District of Columbia Uniforms and Organization in the War of 1812

 District of Columbia Uniforms and Organization in the War of 1812

The District of Columbia was established in 1800 so had a small population. The militia was formed into the 1st Militia Legion of Washington and a squadron of cavalry, and the 2nd Alexandria Legion with a regiment of cavalry. These were then reformed into two brigades with two regiments of each, and a regiment of cavalry. Alexandria later became part of Virginia.

DC infantry were to have hats turned up on the left side and bear fur crest from front to back. Both Dragoons above are based on conjecture. The Alexandria Dragoons had the uniform shown below. The blue dragoon could be accurate for late war. 

District of Columbia Militia Involvement in the War of 1812;

Second Battle of Leonard's Creek; Georgetown Light Artillery six 6 pounders, Georgetown Riflemen, Georgetown Hussars, Columbia Dragoons, Washington Dragoons. 280men

Bladensburg; 

1st Columbian Brigade; 2 regiments of foot, Georgetown Light Artillery six 6 pounders, Washington Artillery six 6 pounders.

2nd Columbian Brigade; 1 regiment of foot, 

Columbian District Cavalry; Alexandria Dragoons 

Note that Osprey's "The Chesapeake Campaigns" lists DC cavalry instead of Virginian. The author lists; Columbian Dragoons, Washington Light Hrose, Georgetown Hussars, Fairfax Light Dragoons, Columbian Hussars and an "unknown" Washtington troop. This is the only source I have seen state this. I can't verify either way, but I would assume that the majority of sources which state the 100 man unit was Virginian are correct. It's also possible that since Alexandria later became part of Virginia, that the "Virginian" cavalry present was actually the DC cavalry. 

The rifle units may have had the left side of their hats turned up as the regular infantry. Pants colours are unknown, but may have been green.

District of Columbia Cavalry 

Almost nothing is known about the uniforms of the District of Columbia Cavalry. The only unit known is the Alexandria dragoons. Up until 1813, these had all black uniforms with hussar style yellow trim and a round hat. The Alexandria dragoons, about 25 to 40 strong, charged a British detachment in one of the first actions of the Chesapeake Campaign, and were present at Bladensburg. They were attached to the Maryland Cavalry District at the battle. Sources stated that at the battle they may have all been used as messengers. 

Some DC Rifles had all black uniforms, and the Alexandria Dragoons did as well. Its possible that black may have been the common / regulation cavalry uniform colour. 

At left, Alexandria Dragoons 1810-1813 by the Company or Military Historians. They may have still been wearing this uniform in 1814. The DC militia regulations changed in 1814 to have uniforms be more like the regular army uniforms. It's possible none of these changes had taken place by Bladensburg.

Middle, the city of Alexandria commissioned art based on the possible uniform of 1814. 

At right, a Maryland Light Dragoon uniform from the battle of Bladensburg. This is a similar uniform to what is shown in the painting in the middle. As militia were told to make their uniforms more similar to regulars, unit / state distinctions remained (such as the red facings on this tunic).

Virginian Uniforms and Organization in the War of 1812

 Virginia in the War of 1812

Virginia had one of the better organized and equipped militia. On paper, this was 65,000 infantry organized into 100 regiments, 8,800 cavalry, 7,600 artillery, and 10,000 in miscellaneous troops for a total of 91,000 men.  These numbers would never have been possible on any battlefield because of geography, reluctance to fight etc. The largest formation of militia in the war was at Hampstead Hill, and this was possibly 20,000 men from Maryland, DC, and Virginia. 

I am currently organizing for the Chesapeake campaign (and have started for Battles in the Western theatre, and New Orleans). To do this with any sort of accuracy, I am going into more detail into several of the states that fought at these battles. This is difficult, as uniform regulations were changing often year by year. Definitely, it would have taken time for militia units to become equipped with new uniforms. 

  The best examples of what militia units looked like in the field are the two paintings created by Thomas Ruckle of the 5th Maryland Volunteers at the Battle of North Point and Hampstead Hill. He shows in detail how the militia at North Point and Hampstead Hill were uniformed. Infantry mostly had blue tailed jackets (mostly civilian clothes). They had a mix of round hats, and some units had stove pipe style shakos. The 5 units of cavalry he painted all had their own uniforms (but were all blue). Why this is relevant, is that Maryland was also to adopt government uniforms in 1814, none are visible in the paintings, just the previous versions of uniforms. Virginia. infantry and artillery were told to change to government uniforms in 1813 however, so I would assume at least some of the infantry and artillery would have had new uniforms (possibly with round hats). Regular citizens would have struggled to afford this cost, so pervious versions would have been dominant in my opinion.

