THE BATTLE FOR OTTAWA (DOMINION WAR)

This was our first game in the Dominion Campaign. Chris was allowed to choose which side he wished to command, and took charge of the United States forces. His only offer to the Canadian defenders was that they should surrender immediately, which was rejected. The US troops then advanced on the city, cavalry on each flank. The two Canadian guns inflicted the first two casualties, but the heavy US howitzers did not return fire. (The American player had to consider his policy 1. Not to use them, 2. Only use them if the advance stagnated, 3. Restrict its fire to any river targets, 4. fully use them. He was, however, made aware that their use could have repercussions in any war.) On the Canadian right, the US cavalry decided to move up and dismount, engaging with small arms, but they were beaten off and later remounted. The centre was a firefight with initially equal casualties, but the odds were beginning to favour the US troops. But it was the action on the Canadian left which decided the issue. A resolute and splendid charge by the NY Hussars, aided by the West Point Cadets and US mounted scouts took out two small Canadian militia units and an artillery piece. Fearful of further losses  (the howitzers having just sunk two civilian river craft, one shot actually hitting the Docks!), the Governor-General sent a message to the US commanding officer indicating his intention to vacate the city, the latter agreeing not to harass any withdrawal. This action lasted 2h.5m. Here are the statistics, and a batch of photos. MGB

EMPIRE FORCES, LOSSES 15

Staff on foot 4

Staff mtd. 1

Regular Artillery 6 (-3)

Regular Cavalry 4

Regular Infantry 12

Militia Infantry 12 (-5)

Militia Infantry 12

Militia Infantry 3 (-3)

Militia Infantry 4 (-3)

Armed civilians 7 (-1)

UNITED STATES (NG for National Guard), LOSSES 19

Staff on foot 3

Staff mtd 2

Regular Artillery 9 (-1)

Regular Cavalry 4 (-2)

Regular Cavalry 4 (-1)

Regular Infantry 10

Regular Infantry 10 (-2)

Regular Scouts mtd. 4

West Point Professors 2 (-1)

West Point Cadets 12 (-5)

NG Gatling Gun 2

NG Artillery 3

NG Infantry 12 (-2)

NG Infantry 12 (-2)

NG Cavalry 4 (-2)

NG Cavalry 4 (-1)