The 1850 expedition fought one major battle with Spanish forces. It can be divided into two scenarios: The initial Filibuster attack and the later Delaying action against Spanish reinforcements.

CARDENAS 2:30 AM MAY 19, Initial Attack

Location = Main Public Square. The Walled garrison barracks formed the north side of the square; A well built Stone Church dominated the West side; The Military HQs and Governor’s residence dominated the South side; small shops formed the East side.

Filibuster Forces = The Louisiana Rgt + the Mississippi Rgt + 6 Companies of the Kentucky Rgt. The rest of the Kentucky regiment was assigned the mission of capturing the railway station.

Spanish Forces = Local Spanish Garrison of no more than two companies or about 150 men. Most would be in the Garrison barracks or on duty at the Train Station or Governor’s Residence. A few sentries returned to the square and entered the Church. Other sentries and the Station guard retreated to seek reinforcements from nearby towns.

Battle = The Kentucky Regiment formed into two columns (one of four companies and one of two larger companies). They advanced into the Public Square along two different roads. The Kentucky Regiment immediately attacked the Barracks. The Mississippi Rgt reinforced the attack on the garrison and also helped secure the Church. The Louisiana Regiment conducted an attack on the Governor’s residence.

The fighting was bitter and lasted over three hours until dawn. The Governor’s residence burned during the battle. Many Spanish soldiers fought until there was no more hope. Some even died in the residence fire.

CARDENAS Afternoon, May 19, Spanish Counterattack

Early in the afternoon, Spanish reinforcements arrived to retake the port.

Location = The combat occurred throughout the town, from the train station and Public Square to the bay and docks.

Filibuster Forces = 175 men from the Kentucky Regiment abandoned the train station and barracks abandoned those and conducted a delay operation while the rest of the force loaded onto the transport ship. The operation was successful with the last of the Kentucky regiment boarding the ship as the Spanish fired on them from the dock.

Spanish Forces= The main Spanish combat forces involved included the Advance Guard companies and Lancers of that force. Two infantry companies (200 men) plus 100 mounted lancers. The main force did not become engaged before the transport set sail into the bay.

WHAT IF 1850 Expedition.

There are two significant What If situations which can present gamers with more scenarios. One is positive for the Filibusters and one is negative for them.

Pro-Filibuster Developments. The Spanish soldier’s resistance in Cardenas is limited and many desert to the Lopez Army. Local Cuban Creoles rally to Lopez’s cause. As a result, when the Spanish counter-attack is launched, the Filibuster ranks are increased by about 200 men. These are spread out among the various companies to increase their strength.

Anti-Filibuster Developments. The transport which landed the Filibuster force is either sunk by a Spanish frigate or departed for the USA to pick up more troops. As a result the Filibuster forces must defend the port and cannot evacuate.

Lopez's Filibuster Expedition to Cuba 1850-1851

Introduction
Uniforms and Flags
Spanish Colonial Uniforms of the 1850s
Unit Organization
Battles and Scenarios 1850
Battles and Scenarios 1851
Notes for Wargamers