THE BRITISH STEP OFF
The American militia shivered in the cold, pre-dawn air. They were awaken from their tents by drum reveille, and ushered into place by their company captains. In between complaints and jokes about the cold, the men looked East across Willow Creek, searching the layered mist for any sign of the Redcoats.
By expediency of a die roll (1d6), it was determined that the battle would begin at the hour of 9 a.m. (Given a base of 6 a.m., the result of a 1d6 are added to determine actual starting time of the engagement.)
Like their Colonial counterparts, the Foot Regiments of the 1st Brigade shivered in place. These four units were among the first English troops on the field, having marched on while most of the Rebels were still fast asleep. The right wing of the planned British advance was also on the field: the Loyalist militia fronting the more experienced Dragoons and Guards Brigade.
At quite a safe distance from Willow Creek and the American line, the regiments of the 1st Brigade halted and dressed ranks. From the right, the regiments were ordered as follows: 55th Foot, 5th Foot and 17th Foot. Placed in between these front line regiments were the 3rd King's Artillery and Cohen's Battery. The 23rd Regiment of Foot (a veteran unit), stood behind the 5th Regiment. Stationed to their right rear was the Army Commander and the 10th Field Battery.
THE REBELS WAIT AND WATCH
Movement and maneuver - such as it was - dominated the first hour of the engagement. Under the adapted rules system, the British had a little trouble getting their forces to act in concert. Over on the left, Rosten's Rangers bounded along the trail and were soon within sight of the American militia pickets in and around Birck's Farm. The Indians / Scouts following, however, were not as quick. The Hessians too, seemed more concerned with maintaining proper alignment, and so, were even more tardy in their march. In the center, the 23rd Regiment, advanced into and through it's sister regiment, resulting in a brief disorder for both. The artillery batteries were not slow in the advance. Each battery moved smartly to the banks of Willow Creek, and unlimbered opposite their American counterparts: Cohen's Battery across from Dobson's and the 3rd King's Field Battery across Apple's Battery. Similar troubles were noted on the British right, as Blake's Legion did a kind of "dance", first moving forward and then retreating slightly. The Loyalist militia were not as indecisive: they simply refused to move forward. The overall commander of this detachment looked to the Light Dragoons for assistance, and was "rewarded" by his men being herded forwarded slightly. This action, of course, caused some disorder in the militia. It caused some friction between the two units as well.
In the 10 o'clock hour, the situation was little better - the English were still disjointed in their effort. The Hessians did advance, but progress was painfully slow. Rosten's Rangers moved a little closer to the American positions. Lacking any immediate support however, Major Rosten kept his men just outside of rifle range. The state of affairs in the center was improved: the 10th Field Battery having moved into place by the 3rd King's, and the 17th Regiment having advanced very near to a point where they could cross Willow Creek. To their right, the 23rd and 5th Regiments formed a double-line, so close were these two units. And to the far right, Blake's Legion took two steps forward (having taken one step back the previous turn). These men were accompanied by Swanson's Battery, which made very good progress along the improved trail. Captain Swanson was eager to get his guns into action against the Continentals protecting the hamlet of Carlton. The Guards Brigade made its entry on the field at this point, looking both magnificent and fearsome. To their front however, Browning and Pepperidge's' militia stumbled about, disordering one another and further aggravating the Light Dragoons. The commander of this mounted unit considered ordering his troopers to use the flat of their swords to force some order upon and or advance through these ragtag farmers. In this hour too, the 2nd Brigade of British Foot made their appearance on the field. Like the Guards, they stepped out smartly, with three regiments forward and two in immediate reserve.
At 10:20 a.m., first blood was drawn by the Patriots, as their artillery batteries on Willow Creek Ridge ranged fire onto the 23rd Regiment of Foot. The fire from Dobson's Battery was ineffective, but Apple's Battery scored several hits (but quickly went low on ammunition), disordering the regiment and killing Major Ferguson's mount. The Major was shaken, but otherwise unaffected by the experience. The British returned the compliment, firing three batteries at the American positions on the ridge. Braxton's militia was sprayed with dirt as the shot from Cohen's Battery landed short. Tscharmen's unit (on the American left) was disordered by the combined fire of the 3rd King's and 10th Field Batteries.
