Background

A rare raid involving a combined war party of the Seneca and Mohawks plus a detachment of Butler's Rangers. The force was commanded by Cpt Walter Butler, his first command, and supported by John Brant. Brant did not want to go and the tories in his force refused to serve under Cpt Butler. The Mohawks also refused to go unless Brant went. In order to ensure protection for Mohawk towns Brant relented and accompanied the force. The objective was to destroy Fort Alden which was garrisoned by (400-British reports or 250- Patriot reports) Patriot soldiers. These troops, with almost every officer caught outside the fort, refused to leave the fort and protect the settlement.

Scenario

This what-if scenario assumes better control over the Seneca by Butler and the American staff sleeping at the fort which would have caused a more aggressive response by the garrison. This can be done at a 1:10 scale or a reduced version can be done at the skirmish level.

Board setup

Fort Alden in the center sector surrounded by several buildings. A few farmhouses along the river. Place woods along the boardedges. Forces. Patriot = 250-400 regulars/volunteers in fort + 30-50 settlers in the town. Loyalist = 100 Butler's Rangers + 100 Mohawks + 500 Senecas

Troop Deployment

1:10 = Place Patriot troops in the Fort who have to be alerted before they can be activated to move. Divide the Loyalist into a Mohawk command, a Ranger command and one or more Seneca commands. Place the Loyalist in the woods. If using skirmish rules, place civilians and militia farmers in the various buildings of the town.

Wargame Scenarios

Wargame Scenarios for Indians: Introduction
Mohawks: Oriskany Creek in New York. Aug 6 1777
Senecas: Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. July 3 1778
Senecas: Cherry Valley in New York. Nov 11 1778
Iroquois: Chemung Valley in New York. 1779
Chickamauga: Shelby's Raid on Chickamauga
Chickamauga: May 1779 in the Mississippi Valley
Chickasaw: Mobile in Alabama
Creek and Choctaw: Pensacola in West Florida