Rebels and Scottish and French...Oh My!

August of 1649

by Chris J. Hahn

The third and last month of Summer brought clear weather throughout the land.

What was very clear as well, was that a distinct advantage lay with Prince John and his rebels, the Scots and even with the French. While the Duke's army had been subdued by Queen Polivka, the arrival of a second army under Prince Rourniere renewed the French threat. The Scots were fully in control of the Province of Northumberland. Lord Otto's force had been increased with the addition of Major General Turner's command. However, though well-off in terms of supply, the condition of this force was poor. Instead of facing the Scots again in this final month of Summer, Lord Otto withdrew back into his home Province. Lord McMullin didn't press the advantage; he was content with occupying the last district of Northumberland.

The position of the Scots First Army was good: they could push into Lord Otto's Province in September, or, they could move and work with the newly raised Third Army. This new Scottish force was making a measured progress into Sussex. They did not engage the Royalists, but they did strengthen the holdings of the remaining French forces.

In the districts of the Southern Association, the French landed to open arms and celebration by the populace. In conjunction with the newly raised and untested Rebel Army, the French established a base and depots. Even in the face of this overwhelming pressure, the Royalist garrison was able to make good its escape. This small force marched from dawn to dusk; making it to friendly lines (the capital district of the Western States) in just five days.

The French 2nd Army, flanked by the untried Army of the Province, proceeded to march north-east. Before the last week of August, two Districts had been plucked from the vine of the Western Confederation. The French 2nd Army occupied the interior District. The garrison army of the Southern Association succeeded in taking the District on the coast. The Royal garrisons of each District put up an initial fight, but then retreated in some haste to the capital District.

With enemies all around, Queen Polivka's options were rather limited. In addition, the question of supply loomed large on the horizon, for two of her home Districts were in the clutches of Featherstone and forces from the Lowlands. The depots were still intact, but with Fall coming and then Winter arriving, her army would need a surplus of points before entering Winter quarters.

After a mid-day council of war, it was decided that the Royalist cause would be best served if she could hold a central position of sorts. Therefore, she advanced her force into a neighboring District of The Lowlands and matter-of-factly dismissed the enemy garrison there. At the end of August then, Queen Polivka occupied three Districts of The Lowlands. Featherstone held on, barely, to the last District of his home Province and to the occupied two Districts of Eastershire.

NOTES:

Surprisingly, there were no major engagements in the month of August. The month was used for positioning by both sides. While the Royalists did have the "interior lines" against the Scots, French and other elements allied with Prince John, they did not have the advantage of numbers. In the broadest, geographical terms, the Scots had two armies in the North, and the French and Rebels had another two in the South. Against this host, the Queen could muster just three armies.

Return of Prince John ECW Campaign Rules

Campaign Journal: November and December 1649 [Conclusion] (MW118)

Return of Prince John ECW Campaign Rules

Return of Prince John ECW Campaign Rules

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© Copyright 2002 Hal Thinglum
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