Battle of Chateauguay Wargame

About a year and a half ago I started collecting both an American and British War of 1812 army. There are several choices for manufacturers, and if you like converting even more options. I have Perry and Victrix conversions, Old Glory, Knuckleduster and Brigade Games miniatures. 

I chose to represent 1813 with both my Canadian / British army and my American army. This way I can game 1812 to 1814, and both of my armies will be mostly accurate. My goal was to play the decisive battles roughly 200 years from when they were fought. So far, we have played Stoney Creek, Crysler's Farm, and Chateauguay. We are playing Lundy's Lane in June. In the future I plan on doing Bladensberg as well as some What If? Scenarios. We use the General de Brigade rules, with 1 man equalling 5, 8 or 10 depending on the battle. 

To start, here is the Battle of Chateauguay. The largest American invasion of the war happened in the fall of 1813. One army of around 4000, under Hampton invaded Lower Canada from the South but was defeated at Chateauguay by Charles de Salaberry's French Canadians. Another force of about 8000 was coming down the St.Lawrence river from the West. A much smaller force of British and Canadians caught up with them and decisively defeated them at Crysler's Farm. The only serious threat to Canada in the War of 1812 ended. 

The Battle of Chateauguay

Our Easter Weekend Battle of Chateauguay game in its early stages. The American brigade to the North advancing to the abbatis (defences made from logs and wood).  The American brigade to the South pushes back the French Select Embodied Militia companies.

 Izards US brigade to the North of the river attempts to deploy, but does not have space (which is what happened historically). A firefight lasts for several turns, causing several casualties to the Indians in the impassable swamp, and several to the Canadian Voltigeurs to the front.

Purdy's 1st American Brigade to the South getting slowed down through the Forest by the French light infantry.

To the North, Izards second brigade breaks after losing 2 units in the firefight. Both US Brigadiers are killed.  

The American second brigade rallies and attempts to charge the depleted Voltigeurs, but fail again.

Purdy's second brigade gets held up and never reaches the ford visible on the far right of this picture. The battle ends how it historically did; despite being outnumbered almost 4 to 1 the entirely French Canadian force defeats the American invasion force. Unfortunately for the British, The Battle of Crysler's Farm is a complete defeat in our wargame, so the larger invasion force is free to attack Montreal. A future "What if?" Scenario.