To Col. Walter Stewart, 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment
Dear Sir,
Your orders of the 3rd instant were punctually observed by Capt. Duckworth & myself. Whilst ranging the countryside in search of the enemy's movements, we had a smart skirmish near Turnbull's Farm.
Both of Capt. Duckworth's light infantry companies, a company of militia, and the troops of our ally Louis XVI met the enemy in the clearing near Turnbull's Farm.The enemy were one grenadier and one battalion company of the 80th Regiment, as well as the banditti of Col. Tarleton's corps. The whole was commanded by Captain Phillips, whose daughter Sarah (as you may well remember) was arrested for her imprudently expressed opinions on our glorious Congress. Captain Duckworth was tasked with escorting her to the court house for inquiry.
I was thankful to know that Capt. Phillips commanded the advance guard of the enemy, for a spy has indicated clear signs of disaffection within his company. They said that their lives would not be sacrificed to find his daughter. To regain his former popularity, he would have to take an active part in the coming fighting as a member of the advance guard, rather than remaining comfortably with the main army.
Both sides moved cautiously through the woods. First blood went to the Gatenois Regiment, who killed one of Tarleton's troopers with a long-range volley. The steady discipline of our French allies (as well as their superior quality powder) is something which should be introduced to more of our army.
In the confusion of our march, Sarah Phillips escaped. However, Captain Duckworth retook her.The battalion company of the 80th Regiment decimated the new-raised light infantry company with a volley.
As the smoke mounted, reinforcements entered the battle. We received one company of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment. On the other side, the Volunteers of Ireland entered.
Musketry near the cornfield caused no casualties, but Captain Phillips shot one light infantryman with his pistol.
The 80th fired at a unit of militia moving through the woods and caused one casualty.
The light infantry's volley hit one British grenadier.
The French Regiment Gatenois continued to hold the center of our line, causing a casualty in the Volunteers of Ireland.
A second company of the 2nd Pennsylvania appeared to reinforce the Americans, commanded by your humble servant.
Captain Duckworth ordered his light infantry to storm the fence and fight the grenadiers hand-to-hand. How much has changed since we ran from crossing bayonets with the feared grenadiers! But success frowned on the captain, as he lost his entire company for the loss of one grenadier. I am assured by militia standing nearby that Captain Phillips himself killed two of our men with his sword.
The nearby militia returned fire and killed two grenadiers.Tarleton's cavalry rashly charges the same militia...and is wiped out to a man with a well-timed and disciplined volley. I salute the county lieutenants whose untiring efforts sent us these militia. Their discipline was remarkable.
Our French allies of Regiment Gatenois continues their steadfast performance, causing two more casualties in the Volunteers of Ireland. It is said that they were once the proud Regiment Auvergne, and truly they proved themselves worthy of the title. Shaken by the flight of the 80th, the Volunteers rout as well.
Worse was to befall the British, for Captain Phillips is caught outside the cornfield by a volley from the 2nd Pennsylvania's. He falls, likely unaware that his daughter has finally succeeded in freeing herself from captivity.
All of the American units now converge on the grenadiers defending the cornfield. The grenadiers decide that their honor is still intact and withdraw off the field, carrying the body of their captain.
British casualties are 14 men, including Capt. Phillips; American casualties, 12. Half of the British force did not even enter the battle.
As you requested, I remained out of the line of sight of the British force, for matters of a delicate nature precluded meeting them hand-to-hand on the field of Mars. Some of my men believe that the enemy may have sighted me, but no one is certain.
Reports are current that Lieutenant Fenworthy, whose father is a well-known Radical in Parliament, commanded a company of the 80th Regiment which was late in arriving to the battle. Common report says that Fenworthy has been heard to express some sympathy with our glorious cause of liberty and did not wish to kill any to further the schemes of Lord Germain and Lord North.
Requesting your orders for future dispositions of the advance guard,
I remain, Sir, your most obedient & humble servant,
Lieutenant Francis Monypenny. 2nd Pennsylvania Regt.
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| Sarah Phillips escaped... |
Rule set: Muskets & Tomahawks. Each side had two officers with a side plot apiece. The side plots added a very nice touch of storyline to a skirmish game. It is not hard to work the side plots into cohesive characterization of the officers. Look for more adventures from them...
Captain Duckworth: Side plot: Hostage. Failed, Sarah Phillips escaped.
Lieutenant Monypenny: Side plot: Spy. Uncertain if succeeded, came very near the maximum spotting distance of the 80th Regiment.
Captain Phillips: Side plot: Disdained. Succeeded, killed the equivalent of 5 enemy soldiers.
Lieutenant Fenworthy: Side plot: They were my brothers. Succeeded, never entered the battle.
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