#virginia250

[historicminiaturesnorthernva]

Portsmouth Burning pt. 3.

As the British troops solidified their lines around the tavern, they fired withering folleys in the Virginia regulars on the western flank. Attacks by Armand’s legion and Lafayette’s light infantry around the woods of the eastern flank were also met with failure, leading ultimately a mass withdrawl from the battlefield.

Such results were common from attempts by Virginia militia and what limited continentals that were in the commonwealth, until reinforced by 18,000 French and American troops under Washington and Rochambeau in the late summer of 1781, resulting in the succesful siege at Yorktown.

[historicminiaturesnorthernva]

Portsmouth Burning Pt. 2.

American Light Infantry and militia arrive on the eastern side of the village, engaging with the recently arrived Queens Rangers, supported by Captain Ewald’s Jagers.

On the western flank, the Virginia regulars rush across the cow pasture, opening fire with the 76th Highlanders from behind the cover of a stone wall. The 80th and Beyreuth Regiments hold the center, waiting to fill gaps when lines break.

[historicminiaturesnorthernva]

Portsmouth Burning Pt. 1.

When the British Army landed in Virginia under Brigadier General Benedict Arnold in December 1780, they swept up the James River and attacked government buildings in the new capital of Richmond. After facing little resistance, Arnold’s troops withdrew back to Portsmouth in the Chesapeake where a permanent post was established.

Today’s scenario is themed around raids and patrols led by Virginia militia and state troops, supported by new levies in the Continental Army and Lafayette’s corps of light infantry. The American units represented on the table specifically are the Virginia State Garrison Regiment, Lafayette’s Corps of Light Infantry, Suffolk County Militia, and Virginia levies.

The British garrison using a tavern as a small command post is reflected by units in Portsmouth at the time: 2nd Beyreuth Regiment, 2nd Jager Companie, 1st American Regiment Queens Rangers, 80th Regiment Royal Edinburgh Volunteers, and the 76th Regiment MacDonald’s Highlanders, supported by a troop of Queen’s Ranger Hussars.

The day begins quietly as the small post goes about their daily business. A group of British troops is returning after a patrol. Unbeknownst to them, American troops creep closer to the village.

[historicminiaturesnorthernva]

Loudoun, Fauquier, and Prince William County men of the 3rd Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line as they would’ve appeared in 1778. As one of the most veteran regiments of the Continental Army, the 3rd served with distinction at battles such as Harlem Heights, White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Monmouth, and the Siege of Charleston.

During the Battle of Brandywine on Sept 11, 1777, the 3rd Virginia held the line at the Birmingham Meeting house, where dozens of men were killed buying time for Washington to pull his army out to survive another day. At that same battle, Fauquier County resident Captain John Ashby of the 3rd saved General Lafayette after being wounded.

The third’s uniform in 1778 was described in deserter ads as Based on a description in the Pennsylvania Packet as a "light blue drab coat with pale blue facings, green vest, and linen overalls"

Models are Perry Miniatures using Vallejo paints.

[historicminiaturesnorthernva]

HESSIANS! And Ansbach-Bayreuthers.