TABLA DE AGUA, August 13, Morning.

Filibuster = Crittenden Regiment 120 men (3 companies?) assigned to protect the baggage train in port. Spanish Advance Guard Company = 60 men

The Spanish conducted a recon of the Filibuster position. They either retreated to inform the main body or were driven off as reported by Filibuster survivors. Crittenden pursued with two companies (80 men). Kelley remained at port with the baggage and 40 men.

In the afternoon, the main Spanish force under Enna attacked and drove a wedge between the two Filibuster force. After fierce fighting, Crittenden retreated along the coast and Kelley after abandoning the baggage retreated toward Lopez’s main force.

LAS POZAS, August 13.

Lopez with the main Filibuster force (~280) that was drawn up into several two-company ‘Firing Divisions’

Spanish Force = 600 infantry and 200 lancers engaged (estimated) The total Spanish force available was reported at 1,200 infantry + 300 Lancers and some supporting artillery.

Spanish troops assault the village while the Filibuster’s conduct an initial stand then retreat once full intelligence of the total size of the Spanish force is realized.

CAFETAL DE TRIAS, August 17.

Lopez’s Filibusters = 60-100 able men with numerous wounded men.

Spanish = 600 infantry + 300 lancers

Filibuster forces were deployed in a mango grove along a ridge overlooking a plantation. The Filibusters inflicted heavy casualties initially but the Spanish eventually overwhelmed and captured the Filibusters.

WHAT IF 1851 Expedition.

There are several positive Filibuster situations that could have changed the fate of the expedition.

More Successful Cuban Revolt. Most of the local Cuban revolts had been quelled prior to the arrival of Lopez’s force. If these had been more successful, a large number of Creoles would have flocked to the ‘Free Cuba’ banner. This could have vastly expanded the numbers of the Filibuster force and tied down many more Spanish troops in other locations. For gaming purposes bring all of the companies up to full strength with Cuban volunteers.

Two Prong Filibuster Invasion. The USA fails to halt the East Coast Force. As a result three more regiments from Georgia, New York and Virginia ? travel to Cuba.

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