With respect to movement, the British began to sort things out on the right. The Loyalist Commander, Grayson, attached himself to Browning's unit, and through the use of several creative expletives, got the men moving toward the Americans. They were joined by Blake's Legion. Pepperidge's men, however, continued to be a problem. In the rear of the center, the 2nd Brigade shifted to more of an advance in echelon, than the straightforward 3-up and 2-back pattern. Then, on the left, Major Rosten (still waiting for support from the Scouts and Hessians), moved his men off the trail to the right. He deployed a few companies as skirmishers - up to the banks of Willow Creek - and kept the rest in reserve.
The Americans, in contrast, made no adjustments. Lt. General Elliott, being just behind Tschannen's command on Willow Creek Ridge, was satisfied with the progress of the engagement thus far.
SOME REBELS RUN, SOME STAY
That satisfaction quickly turned to chagrin, as when Tscharmen attempted to rally his unit from disorder, they decided that they had had enough of the harassing artillery fire and consequently, fled their positions. His hurled epithets far exceeding those used by Grayson on the British right, Lt. General Elliott was unable to stem the rout. In moments, 320 militia "disappeared" from the American line. The resulting hole could not be readily exploited, as the closest British unit was still on the other side of Willow Creek.
Two hours into the engagement, the British right was still being held up by an obstinate unit of Loyalist militia under the "command" of Pepperidge. The Light Dragoons were besides themselves now - no amount of cajoling or demonstrative threats could inspire these men to move forward. The Guards Brigade Commander then, unwilling to disorder his fine regiments in this morass of militia and horses, ordered a halt to the advance. To the front of Pepperidge however, things were better. Both Browning's group and Blake's Legion were advancing. Swanson's Battery had unlimbered and was bringing the 7th Maryland Continentals under an inaccurate, long-range fire.
Ineffectual fire was also the case on the far left of the British attack, as Rosten's Rangers waded across Willow Creek and sniped at men from Whiteside's and Carmody's commands. To Rosten's relief, Major Dillon was finally bringing up his Indians and Scouts. Col. Hahn, leading the first Hessian battalion, was also bringing his heavy infantry along. They were crossing the tributary which ran East of Willow Creek. The remainder of this force was strung out in march column.
Leading his men on foot now, Major Ferguson and the front ranks of the 23rd Regiment splashed into and across Willow Creek. They were further disordered by a cross fire from Dobson's and Apple's batteries. To their credit, the men of the 23rd kept their arms shouldered, their eyes forward, and their resolve geared toward reaching the American lines. In their support, Cohen's battery limbered up and joined in the crossing.
The 3rd King's Artillery and 10th Field turned their attentions to Dithers' command. Like Tscharmen's before them, these militia were discomforted and disordered as a result. But unlike that unfortunate band, Dithers' men remained in place. So too, did the 1st New York Continentals. Realizing that he needed to shore up his defensive line, Lt. General Elliott attached himself to this regiment in the hopes of marching them up the ridge line and occupying the abandoned section of breastworks. To his consternation, the Continentals remained impassive to his pleas.
CONTEST OF WILLS FOR THE RIDGE
On the other side of the ridge, the 23rd Foot Regiment had redressed ranks and fired their first volley into the works. Braxton's command, the target of this fire and Stationed to the left-front of the British, was unaffected. Dobson's battery tried to bring the English under canister fire, but the angle and depression for the guns was too great. Braxton ordered his men to loose their muskets on the battery deployed next to the 23rd. Here too, the effect was nil. The only small success the Americans enjoyed was when Apple's battery disordered the 55th Regiment. These troops were advancing up to and through the combined batteries on the British centerright. Counter-battery fire resulted in near misses, but no casualties as shots against Dithers' command went wide or high.
There was more firing and less casualties on the British left, as Rosten's men continued to skirmish with their American counterparts. Dillon's scouts advanced to the far left, apparently making an attempt at a wide flanking maneuver against the American militia in Birck's Farm.
Back on the British right flank, Pepperidge's men finally took a few steps in the right direction. The Light Dragoons were much relieved, but still followed closely behind this suspect unit. The Guards got moving too, though the 2nd Regiment moved a little slower. In terms of action on this same flank, only Swanson's guns were active. The 7th Maryland stood in two ranks, absorbing, cursing and then shaking off the occasional hit from Swanson's light pieces.
