Scenario Background

It is August 24th 1814. Major General Robert Ross, commanding the British diversionary force on the east coast of the United States has been enjoined by Admiral Sir George Cockburn into making an attack on Washington - certainly qualifying as a diversion to the war in Canada!

Ross, despite apprehension regarding his shortage of guns and complete lack of cavalry agreed to a naval raid which has mushroomed due to a complete lack of American interference. At about mid-day Ross approached Bladensburg and the vital bridge over the east branch of the Potomac, and seeing movement on the far side of the bridge prepared for action.

Opposite the British was a very interesting mixture of American troops and American generals. Theoretically commanded by Brigadier General William Winder, but with the less-than-welcome help of Lt. Colonel James Monroe, who just happened to be the Secretary of State, and a man with a high opinion of his own martial prowess.

Add to this two other Brigadiers squabbling over who is second in command and a domineering naval officer, Commodore Joshua Barney, and you have the perfect recipe for trouble. Oh, and just to add to the fun President Madison and his entourage have come to watch the show!

The Set-Up

The American troops are set up exactly as shown, effectively in three lines, thanks to Mr Secretary Monroe who has amended any dispositions he can find. The only troops not on the table for the Americans are Barney's seamen (see Troop Arrivals for details). No British troops start on table, but instead an order of march within each brigade should be determined.

The Forces

American 6420 MEN, 24 GUNS

Commander in Chief: Brigadier General Winder RATED 3/3

Regular Troops: Commodore Barney USN RATED 2/1

1. Scott's Bn. US Regulars 350
2. Sqdn. Laval's Dragoons 140
3. Miller's Detachment USMC 120
4. Barney's US Seamen (ARTILLERY) 6
470 INFANTRY, 140 CAVALRY , 6 GUNS.

Virginia Troops: Mr Secretary Monroe RATED 4/4

5. 10th Virginia Militia 700
6. James City County LI. 100
7. Virginia Militia Dragoon 100
800 INFANTRY, 100 CAVALRY , 0 GUNS.

DC Troops: Brigadier General Smith RATED 4/3

8. 1st DC Militia 535
9. 2nd DC Militia 535
10. Combined DC Riflemen 550
11. DC Militia Artillery 6
12. Washington Irish Battery 6
1620 INFANTRY, 0 CAVALRY , 12 GUNS.

Baltimore Troops: Brigadier General Stansbury RATED 4/3

13. 1st Baltimore Militia 675
14. 2nd Baltimore Militia 675
15. Baltimore City Volunteer 500
16. Baltimore Rifles 150
17. Annapolis Militia 800
18. Maryland State Militia 250
19. Maryland Militia Horse 240
10. 1st Baltimore Artillery 6
3050 INFANTRY, 240 CAVALRY , 6 GUNS.

British 3685 MEN, 20 GUNS

Commander in Chief: Major Ross RATED 3/3

Light Brigade: Colonel Thornton RATED 3/3

501. 85th Light Infantry 600
502. Battalion Light Coys. 300
503. West Indian Marines 100
1000 INFANTRY, 0 CAVALRY , 0 GUNS.

Second Brigade: Colonel Brooke RATED 3/3

504. 1/4th (King's Own) Foot 650
505. 1/44th(East Essex) Foot 650
506. Royal Artillery Battery 4
1300 INFANTRY, 0 CAVALRY , 4 GUNS.

Third Brigade: Colonel Patterson RATED 3/3

507. 1/21st Fusiliers 685
508. Royal Marines 700
509. R.A. Rocket Brigade 8
510. R.M. Rocket Corps 8
1385 INFANTRY, 0 CAVALRY , 16 GUNS.

Troop Arrivals

Move 1 : 1200 hours. Thornton's Light Brigade.
Move 7 : 1300 hours. Brooke's Second Brigade.
Move 8 : 1310 hours. Patterson's Third Brigade.
Move 10: 1330 hours. Barney's Seamen.

All British troops arrive in column or limbered at the road junction in map square H2. Barney's Seamen arrive limbered at the road edge in square A4.

Victory Conditions

The Americans win decisively if the British are repulsed back across the Potomac.

The British win decisively if they have exited up the Washington road by nightfall (2000 hours) or if there are no steady American troops left on table to hamper them doing so.

It is a draw if the British exit off the Georgetown road but fail to directly approach Washington. However, the American player can be well satisfied if this is the result.

Jumbo Map 1 (slow: 169K)

The Wargame Refight