 Lee intended to retrun to port and resupply his fleet before a British fleet responded to the Invasion .
 
Operation Blackbeard Part II Spring 1806
The Battle of Cape May De, May 1, 1806

The Commonwealth Navy’s attack was not done alone but it was combined with an offensive by the Federal Navy to attack the Royal Navy Blockading forces along the FRA’s Coast line. On April 29, 1806 the Federal Navy Linked up with the Commonwealth Navy’s Northern Squadron just off of Cobb Island VA, This combined of three 88 gunned ships of the line, 6 frigates, 14 sloops and 26 brigs force sailed north. Around noon on May 1st they found the bulk of the Royal Navy’s Southern Division of the Northern Fleet. The Southern Division had 3 ships of the line HMS Glorious 74 guns, HMS Warspite 84 guns and HMS Furious 54 guns; supported by 5 Frigates, 7 sloops and a dozen brigs and cutters blocking the mouth of the Delaware Bay. The Battle of Cape May that followed was a slug fest as the combined American fleet outnumbered the British force but the British still held the lead in weight of shot fired. It would last though the afternoon and into the early night before the British were finally forced to with draw. The Americans had won and the Blockade of the Ports of Delaware bay was lifted but it had cost them 1 ship of the line was a burning wreak the other was so damaged it had to be towed to port, 2 Frigates were sunk 2 more heavily damaged, 5 sloops were sunk with 4 more damaged and of 24 brigs just 9 were in a fighting condition with 8 sunk. The British had the HMS Warspite, with the Glorious and Furious heavily damaged but sailing under their own sail. 3 frigates and 4 sloops had been sunk, as were 6 brigs and cutters; however when it came to ships the Royal Navy always had plenty.

The Battle of the Inagua Islands May 14, 1806

The First British force to respond to the invasion of the Bahamas was the Royal Navy’s Caribbean Squadron which received word on May 3, 1806 via the Brig HMS Sparrow Hawk. In Kingston Rear Admiral James Saumarez started issuing orders to get his command ready to sail. His command centered around three third rate ships of the line HMS Queen Anna 72 guns, HMS Lion 66 guns, and HMS Spitfire 76 guns. These were supported by 8 frigates, 6 sloops, and 16 Brigs; the Squadron would sail two days later on the morning tide.

On May 7, 1806 The RN Carribean Squadron would run into the much smaller CASN Raider Squadron Patrolling southward along the Cuban Coast. This would lead to the Battle of the Inagua Islands. The CASN Raider Squadron consisted of nine ships 3 old Spanish Frigates the CWS Cardinal (ex-Santa Ana) 38 guns, CWS Carolina wren (ex-SAn Juan de Sicilia) 38 guns, CWS Bobwhite (ex- La Anunciada) 36 guns and three Sloops the CWS Everglade 20 guns, CWS Dan 20 guns, CWS Savannah 20 guns supported by three 14 gun Brigs the CWS Sprite, CWS Mermaid, and CWS Dragonfly. The two forces would meet close to 1:00 o’clock on May 7th, and the outcome was never really in doubt. The Commonwealth Force was outnumbered and out gunned. But Commodore Charles Crocker’s ships and the men that crewed them fought bravely before fleeing east out into the Atlantic. The battle lasted a little over 6 hours at the end of which the CASN had lost the CWS Cardinal, CWS Everglade, CWS Savannah, and CWS Dragonfly either sunk or a flaming hulk, while the remaining ships were all damaged to some extent. The Royal Navy lost 2 frigates and 2 brigs burning or sunk and other ships had moderate damage, the RN Caribbean Squadron continued north.
 
Operation Blackbeard Part III Spring 1806
The Assault on Fort Charlotte May 11, 1806