Finally, after much swearing and spitting, Lt. General Elliott was able to move the men of the 1st New York Regiment. Unfortunately, he had more ground to cover to regain the ridge than did the 23rd Regiment. And this veteran British regiment was going to have a simpler time of it, as their second volley had just silenced Dobson's Battery. Cohen's Battery added injury to insult for the Americans behind the breastworks, as cannister fire killed and wounded several dozen of Braxton's group. Though disordered by this vicious fire, his men remained in place.
Perhaps too late, Major Christopher ordered his Light Infantry to wheel to the left and advance against the two British units wrecking some havoc among the American defensive line. The Major was concerned though, as this move would open up his right flank for fire and possible assault by other British regiments on the East side of Willow Creek. Still, he felt that some pressure had to be put upon this "forlorn hope" of the enemy.
Lt. General Sir Gilbert was not satisfied with the progress his army was making. A check of his watch revealed that it was almost Noon. Nearly three hours on the field, and he had not been able to force a decision. Snapping the silver time piece shut and placing it back into his vest, he turned and issued a series of new orders to his adjutants. Within minutes, three lesser officers were spurring their mounts in different directions.
Different directions was a theme repeated on the British right flank, as the Loyalist militia once again, interfered with the advance. This time, both units in Grayson's command retired. The effect was cumulative: the Light Dragoons withdrew into the advancing Guards, and both regiments were disordered. Seeing this, the commanding officer of the 2nd Guards ordered his regiment to halt. In contrast, Blake's Legion actually advanced into Willow Creek. This was done with some cheering, as they witnessed the Continentals to their front break. Swanson's guns had worked for over an hour on the blue-coated infantry: more than a few littered the ground in front of the hamlet of Carlton, their coats stained with red.
Regiments in the British center-rear and over on the left flank were moving forward, albeit slowly. Indeed, over on the left, the first Hessian Regiment had not completely traversed the tributary just south of Dunn's Farm. Far to their rear, the Grenadiers stood in line of march. They could hear the distant sounds of battle, but could not begin to imagine when or if they might see action on this day.
Far ahead of the struggling Hessians, Rosten's and Dillon's units had forced the American skirmishers back. Rosten accomplished this by fire, while Dillon by threat of encirclement. Even so, there was no reaction by the American regiments posted on the smaller segment of Willow Creek Ridge, nor by the Continentals posted behind these men.
There was something of a lull in the center, as both sides concentrated on movement. For the Americans, Major Christopher pushed his light infantry forward but kept a few companies formed in reserve. Dobson's Battery redeployed behind Willow Creek Ridge. To their left, Lt. General Elliott pushed and pulled a still stalling band of New York regulars toward the ridge line. As the 23rd Regiment of Foot was right at the edge of a vacant section of works, it did not look like the Continentals would gain the advantage, This group of veterans would not be alone very much longer, as the 17th Regiment of Foot, also from the 1st Brigade, was marching steadily up to the banks of Willow Creek.
THE CONTEST CONTINUES
The Noon hour witnessed the 17th Regiment of Foot advancing into and across Willow Creek. They were disordered by the move, as the opposite creek bank was liberally populated with large willow trees, undergrowth and a rocky outcroppings. In the same area of the battlefield, the 23rd Regiment withdrew slightly from its forward position. While their progress had been steady, Major Ferguson suddenly realized that his flanks were not secure, and though he was facing Provincial militia, it was thought better to wait on reinforcement before making a true assault on the works.
To the right and rear of this regiment - back across Willow Creek - the foundering 55th Regiment took more cannon fire from Apple's Battery, and was disordered as a result. Return fire from the British artillery sank into the soft ground before the American defensive line. Still, Lt. General Sir Gilbert took heart, as he had five regiments of infantry very near the creek. He hoped that in less than half an hour, he would join them in their advance across, and then up Willow Creek Ridge.
This same hour saw little change in the situation on the British left. Rosten's Rangers did succeed in disordering Whiteside's men, but the Major did not press the advantage. He was still waiting on the Hessian regiments: regiments that were making slow but regular progress through the shallow crossing point by Birck's Farm.
