Swamp Fox - Game 9

After almost a year’s break from the swamp we returned to the American south to play scenario 9 of Swamp Fox campaign book by the Too Fat Lardies.

Situation

With Marion successfully avoiding capture, the British reinforced their garrison in Georgetown with a troop of Queen’s Rangers. On Christmas Day they sallied forth to patrol the surrounding countryside, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel George Campbell, the garrison commander. Very soon they encountered a Rebel force and battle was joined.

We actually played this game twice as the first game quickly went very badly wrong for the rebels when the provincial cavalry charged up the road and into the militia, which were in an open column on the road. Carnage ensued and the rebels scattered, quickly dropping their morale. Now onto the tale of the second gaming attempt.

Again, the cavalry advanced up the road but only at a canter as the rebels were a bit more canny with their deployment. The regulars were hot on the heels of the cavalry, hoping to take advantage of a cavalry charge.

 

The provincials charged towards the rebels in the woods and took some fire but managed to charge in, scattering the rebels. However, they were in turn attacked in the flank and forced to retire.

Meanwhile, the regulars advanced towards the militia who had now formed line.

However, the regulars decided not to trade fire with the militia line and tried to get around their flank, scattering the single group of militia into the bargain. It was now just down to a fire-fight between the regulars and the militia. The rebel run of bad luck continued when they fouled their barrels, reducing the firepower by half. 

At this point the game was called as the rebels decided this was an unfair contest.