Volunteers in government equipment. All volunteers that crossed into Canada would have been uniformed in some version of the above. These would have had blue, white, or grey pantaloons. Often they would have bands on their hats, or plumes to differentiate their units. The federal government had ordered all militia to become more similar to the official uniforms of the regulars. On the field the huge variety of small companies each with their own uniform would have not looked uniform.

Virginian Militia in the War of 1812

Virginian Troops took part in the following battles and Campaigns;

Fort Meigs in 1813; The Petersburg Volunteers (75 men) These were Light Infantry and wore the Light Infantry uniform shown above. 

Invasion Force for Montreal; A unit of "Virginian Volunteers" were formed as a unit with the 20th Regiment 200 men total. This army was routed at Crysler's Farm and crossed back to the American side of the St. Lawrence. They probably wore the uniform at right but with white or blue pantaloons (possibly with red facings). 

Raids on Norfolk and Hampton Roads 1813; Various Units

Bladensburg; The 60th Regiment (500 to 700 men) arrived just after the battle. The James City Light Infantry (100 men) were in the first line with the Baltimore Rifles. A Cavalry unit of 100 men were attached to the 2nd Regular Light Dragoons. *Note that the Osprey Chesapeake Campaign book lists these cavalry as being from DC. I have read in perhaps 10 sources that these were Virginian cavalry, not from DC (no details on which units were given in these sources). I am inclined to believe the main bulk of sources which list these as Virginian. 

Defence of Baltimore on Hampstead Hill; Brigadier General Singleton (1777 men), Brigadier General Douglas (864 men).

Cavalry Uniforms

In 1812 Virginian cavalry were instructed to replace their green uniforms with the middle uniform. This would have taken time to change (if it was changed at all). Then in 1814, they were told to copy the uniforms of the regular cavalry. I presume they would have been more likely to be in the middle or possibly the green uniform at Bladensburg. It is doubtful that any Virginian Militia cavalry had the new uniforms by the Chesapeake campaign, though it is possible.

Virginian Uniforms

Virginian Militia uniform 1812-1813, Virginian Rifles, 20th Regiment of Foot (Virginian regulars)

Virginian Reenactors portraying regular Virginian militiamen. 

Virginian Rifle regiments had these uniforms. These would have been in company sized units. Captain Johnson's Company of Riflemen had flesh coloured hunting shirts, and scarlet gaiters. 

Artillery would have had the uniform at the top of the post. In the fall of 1813 they were told to have the same uniforms as the regulars. It is impossible to know how quickly any of these formations switched to the new government uniforms (though I'm sure some may have).

Light Infantry tended to have the uniform on the plate at the top of this post. The Petersburg Volunteers fought at Fort Meigs in the Light Infantry uniform. Units of volunteers often had their own variations of headgear. 

 Military Strength in North America in the War of 1812

American Military at the Onset of the War; 

Regulars 7000 to 10,000 men

1. 17 Regiments of Foot *Increased to 25 regiments in June
2. Rifles Regiment
3. Marines Detachments
4. Light Artillery Regiment *sometimes fought as infantry
5. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Artillery *sometimes fought as infantry
6. 1st and 2nd Light Dragoons *These were large units which were divided around the United States

*450,000 to 500,000 militia, of which 10,000 or so were volunteers which supplied their own equipment. Units would join the regular army in operations. There were also 5,000 naval forces and marines available for land duties, and 3,000 rangers (6 Companies).

British and Canadian Troops June 1812; Onset of the War; 

Total 6034 Men in the Canadas, and 3747 in the Maritimes (14 Battalions)

Upper Canada; 1500 Men

1. 41st Foot

2. 10th Royal Veteran Battalion

3. Royal Newfoundland Fencibles Detachments as Marines on Ships

4. Holcroft’s Company of Artillery

*10,000 to 12,000 militia, one-third of which were “flank companies” which would receive better equipment and would be the units that typically saw action

Lower Canada

1. 8th Foot1st Battalion

2. 49th Foot

3. 100th Foot

4. 10th Royal Veteran Battalion Detachments

5. Royal Newfoundland Fencibles Detachments as Marines on Ships

6. Canadian Fencibles Regiment

7. Three Companies Royal Artillery

*50,000 to 60,000 Militia one-third of which were “flank companies” which would receive better equipment and would be the units that typically saw action

Maritimes

1. 8th Foot 2nd Battalion
2. 98th Foot (partially in Bermuda)
3. 99th Foot
4. 104th Foot
5. Nova Scotia Fencibles 
6. Five Companies of Royal Artillery