Over on the far right flank of the British attack, there was little change as well. Blake's Legion, like the 23rd Regiment in the center, looked around and realized that they were by themselves. In midcrossing, they decided to turn back and wait on some support. It would be a while before any materialized, as Grayson's command was doing what it had done since coming on the field earlier in the day. In other words, a traffic jam of Loyalists, Light Dragoons and Guards crowded the ground just south of the road leading to Carlton.
This was very agreeable to the Americans, for it gave the 7th Maryland that much more time to rally and re-order its ranks. The Continentals turned and marched back to the front of Carlton.
In the center, Lt. General Elliott breathed a short sigh of relief as the 1st New York finally gained the ridge. They were not back into the works yet, but at least they were getting there. Sister regiments of this brigade were also moving forward.
To the right-front of the General's position, skirmishing elements of Major Christopher's Light Infantry opened fire on Cohen's Battery, and the disordered ranks of the 17th Regiment of Foot. Their fire and the return volley from the 17th was ineffective. Crewmen of Cohen's Battery ducked a little, but were still able to fire more carmister against the militia lining the crude breastworks. Braxton's men took several more hits and earned yet another disordered marker. The 10th Field and 3rd King's Batteries adjusted the angle of fire and succeeded in disordering Dithers' command.
With all this going on in the center, the American command on the right remained inactive. Major General Taft was capable and aggressive, but his orders had been explicit. As much as he would have enjoyed being in the middle of the fight along the main ridge line, he could not and would not desert his post, nor would he denude this flank in order to lend support to that same part of the field.
Gladdened by the sight of the 17th Regiment issuing out of the rough ground and marching through the American skirmishers, Major Ferguson ordered his men to March over the works and on to the ridge proper. This they did, halting some 75 yards from the 1st New York and Lt. General Elliott. Muskets on both sides were leveled, and in the resulting exchange, the Continentals were disordered. Major Ferguson, his voice loud and clear amidst the discharging flint locks, directed his men to reload.
A second exchange between the 17th Regiment and the formed portion of Christopher's Light Infantry was inconclusive. Men in both ranks stared in disbelief that their counterpart had not been felled. They also exhaled deeply, realizing that they had lived through a very loud and very close range volley. Major Christopher did have his hands full though, trying to regroup the skirmishers and put them back in line.
Once again, Cohen's Battery poured a very effective fire into Braxton's command. These farmers still held their ground, though they were less than 50 % of their original compliment and in great disorder. On the other end of the ridge, the artillery of both sides was ineffective. Due to the advance of the 55th Regiment, the 3rd King's Battery was masked and could not bring fire on Dithers' militia.
Behind the 55th Regiment, Lt. General Sir Gilbert urged on four more infantry regiments. Though the advance was not quite to parade ground standards, the 5th, 31st, 40th and 24th Regiments were making good progress toward the near side of Willow Creek.
Progress was also noted on the British right, albeit at the expense of patience. Both the Light Dragoons and 1st Regiment of Guards advanced through the morass of militia men that was Pepperidge's command. Grayson had re-attached himself to Browning's men and had pushed them back in the direction of the creek. Seeing these developments, Blake's Legion once again took the plunge, and began to traverse the shallow water of Willow Creek.
On the British left, Rosten's men also took the plunge. The Major recalled his skirmishers and reformed his small unit on the west side of Willow Creek. However, his men were soon disordered by a desultory fire from Whiteside's riflemen. Major Dillon's band was also reforming while he decided whether to attack Birck's Farm directly or to proceed farther in arid around the American right. As usual, the Hessians continued their slow approach. Brigadier General Gottesman did have two of this three regiments on the field by now, however.
THE FALL OF GENERAL ELLIOTT
At about 12:30 p.m., the 1st New York fixed bayonets and advanced against the ranks of the 23rd Regiment of Foot. The British met the Americans as veterans might, decimating the front line of blue-coated infantry as well as taking Lt. General Elliott out of his saddle with two musket balls. In the ensuing close action, the British caused even more casualties and succeeded in wounding the Continentals' commanding officer. The 23rd Regiment lost few men in this one-sided exchanged, but were disordered by the effort. They did not follow up the subsequent American retreat. The broken Colonials were met off the slope of the ridge by the 5th Regiment from New York, but the disorder was too great, and it spread to this supporting unit as well.
