With Fire and Sword - Game 1

We played another game of Sharp Practice set in the American Rebellion. This time based upon scenario one from Chris Stoesen’s With Fire and Sword book.

Scenario Introduction

Colonel Houseman and a body of Loyalist militia have gathered at Alexander’s Old Field for the purpose of gathering oaths of allegiance to the crown. However, Captain John McClure has gathered his militia and is intent on disrupting the gathering.

This scenario was especially interesting as there were very few leaders present and four flags per side meant that a significant number of random events occurred.

The Loyalists deployed into two formations within the fenced area of the camp.

Captain John McClure marched his men into the woods to the northwest of the camp, with Lieutenant Hugh McClure marching his men along the road, hoping to outflank the Loyalists.

Hearing loud noises coming from the woods Lieutenant Abel advanced his men, but were taken by surprise when Captain John McClure and his men emerged from the woods.

Colonel Houseman sounded the recall for his sentries to reform. Unfortunately, two of them had decided to check out the delights of the local whore house (due to a random event). With the rest of his command, he moved to the fence line to halt the advance of Lieutenant Hugh McClure.

Captain John McClure was having the best of the firefight, with one group of Loyalists soon breaking and heading to the rear.

Having halted the Rebel advance along the road, Colonel Houseman now moved his troops into a position to aid Lieutenant Abel,

And soon Captain John McClure and his rebels were running for the hills.

However, Captain John McClure managed to extract himself from his fleeing men and joined up with Lieutenant Hugh McClure. Between them they rallied their men and separated into two groups, with Lieutenant Hugh McClure heading for the camp

and Captain John McClure heading for the fence line to exact punishment onto Colonel Houseman and his men. Things were going well for the Loyalists, with the Rebels having the better of the firefight as they were in cover. However, Captain John McClure’s men got a bit too enthusiastic and charged over the fence only to be met by two volleys from the Loyalists. This resulted in them breaking,

Leaving poor Lieutenant Hugh McClure alone.

At this point it was decided that the Rebels couldn’t achieve their objective and so the game was called as a victory for the Loyalists.