*15,000 Militia one-third of which were “flank companies” which would receive better equipment and would be the units that typically saw action

Units Arrived or Raised in Canada by December 1812

Total 8,136 in the Canadas, and 4519 in the Maritimes

1. 1st Foot
2. 89th Foot
3. 103rd Foot
4. Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles Light Infantry; Formed in Upper Canada from Scottish Canadians

American Military 1813; 

Regulars 7000 to 10,000 men

1. 46 Regiments of Foot *21 New Regiments Formed in January
2. Rifles Regiment
3. Marines Detachments
4. Light Artillery Regiment *sometimes fought as infantry
5. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Artillery *sometimes fought as infantry
6. 1st and 2nd Light Dragoons
7. *450,000 to 500,000 militia
8. 10,000 volunteers 
9. 5,000 naval forces and marines available for land duties
10. 16 Companies of rangers (raised January)

British and Canadian Troops 1813; 

Total 6034 Men in the Canadas, and 3747 in the Maritimes (14 Battalions)

Upper Canada; 1500 Men

1. 41st Foot

2. 10th Royal Veteran Battalion

3. Royal Newfoundland Fencibles Detachments as Marines on Ships

4. Holcroft’s Company of Artillery

*10,000 to 12,000 militia, one-third of which were “flank companies” which would receive better equipment and would be the units that typically saw action

Lower Canada

1. 8th Foot1st Battalion

2. 49th Foot

3. 100th Foot

4. 10th Royal Veteran Battalion Detachments

5. Royal Newfoundland Fencibles Detachments as Marines on Ships

6. Canadian Fencibles Regiment

7. Three Companies Royal Artillery

*50,000 to 60,000 Militia one-third of which were “flank companies” which would receive better equipment and would be the units that typically saw action

Maritimes

1. 8th Foot 2nd Battalion
2. 98th Foot (partially in Bermuda)
3. 99th Foot
4. 104th Foot
5. Nova Scotia Fencibles 
6. Five Companies of Royal Artillery

*15,000 Militia one-third of which were “flank companies” which would receive better equipment and would be the units that typically saw action

Units Arrived or Raised in Canada by December 1812

Total 8,136 in the Canadas, and 4519 in the Maritimes

1. 1st Foot
2. 89th Foot
3. 103rd Foot
4. Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles Light Infantry; Formed in Upper Canada from Scottish Canadians

 Information, charts, and text from the excellent "The Napoleon Series"

Royal Marine Battalions in the War of 1812

Royal Marine Battalions in the War of 1812

Three Royal Marine Battalions fought in the War of 1812. Battalions fought at actions near Lake Ontario, and Southern Lower Canada (Quebec) and the attached artillery fought throughout Niagara. In 1814, these were heavily involved in the US counter invasion. Each battalion had attached artillery. The attached artillery fought in the blue and grey fatigues shown above. They would have been wearing a fatigue hat as shown. 

The plates above, and the information below were published by British artillery expert Carl Franklin. The complete article PDF is easily found online for more information. Though these are for the Royal Marine Artillery, I have included the text which explains that the  artillery had identical uniforms as the Marines. These are the best, and most comprehensive plates for these temporary formations. Unfortunately, no one makes these with regular back packs and pantaloons. Perry miniatures makes them, but with blanket rolls, they would be suitable for Egypt and the early Napoleonic Wars. Brigade Games sells heads and command packs. I am making my first unit a mix of Perry metals with a backpack swap, and the Brigade Games heads and command. I am not sure about the second unit yet. Alternatively, light infantry formations often left their packs behind so the the Brigade Games packs would do.

Two battalions were formed to defend Canada, and a third battalion of regular companies mixed with the Colonial Marines was formed in 1814 of freed slaves. The third battalion had 3 companies of regular marines, and 3 of Colonial Marines. The third battalion had 1 company of each fight at Bladensburg, and North Point. Afterwards, the 3 companies of freed slaves resettled in the Caribbean. All three battalions were divided again after the war. 

The 3 battalions would have had red jackets, and either "fast blue" or white pantaloons. The high gaiters shown in so many illustrations is not correct for in the field since these were full dress. Technically, white pantaloons were worn in warm weather, and fast blue in cooler climates. I will make one of each colour of pantaloons. Presumably marines serving in Canada would have had fast blue pantaloons. In the invasion of the US they could have worn either. It was summer when the Chesapeake happened so I would assume either colour could have been worn. All three units were present in the Chesapeake.

These units had standards, but I believe these were kept at headquarters, as these were ad hoc formations that filled somewhat of a light infantry role. I'm not certain of this, but it makes sense.

