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Turn Thirteen, Early 1781
Force Adjustment
- His Majesty’s Government sends Viceroy Kane twelve pounds, leaving reserves at fourteen.
- The Continental Dollar collapses. The paper money is seen by the American colonists as worthless. As a result, British trade with the Americans increases loyalty by 3 this turn.
- Washington is still in New York.
Smugglers Phase
- The Smugglers attempt to enter an already full Delaware Bay and Long Island Sound, giving the British some relief.
Naval Phase
- Graves shadows the French Fleet in the Caribbean while Howe moves to eliminate the Smuggler in Chesapeake Bay. Howe succeeds, clearing Chesapeake Bay of Rebels.
British Ground Phase
- During Winter attrition a couple of Continentals melt away–one of the two in Pennsylvania, and the only one in Virginia.
- After Amnesty and Parole, there is one 3-2-1 Continental in the prisoners of war box. The 3-1-2 Hessians, the 1-2-3 Lobsters, and 2-3-1 and 1-2-3 Loyalists.
- British deploy the 3-1-2 Hessian and move a 3-3-4 Brit into Schuykill Valley to engage the final Continental there (at 6-1). British deploy the Lobster and 1-2-3 loyalists to Philadelphia. The 2-3-1 Loyalists deploy to Southside in Virginia. The strategy this turn it to hold the South, and maybe get lucky in New England.
Combat Phase
- Battle of Schuykill Valley: The Hessians and British march on the Continental Army, which is reinforced by Militia. Continental leadership, emboldened by the presence of Congress, elects to mount a counterattack. This was a disastrous mistake, as the British and Hessians are able to surround and eliminate the attacking Rebels. Loyalty +1, to 7.
Place Rebels Phase
- The Rebels deploy Francis Moulton in Over the Mountain in Carolina–possibly the worst possible outcome. It will be an even odds attack on the Loyalist Horse.
- The Rebels deploy a 1-3-2 Continental in Philadelphia and a 2-2-2 Continental in New Jersey.
- The Rebels deploy 2-2-2s in the Connecticut Coast.
- The Rebels deploy a 3-2-1 in the New York Frontier and a 2-2-2 in Hudson Valley.
Second Combat
- Battle of Hudson Valley. Rebels attack at even odds after a good militia roll and a column shift. They do not do any damage, but manage to retreat to the Hudson Highlands in good order. Loyalty +1, to 5.
- Battle of Philadelphia: The Rebels are able to ambush and eliminate a loyalist, but are eliminated in turn by disciplined British Regulars (Ex.) Loyalty +1, to 8.
- Battle of New Jersey: After a favorable turn out in Militia, the rebels attack at 65%, with a column shift due to Congress. A bloody battle commences, but the British regulars are able to hold on and barely survive (Ex result). Loyalty +1, to 9.
- Battle Over the Mountain: The Loyalist Horse are able to rally militia in their favor. The Rebels roll an exchange, but, because the British have more total SP, the lowest non-militia unit survives–in this case, the loyalist horse.
If I can hold on through the Rebel Campaigns phase, I’ll live to fight another day!.
Rebel Campaigns Phase
- The Rebels launch a major campaign in New York, consolidating forces in the New York Frontier. They move to attack the British that are holed up in the river forts, with an 11-5 strength advantage. Militia comes out even, so the Rebels attack at 200% with a column shift to 300% due to Vermont. The Rebels are overconfident in assaulting the fort, and do not account for the discipline of the defending Hessians, who know that they will be killed rather than captured. The Hessians manage to counterattack a tired Rebel force and force it to retreat back to the Frontier, ending the Campaign.
Logistics Phase
- Trading with the Enemy: Viceroy Kane intends to take full advantage of the collapse of the colonial dollar. Kane spends one pound in Virginia and two in Pennsylvania, to increase loyalty to 8 and 13, respectively.
- Naval Transport: The British transport the Loyalist 2-2-2 from Rhode Island to Southside in Virginia, hoping to shore up defenses in what will prove to be a key state for the remaining turns.
Liberty Phase
- The Brits manage to hold on to Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Carolina, which is enough to prevent a Rebel liberty gain.
- Loyalty Phase: Pennsylvania goes down 1 to 12. Virginia goes down 1 to 7. New York goes down 2 to 3.
Random Events Phase
- The Cherokee attack in Carolina, giving me a 2-1-1 unit in Over the Mountains, but reducing loyalty by 1, to 11.
- The Dutch again slip smugglers through Britain’s naval cordon, placing one smuggler in Cape Fear.
Turn Thirteen went as well as possible. Parliament is praising Kane for defending what could have been a losing position. The victory against Rebel guerrillas in Carolina was a lucky break, as was the successful defense of the New York River Forts. Kane was also able to save seven pounds, which will provide him with full coffers once Parliament sends its share for next year. Meanwhile, in Virginia, a cadre of British officers plot a daring raid to kidnap Governor Jefferson.