In our "what if?" 1812 campaign, the British have invaded New York state from Kingston, Upper Canada. Their goal is the capture of Sackett's Harbor; the American garrison of this naval station march north and meet the enemy at the village of Orleans. See the action in photos, below, to find out who carries the day. The battle was fought by the Gourmet Wargaming Club with 25mm figures, using the Age of Eagles rule set. Click here to download a PDF containing the order of battle and scenario rules.

The battlefield viewed from the south. This is the American end of the table. The village marks the intersection of Military Pike (north-south) and Plank Road.	A view from the northeast. The British and their Canadian allies (right) are approaching the Americans in their positions in and around the town.	Canadian light cavarly on the British left flank. This unit was difficult to get moving, but caused a certain amount of concern for the enemy.	The head of the British column. The closest unit is an elite Canadian voltigeurs regiment.	American cavalry moves up to screen fortifications while the rest of the army arrives.
American infantry deploy to the line of fortifications.	The American right flank, unbeknownst to the enemy, is held by a couple of regiments of New York State Militia conscripts.	A Seneca war party allied with the Americans, and led by Little Billy, hook around the British right flank and hit the Canadian voltigeurs from behind. These Indians were subsequently driven off with casualties.	More American infantry march up behind the screen of cavalry.	Elements of another British brigade deploy to the right (west) of the Military Pike.
"Let me tell you something...these rules looook mahvellous!"	Canadian light cavalry goes after its opposite number at the entrance to the town.	Irregular Canadian cavalry on the British left flank becomes the target of choice for a section of enemy cannon.	American are always larger than life. They seem to tower over the landscape.	"Don't look at me, it wasn't MY plan," bemoans a British commander.
Canadian cavalry drive off their counterparts, but take lively fire from American infantry in fortifications. Ouch.	The British lose patience, and send their right wing pell-mell into the thin enemy flank.	The Canadians break through, but are bushwacked by a war party of Oneida, led by John Smoke. The Indians survive this encounter and fade back into the woods.	As the American left flank seems to cave in, the Oneidas rush from the trees and attack a follow-up regiment.	The battle for the American left continues, but the Yankees only reluctantly give ground.
Meanwhile, the American right flank is reinforced with infantry and some very blue mounted dragoons.	The Oneidas attack for a third time. Where are the Indians allied with the British?	The American left flank has stabilized. British and Canadian infantry dare not advance further, as more enemy reinforcements are arriving along the Military Pike.	Counter-attack! Yankee regiments crash into the British right flank.	As American dragoons leave their lines, Canadian and British cavalry form up to defend their artillery park.
Another British brigade arrives. One can hear the skirling of bagpipes above the din of battle.	The Americans have successfully driven the enemy from their initial defensive line. The British front line is in some disarray.	Ah, it appears the British-allied Indian contingent (left) has arrived. These are Mohawks, led by Captain Ducharme (in a very spiffy red uniform).	The American dragoons fall back to their flank after a spirited clash with the British. The winners of this combat will cover the advance of their infantry.	The British right flank reforms into a cohesive line, and waits for the rest of the army form the other flank.
Oh, golly! It's cake time! War can wait. Put down your dice and grab a fork.	A lot has happened, post-cake. The British left flank forms up, then charges into the New York Militia units. A major break-through is attained.	The Mohawk war party has fought off the Oneidas, but as it moves behind enemy lines, it is confronted by a substantial force of diverted enemy infantry.	The British right flank desperately attacks the fortifications again--this time with terrible loss of life.	American infantry attempt to hold their collapsing right flank. But there are too many English and Scots to hold back.
Captain Ducharme and his Mohawks have survived their previous encounters, and now attempt to over-run the American heavy artillery section. It was close, but no cigar.	The American right flank folds again. The Highlanders are loose!	The game ends with a costly British victory. The generals count their dead as the campaign continues.	Let's end the game on a high note. Forget the little dead guys. Remember the delicious lunch--and, especially, dessert--that we consumed today. Ahhhhhh.