Each battalion had attached artillery these consisted of; 4 six pounders, 2 5.5 inch howitzers, 2 eight inch howitzers, 2 ten inch mortars, and a rocket section (equivalent of 2 cannons). The rocket sections would presumably have had all three types of rockets (small, mid, and heavy) the launchers varied for each (see my earlier article). Elements of these fought at many engagements, but seemed to mostly be divided up for different purposes.

Our wargaming group will be continuing to game the rest of the War of 1812 campaigns. The Chesapeake Campaign, New Orleans Campaign, The Western Theatre, and even Queenston Heights. After a long hiatus, The War of 1812 returns. 

 

Warlord Games Black Seas!

It has been a very long time since I have posted on this site. Work, kids and other hobbies have kept me busy! I am excited about the new product from Warlord Games! Black Seas, the Napoleonic (and War of 1812) naval game.

My last plans for 1812 were to play Queenston Heights and New Orleans for land battles (very far on the back burner). I had also printed out paper versions of all the ships I would need for every battle in the War of 1812 from War Artisan. I believe I used too big of a scale for my great lakes battles I intended. That and trying to find a good ruleset derailed that project.

Warlord Games' new game has renewed my interest in the naval war. They have a fairly limited selection of ships though, but through conversion, 3D printing and using paper ships I hope to complete the fleets. I do want to give them the money they deserve for their excellent product though, so I will buy all the ships that I can.

Below is what they have released so far as well as the upcoming US fleet. I have not posted pictures of Victory or L'Orient, but a similar first rate is included in each of the British and French fleets.

I have the starter set which has three 5th rate 38 frigates, and 6 18 gun brigs. These are plastic, as are the 3rd rates. The first rate ships and constitution are resin. The models themselves are excellent and at least the parts of the ship go together easily. The sets include sails, flags and rigging thread.

One issue I have is that there are too many brigs (this has been written about on other sites). Brigs did not occur in battles in greater quantity than 5th rates, 6th rates, or even 3rd rates. You end up with many more than you need. I wish the starter would have been 3 5th rates, 2 6th rates, and 2 brigs. As it is the brigs can be converted into flush deck 6th rates with a bit of work, and some people have even made them into sloops.

Another issue is that all the ships of each size, except the resin ships are identical. They have created an average version of each ship for the game that never existed. The exceptions are the resin ships. They also have plates for some of the back of the ships with their name on them. This is fine with me overall, I just wish I could have ships of every size. Hopefully their releases come out quickly.

As it is, I can recreate at least every ocean battle with the models they have created.

The Battle of North Point Scenario Rules and Order of Battle

The Battle of North Point
September 12th, 1814

                       A contemporary view of the battle from the American side.

    A view from above from the British side.

You can see the disposition of troops in this map.

A map showing the overall Battle of Baltimore. Unlike New Orleans and Plattsburgh, the army sent to Baltimore was sent to raid and cause havoc not to occupy. When they saw the defences at Baltimore they withdrew. They had defeated two American armies, one at Bladensburg, and one at North Point. They would almost certainly not have taken the defences at Baltimore. The British suffered quite a few casualties at North Point, and General Ross had been killed just before the battle. The campaign had been successful in many ways, but had not been without cost. This British force went on to be defeated at New Orleans and then to successfully capture Fort Bowyer.

The most famous part of the battle. The 5th Maryland Volunteers stood up to the British volley after volley. They were the last Americans to leave the field, and left it in relatively good order.

Here are the forces that were gathering just a few kilometres away from the battle of North Point. There were 20 000 militia with 100 cannons in defensive positions at Hampstead Hill. Definitely more than the 3600 British that remained after North Point could handle. The British goal in the Chesapeake had been to destroy shipping, infrastructure that supported the war effort and cause havoc. In that regard it had been successful. The British had beaten two armies, burned down the Americans capital. This force made about 30 successful raids as well. Their lack of success in the Chesapeake was that they could not take Fort McHenry or get to Baltimore to burn the American fleet and harbour. The British marched back to their ships to head to New Orleans, their greatest loss of the war. The same force captured Fort Bowyer in Georgia after their loss of New Orleans, in the last battle of the war. 

1 Man = 15 
2 Guns = 3

British / Canadian Scenario Rules

Victory Conditions; The British have to rout the Americans.

1. British Infantry Shooting in Line Bonus; British / Canadian infantry get +1 to shooting rolls when in line. Militia and Indians do not get this bonus.