Major General Andrew Jackson chose to waist little time as he knew that the Royal Navy would be back. He concentrated all 25 cannon around Fort Charlotte by the time night fell on May 9, 1806 Jackson had the last of his guns in place, at dawn on May 10th Jackson personally fired the first shot that signaled the beginning of the bombardment; a bombardment that would last just 6 hours before Jackson ordered General David Brydie Mitchell to begin his assault on the fortress. The Infantry charged the fort at 2:05 pm they Bridged the moat and clambered over the busted face of the for either with ladders or using the dents and craters the bombardment had created in the face of the forts walls as stepping stones. The Americans crested the walls at 2:45 once they had gotten inside the walls the fighting was intense as the British fought for every last inch of ground first along the battlements then in the court yard and then down into the bowels of the fort. It would not be until close to 10 pm when the remaining British surrendered the fort. Out of just under 2000 British in the fort just 500 would surrender of that 500, 450 were wounded. The Americans fared little better; General Mitchell’s force started the battle with 4, 000 men by the time the British surrendered he had suffered 2,500 casualties of which 1,000 were dead and 500 were mortally wounded. When Dawn Broke on May 12th the British across the Island could see the Commonwealth Flag flying over Fort Charlotte; this would surprisingly lead to Fort Montagu asking for terms of surrender after hours of debate between the officers. The Officer in command of the 1,500 Americans surrounding the fort offered them an honorable surrender as long as they gave up their arms, and didn’t spike the cannons; The British agreed to this and at 6 pm the British Flag was lowered and the Commonwealth Flag was raised the 500+ British would march to for Nassau their home for the rest of the battle. By the time the Sun set on May 12, 1806 Jackson Controlled 3 out of 4 forts on the island.

wMqm9k1.png

Fort Charlotte

6Zf9TaU.png

Fort Montagu

The Raid on Kingston May 12, 1806

May 11tth would see one of the most daring and possibly foolish actions of the Commonwealth Navy in the war; as this was the day when Rear Admiral Gordon Nathaniel and his small CASN Gulf Squadron just 15 ships strong and most of them Brigs and Cutters attacked the Royal Navy base in Kingstown. Now Nathaniel had not taken leave of his sense and had bet the house that at least part the Royal Navy would be way from home, he also had his Squadron sail east of Jamaica during the night then double back so that the morning sun was behind his ships. Nathaniel’s gamble payed off the Royal Navy was off in the Bahamas leaving Kingston guarded by just it’s forts. Nathaniel had the squadron bombard the forts for an hour and a half before sailing way to the north in to the Windward Passage. The raid did little damage physically but it did impress upon the local British that just maybe the American were not the push over’s they ha d though them to be.

T8QXq0V.png
 
Last ships to enter service CASN
Norfolk VA, May 5, 1806

Chancellor James Monroe watched form the docks of the Elizabeth River Naval Yard in Norfolk Va as the three new ships of the line CWS Defender 88 guns, CWS Defiant 88 guns, and CWS Guardian 66 guns (planned 88 guns but she was rushed) tougher with the two frigates CWS Excelsior 44 guns, and CWS Intrepid 30 guns (once again planned for 44 guns for rushed) sailed up the Elizabeth River to Hampton Roads they would form up with the Chesapeake Squadron recently arrived from Baltimore, and the Remains of the Northern Squadron (now little more than the Sloop Lion and 6 brigs). Monroe was proud of the way the Commonwealth had fared in this conflict to date but he understood the need to force the British to the table. The Navy had given the Royal Navy a bloody nose but the fact was that aside from these five ships and the two launching in Charleston today the navy would receive no new ships for at least two years. Admiral Lee under stood this and if all went well the majority of the Royal Navy would be defeated and Henry Lee IV would capture the British Fort George III which would hopefully bring the Brits to the peace table.
 
Naval action off the Outer Banks
May 8, 1806 New York Harbor

On May 7th word reached Nelson about the Bahamas Invasion by the CASN, at the same time that word reached him that his Southern Division had been driven out to sea by following the battle of Cape May; Nelson begins issuing orders to have the Northern Division make ready to sail He will detach 3 ships of the line 3 frigates and 3 sloops to continue the New York City Blockade. The Rest of his Northern Division set sail with the morning tide on May 8, 1806 By the end of the day they have joined up with the Central Division Long Beach New Jersey and save for a force of 2 sloops and some cutters are sailing south. At dawn they find the Federal Navy hold up in Wilmington Delaware but it just so happens that fishermen give Nelson word that the Commonwealth Navy is sailing North in force. For the first time Nelson wonders if this has been planned out but quickly dismisses this thought and orders the fleet to continue to Sail south.

Cape_hatteras_lighthouse_img_0529.jpg

Cape Hatters Lighthouse

The battle of Cape Hatters NC; May 10, 1806

Dawn on May the 10th finds both Fleets arriving off the coast of Cape Hatters North Carolina. Nelson and Lee having both arrived in the area as dawn broke from opposite directions. As the Fleets formed up into lines of battle both Admirals readied themselves for what would surely be the climactic Naval Battle of the war. Nelson had 15 ships of the line at the core of his fleet and his flag ship the120 gunned HMS Revenge lead the line. Opposed to him was the Commonwealth Navy’s Fleet centered around the 11 ships of the line and 5 heavy frigates, led by Admiral Lee’s flag ship the CWS Commonwealth.