The death of the Continental Army Commander had an immediate effect on those units closest to the action. Dithers' command was shaken, but Brigadier General Kirk (of the Militia) was with the men and ordered them to stay in place. Down to the right of the line, there was no such counsel, and even if there was, it may not have done any good. Dobson's Battery, Kendall's group and the 4th New York (having just ascended the ridge), all lost heart and broke ranks. It proved the final straw too, for what was left of Braxton's unit, as they routed away from light works strewn with the bodies of their comrades.
BEGINNING OF THE END
In the space of less than 10 minutes, a very large gap had been made in the American line. True, Dithers' command held in place. And on the far right of the defense, Ferris's unit was intact. The rest of Willow Creek Ridge however - at least the main part - was absent any organized American force. Major Christopher's Light Infantry was in place, forward of the ridge line, but had its hands very full with the larger 17th Regiment of Foot. Exchanges of musket fire between these two units continued to be more of smoke and flame than anything else.
Desperately trying to salvage some sort of defense, the Brigade Commander of the New York regulars attached himself to the faltering 5th Regiment. His case was not helped by the British, for the 23rd Foot dressed ranks and marched down the American side of the ridge line and poured an additional volley into the backs of the retreating 1st Regiment. The fire was ineffective with respect to further casualties, but the effect on morale was direct.
These men had witnessed the death of their General. They had seen their Colonel fall in melee. Now, they were being shot in the back by a single, seemingly unbeatable regiment of the King's forces. It was too much for the demoralized Continentals. It was all that Brigadier General Smith could do to keep the men of the 5th New York on the field. He could only curse as the 1st New York dissolved around him.
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
Taking a cue from the bravery of the 5th under Smith, Dobson halted his guns and re-deployed to the right of this remaining Continental regiment. Loading the two cannon faster than any crew member would later recall, they fired into the serried ranks of the 23rd Foot. The resulting carnage was great: men fell like wheat before a sickle. Major Ferguson was counted among those killed. Disordered, bloodied, and rather less in number than when they started the day, the battered 23rd Foot Regiment withdrew to the rear slope of Willow Creek Ridge.
Their sister regiment, the 17th Foot, was also bloodied in a new exchange of volleys with Major Christopher's Light Infantry. They too, withdrew in disorder, into the rough ground just on the American side of Willow Creek.
Apple's Battery scored several hits against the struggling 55th Foot. Though low on ammunition, their shots told. The commander of the regiment suffered a nasty, but superficial leg wound. Additionally, an aide on Lt. General Gilbert's staff had his horse killed. Return fire from the British batteries was generally ineffective. The exception being the 3rd King's Artillery. Dithers' command was disordered again by several 6pd cannon balls. It proved too much for the pressed militia; even General Kirk could not stop the troops from running away.
A small, double envelopment against Birck's Farm proved too much as well for Whiteside's riflemen. Dillon's Indians and Scouts fired on their right flank, and Rosten's Rangers loosed a volley then closed with the skill and savagery for which they were known. It was over quickly. Shortly before one of the clock in the afternoon, Birck's Farm fell to the British at a cost of eighty-plus American casualties.
This same hour saw the first infantry action over on the far right of the British advance. Blake's Legion engaged the 7th Maryland in a long-distance shooting contest. As with previously fire fights on the field, this one comprised a lot of smoke and noise, but little import. In belated support, Browning's men were finally crossing Willow Creek. The Light Dragoons and the 1st Regiment of Guards were still marching in the direction of Swanson's Battery. The officers of these four separate commands, perhaps too late, gave up on ever getting Pepperidge's men into the battle.
Even though the British had been checked in the center, the collapse of Dithers' remaining companies (the crew from Apple's Battery joined the rout), signaled the end of the battle for the Continental forces. Ferris's command was the sole surviving militia unit of the main part of Willow Creek Ridge. Deciding that it was better to "live to fight another day", Brigadier General Cook ordered his men to retreat. This action left Christopher's Light Infantry exposed, so they too, withdrew.
By this time, communications had finally arrived at Maj. General Taft's position. His friend dead; the center pierced if no longer existent; pressure growing on Carlton and Brick's Farm in English hands, General Taft issued the order for a general withdrawal. He then demanded a map, so that he could select a rallying point for what was left of what was now, his army.
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© Copyright 2001 Hal Thinglum
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