The supply of rations to troops in the field is an important factor. This is normally very complicated to assess and involves a lot of paper work. I have been ttying a method that is fairly simple and is based on chance factors in my French and Indian War campaign.

Some troops serving in Eighteen-Century North America were more adapted to living in open country than others, such as rangers and Red Indians. European regulars, unaccustomed to forest life, had little chance of survival, unless supported by supply wagons.

In the following rules, all troops will move at a uniform speed. Troops provided with food and without wagons move two map squares a day. Columns of troops that include a supply-train that can provide the rations for the total force, one map square. The drawback being that as wagons move at a slow speed. So over a period of days, those troops more adapted to forest life and not encumbered with wagons will make the greater progress provided they have food.

At the beginning of each day's march the percentage dice is thrown. Troops are considered to have enough provisions if scoring below the percentage shown. If the score is over, then they do not move that day as they are considered to be foraging for food.

European Regulars	20
Tropes de la Marine	50
Rangers	80
Red Indians	90
Canadian Militia	60
Provincial Militia	40
Local Militia	60
Supply train	90

It is probable that there will be several different types of troops under the same command, some more able to provide food than others. This will cause confusion, particularly with mixed formations. To avoid this, take an average. Add the units' total amount of percentage points together and divide it by the number of units in the command. For example:

1 Ranger unit = 80
1 Regular Line Infantry = 20
1 Indian War-bands = 90
2 Local Militia = 120 (60 each)

This gives the column a 62 percent chance of moving at full speed. Using this method a column of European regulars would have only a limited (20%) chance of moving. If they have a supply train with them then they have a 90 percent chance.

Base Magazines: When a column of troops first sets out, the settlement it is leaving provides provisions and transport. The size of settlement determines whether there will be enough. Using the percentage dice a single farm might have a 15% chance of providing all the column needs. A village has a 30% chance and a small trading fort 60%. Failure to get the relevant score and your troops will have to stay put or live off the land.

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