The two lines would close and engage in battle beginning at 11am, the Royal Navy had Brought some bigger ships to the battle than the CASN however at least for their home built ships the quality of their construction was paying off as the British shot seemed to bounce off of the hardened Live Oak wood that made up their hulls. For close to 5 hours the battle raged as neither side wanted to back down from this fight. By 1:30pm both Nelson and Lee were down hurt Nelson shot in the knee by a Commonwealth Marine marksman the bullet had shattered the knee which meant that he could not put any weight on the leg. Lee on the other had had caught a wood splinter discharged form his own ship after a British cannon ball smashed into the deck. The massive splinter hit Lee in his left thigh just missing his artery. By 4:00pm the battle was in its final stages both admirals were below decks in the care of surgeons, and both fleets were at the end of their capabilities. It was now that the British Flag Captain Jellico Northam ordered the Royal Navy to break off and fall back to the north to regroup; while Captain Daniel Higgins of the Frigate CWS George Washington would order the Commonwealth ships to the south to likewise regroup. The process of the two fleets actually disengaging was a slow event and it would be close to 10:00 pm before they were finally regrouping.


The Results of the battle were grievous for both fleets. Out of the Royal Navy’s 15 Ships of the line 6 had been sunk or left as burnt out hulks, an additional 5 were badly damaged 2 of them having to be towed away; of the 17 frigate at the start of the battle 5 were either sunk or left burnt out hulks , and 7 more were damaged. The British were left with 4 undamaged ships of the line and five undamaged frigates on the American Atlantic Coast. The Commonwealth Navy was not in much better shape, out of 11 ships of the line at the start of the engagement 4 were sunk or left burnt out hulks, 5 were damaged 2 of those having to be towed away from the battle. Out of the 5 heavy frigates 2 were sunk, and the other 3 were all heavily damaged out of the other 15 ex-Iberian Frigates 7 were sunk or left as burned out hulks, and 5 were damaged. Following the battle the Southern and Central Squadrons of the CASN the bulk of it battle line was reduced to 2 undamaged ships of the line and three undamaged frigates all of Iberian origin


 
Last edited:
It's A Trap !!
Battle of Cape Henry May 11, 1806
1007721000.jpg

the Cape Henry Lighthouse

By Midday on May 11th the battered remnant of Nelson’s fleet were making their way back to New York Harbor when the ran into the CASN’s Combined Northern and Chesapeake Squadrons. On Board the recently completed CWS Defender Rear Admiral John Rodgers was smiling with glee as the British had stumbled into his trap. His fleet consisted of just three brand new untrained ships of the line, two brand new untrained heavy frigates 2 sloops and 12 brigs. However he had the advantage as the Royal Navy was sailing north while his fleet was sailing east meaning that he could bring all of his guns to bear of the British and they couldn’t fire back, at least until they made a battle turn.

Normally this wouldn’t be a problem for the British but they were still exhausted and damaged from yesterday’s battle and the turn became a disaster as half of the ships continued to sail straight into the American’s guns. By the time the British fleet had escaped they had lost 5 more ships of the line and 5 more frigates (these were already damaged) and not a ship was undamaged. The Commonwealth fleet escaped any major damage due to the British inability to return accurate fire. Before escaping out to sea Nelson’s force would rally at Bermuda. However thanks to the twin battles of Cape Hatters and Cape Henry the Royal Navy was driven off of the American Atlantic coast, at least for now.
 
Operation Blackbeard Part III Spring 1806
The Battle of Fort Fincastle May 14-16, 1806

Following the Battle at Fort Charlotte it took Jackson three days to move his cannons into position to bombard Fort Fincastle, located on Society Hill Fort Fincastle represented the last British strong hold on the island. Jackson would begin the bombardment of the fort at dawn on May 14th. This bombardment would last until noon on May 16th at which time Jackson sent a messenger to the Fort under truce flag Jackson offered honorable terms to the officers and men of the fort if they surrender and spare the bloody cost of an assault. The British Commander Colonel Kam Aston Boone knowing that Fort Charlotte had the larger garrison chose to accept Jackson’s terms and at 1430 on May 16, 1806 Fort Fincastle surrendered The British Flag was lowered and the Commonwealth Flag was raised. Five hours later at 7:30pm the Royal Navy Caribbean Squadron arrived off the coast of Providence Island to find only Commonwealth flags flying in the dim light of the dusk. The Squadron surrounded the island during the night and Jackson and his men woke up in the morning to find that they were now the besieged party.
 
Top