1817 Clancy vs the Seminole

Jackson vs the Seminole

Clancy P. Jackson, youngest son of General Andrew Jackson, and recent appointee to the 2nd US Infantry has been given command of a Company of the 3rd US Infantry.  Officers are thin on the ground, but when your daddy is the general!

Two minute First Seminole War. 

During the Creek War (1813–1814), Colonel Andrew Jackson won at "the battle" of Red Sticks and Horseshoe Bend.  He forced the Treaty of Fort Jackson on the Creek, forcing many to move to Spanish West Florida.  Joining the Seminole. 

In 1814, with Britain still at war with the United States, many British commanders started recruiting and arming Indian allies, occupying territory in Florida and building forts.  Jackson campaigned to drive the British out.  When the war ended the British withdrew leaving their Indian allies vulnerable.

The British did however provision the fort at Prospect Bluff with cannon and muskets  The Natives were not interested in holding a fort and returned to their villages. The fort was turned over to fugitive slaves and Seminoles who had been raised and trained by the British.  Word spread in the American Southeast about the fort, whites called it the "N*gr* Fort."  I have called it the "black fort."

The Americans worried the fort would inspire  slaves to escape to Florida or revolt.  The Seminole however occupied some Spanish territory too.  That little fact wasn't going to stop an "Indian killer" like Jackson who invaded these territories and committed his usual genocidal tactics.

Usually in my wargames I try to remain impartial however, in this particular case my sympathies lie almost entirely with the Seminole, Creek and most especially the escaped slaves.  I take solace in the fact that this semi fictional mini campaign will bear little comparison to the grim reality.

I will be following the campaign of a Regular US Army Company and in the best Colonial traditions a Seminole unit that routs will be replaced with a full strength unit either in that battle or for a subsequent battle.   Rules will be blood and Steel with some solo mechanisms lifted from Dan Mersey's Rebels and Patriots.

The First Seminole War

The Seminole

4 large units of Aggressive Natives @6 points

Escaped slaves with British muskets @4 points

Sharpshooter Natives @4 points

US Army

Lt Clancy P. Jackson (Peacock)

Ensign Wayne Kerr (Unlucky)

Master Sergeant Bigotte (Yellow bellied)

3 Line Infantry @4 points each (Regulars)

2 Skirmishers @2 points each (Regulars)

1 light gun, 4 crew @4 points

American Militia

4 Large units Green Timid Line Infantry @3 points each (Volunteers)

2 Skirmishers @2 points each

Clancy Musters his Company.

The Iroquois are standing in for the Seminole!

First Clash, Game One

SCENARIO A: FIRST CLASH AT LAMENT RIDGE 

Due to reports that enemy troops have been seen, the attacker sends out a Company of troops on a scouting mission to check the information. They advance along the small road passing the Lament Ridge, where they encounter advancing enemy  and a skirmish erupts. 

The Lament Ridge.  Clancy's column prepares to cross

The local Militia group are being used as pathfinders.

The Seminole pop up in Ambush and fire a devastating volley into the Militia killing five of them!

The Militia reel back shattered.

The US Infantry move into line... because that always works against Native Americans!9

But the Seminole win the intitiative. 

And the sniping starts! US losses start mounting up.

The Americans volley, killing exactly three Natives.

But Clancy now has his little cannon in place!

And the Seminole win initiative, again

True to form they flee rather than stand against a bayonet attack.

Game end, the Seminole make off.

Clabcy takes the Ridge.

But our "hero" reflects on his losses.

Three native Americans for twenty US and Militia.  Not really a win!