British Order of Battle
Colonel Arthur Brook (44th Foot) (Average)

1st (Light) Brigade
Colonel William Thornton (Average)

85th (Bucks Volunteers) Regiment of Light Infantry (845 men) x30 and X30 (Veteran)

+1 morale

Can refuse a flank

+1 to shooting in line

*Up to 50% of each unit can skirmish

Light Companies 4th, 21st, 44th (214 men) X15 (Veteran)

(Aprox. 65men from  4th, 88men from 21st, 61men from 44th)

+1 morale

Can refuse a flank

+1 to shooting in line

*Entire formation can skirmish

2nd Brigade
Unknown Command (Average)
*Arthur Brook had been in charge, but was the senior commander after Ross was killed.
4th (King's Own) Regiment of Foot (630-63 men) x36 (Veteran) 

+1 morale

Can refuse a flank

+1 to shooting in line

44th Foot (East Essex) Regiment of Foot (610-61 men) x36 (Line)

+1 to shooting in line

Provisional Marine Battalion (Total 405 men) X30 (Line)

Royal Marines Ships Company (80 men) 

2nd Colonial Marines (90men) *these were former slaves

Naval Landing Party (235 men)

*Counts as Light Infantry
+1 melee

+1 to shooting in line

Can deploy up to 50% as skirmishers

3rd Brigade
Colonel Patterson (Average)

21st(Royal North British Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot (884-88 men) x48 (Line)

+1 to shooting in line

2nd Battalion Royal Marines (687 men) x40 (Elite)

*Counts as Light Infantry

+1 to shooting

+1 morale

+1 melee

Can refuse a flank

+1 to shooting in line

Can form open order

Artillery
Total 4 Guns,  Royal Marine Rocket Section; 473 Artillerymen and 56 Miners and Sappers

Royal Foot Artillery (4 6 Pounders) X3 Guns
+1 Morale

Royal Marines Rocket Section X1 Rocket (Veteran)

+1 Morale

Rocket Rules

-Range of 48 inches, must have line of sight, may fire overhead

Roll 2 D6

12 Direct and devastating hit. Six casualties. Consult double six table

11 – 9 Target unit lose 1 casulty and falters BUA’s set alight.

8-4 Miss

3 The nearest friendly unit to the rocket battery is hit by stray rockets and loses two casulties.

2 Rockets double back and strike ammunition. Rocket battery completely destroyed. (Rout)

American Army Scenario Rules

Victory Conditions; The Americans have to hold up the British for 10 turns.

1. Linear Tactics; Line units in the same brigade have to have the same formation except to go around terrain and other units.

2. Chosen Men; Up to 12 men maybe deployed as Chosen Men (Rifles). They roll 2D6 per 4 figures. They can form part of the skirmish screen or operate independently. They do not need to stay within 18 inches of close order units. This unit has a range of 17 inches.

3. Ammunition Problems; American troops carried less ammunition than their British counter parts, and had logistical problems becoming resupplied during battles. Any American infantry unit which rolls a double one for their shooting roll in any turn but their first turn is at half ammunition (inflicts half casualties). A unit will be at full ammunition that does not move or fire for one turn.

4. Cover; The fence visible in the map above in which the American troops took position provide -2 to be hit and +1 morale. Troops in the forest get -1 to be hit and +1 morale.

American Order of Battle
Brigadier General John Stricker (Average)

3rd Maryland Brigade
Brigadier General John Stricker (Average)

5th Maryland Volunteers 550 men x36 (2nd Line)

-1 morale

-round down half casualties 

6th Maryland Militia 620 men  x40 (Conscript)

-1 morale

-1 melee

-2 firing modifier

27th Maryland Militia 500 men  x30 (Conscript)

-1 morale

-1 melee

-2 firing modifier

39th Maryland Militia 450 men  x30 (Conscript)

-1 morale

-1 melee

-2 firing modifier

51st Maryland Militia 700 men  x48 (Conscript)

-1 morale

-1 melee

-2 firing modifier

1st Maryland Rifles 140 men  x9 (Second Line)
*Chosen Men
Union Jagers (German Unit), Fell's Point Rifles, Baltimore Sharpshooters

-1 morale

Artillery
1st Maryland Artillery (4 X 4 pounders) 3 Cannons (Conscript) *Centre

-1 morale

-1 melee

-1 firing modifier

1st Maryland Artillery (2 X 4 pounders) 1 Cannon (Conscript) *American Left

-1 morale

-1 melee

-1 firing modifier

Cavalry *Independent Unit
Lieutenant Colonel James Blays

5th Maryland Cavalry (140 men Total) (Enthusiastic Conscripts) X10
Baltimore Hussars (50 men), Independent Light Dragoons (35men), Maryland Chasseurs (35men), Fells Point Light Dragoons (20 men) *estimates

-1 morale

-1 melee