Washington reshapes America

[hzn5pk]

Washington’s decision

Sept. 15, 1778
After the initial disappointment to the set back to General Sullivan in Rhode Island, General Washington has had time to think of his next move. As campaigning for 1778 seems to be over, Washington is grateful that his army and the forces of the United States are in tact and the situation though challenging, is not as desperate as prior years. With the entry of the French, the war has broadened and now has a new chapter. Washington is anxious for more French aid and is fixated on forcing the British to leave New York City. For now though, they are contained to that city as they do not appear to be making further moves in the North, but Washington knows that he must be ever vigilant of the striking power that the British have.
Washington has learned some things this campaigning season;
French aid in naval power is a must to dislodge British from coastal cities such as New York. The older, more experienced generals such as Charles Lee and Horatio Gates could not be counted upon (Gates still has high public confidence though). Finally, he needed to spend a little more time on the details and expectations of future campaigns that were handed to subordinates.

With this Washington pondered his options for 1779. What were his options?
1.) Remain on strict defensive of NYC, NJ, Conn. and lower Hudson. He would be ever watchful of the British as well as have forces available if the French wanted to coordinate actions.
2.) Another campaign to raid Canada, would this dislodge the British from NYC?
3.) Reprisal campaign against Iroquois raids of settlements in western NY ad PA.
4.) A campaign to capture English Florida.

After viewing the options, he decided upon the western campaign to neutralize the Iroquois threat. He choose this because it could be accomplished with the least amount men being detached from the main Continental Army forces, it would eliminate this concern, and it would be a popular campaign in the North.

Now that he had chosen the what for 1779, Washington needed to work out more details, select a leader for the campaign and present his plans to Congress.

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Throughout 1778 the frontier of PA and NY had seen tit for tat raids by Loyalists and the Iroquois on one side and militia and army units on the other side. Washington is determined to rid himself of this nescience.

The initial POD for this timeline is that the decision and planning for the 1779 campaign begin a few months earlier than OTL. Congress had made the campaign a priority in June of 1778 but Washington did not fully commit until November 1778. This timeline sees his full cmmittment in September as a responce to frustration over the failed campaign in Rhode Island.

 

[hzn5pk]

A plan is developed

Washington had decided upon a overall strategy for the 1779 season, he now worked out the details.

First and foremost what should the objectives be?
1.) Eliminating the threat posed by Loyalists and the Iroquois in western PA and NY had to be number one. To accomplish this, he would apply scorched earth tactics.
2.) Aid should also be given to George Rogers Clark in the Ohio region
3.) The Loyalists and Indians were propped up by Ft. Niagara and Ft. Detroit. Capture of these forts would secure the frontier.
4.) Cutting off supplies down the St. Lawrence across Lake Eerie will aid in isolating and capturing the forts and subduing the Indians.

The next decision would be who to lead the campaigns. Several options for competent leaders were available. Who should be the overall leader and who should the subordinates be?

Horatio Gates - Second in command, still very popular, head of Congress's committee on the conduct of the war. But not ideal as the campaign will need new tactics of fighting, frontier fighting, younger energetic leaders would be needed. The crux would be how to dissuade him, how to be political about it.
John Sullivan - Washington had doubts about his capability in the Rhode Island campaign. He can be used in a supporting role though.
Nathaniel Greene - Had experience as a quartermaster and at leading troops in battle. The quartermaster task would be vital in capturing the two forts and sustaining the campaign.
Benedict Arnold - Had healed from his wounds, was currently in command of Philadelphia. Washington was impressed by his initiative in the Quebec campaign and on Lake Champlain. He was a leader of men. Washington knew that it would be too much of a risk to have in overall charge, but he had shown that he was a valuable asset. Some aid would be needed to peel him away from comfy Phil. and to convince Congress of a combat role.
Daniel Morgan - Had experience with the Quebec campaign and was able to lead men. He was currently in retirement due to frustrations with Congress. This was actually a common thread that Washington liked, it seemed as though the most effective and experienced leaders all disliked Congress. Washington would need to appeal to their sense of national duty as well sell it to Congress.
Lafayette - Could be used in support role. Could he be used in a feint towards French Canada to confuse the British.
Anthony Wayne - Washington was impressed with Wayne's determination at Monmouth to stick it out with the British until reinforcements arrived.
John Glover - Skills of the Marble Headers would be used in part of Washington's evolving plan for the campaign
Alexander Hamilton - Was a part of Washington's staff was wanting a field command. Perhaps this could be accomplished.
Ethan Allen and Seth Warner - Would the Vermont forces be willing, how to use them?
Phillip Schuyler - Could be used to gather material in a quartermaster role as he had done before
Daniel Brodhead - Had conducted maneuvers in the Ohio country and western PA in 1778, will be used again for the 1779 western campaign
James Clinton - Another New Yorker who could be cast in a supporting role

Washington saw that for the overall command, Gates was undesirable. Supply and coordination were the qualities that he wanted the most. For this, he selected Nathaniel Greene in overall commad. Washington also liked the experience that Arnold and Morgan had in the Quebec and Saratoga campaigns. He wanted these two to be chief lietenants to lead two wings of the operation.

Washington realized that even more planning was needed to make the objectives more definitive. The objective of capturing forts Niagara and Detroit seemed to be number one. Capture these, and the Indian and Loyalist menace on the frontier would be severely hampered.

As he was thinking, more and more questions came
1.) Should there be separate expeditions to capture the forts or should there be one expedition that would capture Fort Niagara and then aid Clark in the West with fort Detroit? He choose the expedition to focus on Niagara first and then Detroit. Better to bag at least one of the forts. Also troops could be recalled after Niagara if they were needed in defense of British actions.
2.) What should troop levels be, knowing that not too much strength could be sapped away from the main Army to counter British moves. The farther west the campaigning, the lower the troop levels could be to meet the objectives. Also knowing that the sizeof the Army was being restructuredby Congress.
3.) After troop levels were determined, how to best supply the forces?
4.) How to recruit the generals especially Arnold and Morgan and to a lesser extent Schuyler and Allen/Warner. For this political skill would be needed to first dissuade Gates and then appeal to the others currently on the sidelines. Hamilton as Chief of Staff could be used to aid in the effort of political maneuvering and bringing the right people online.

The next step would be to review the plan with Hamilton to develop the political game and strategize on how to bring generals on line. Greene and Arnold could aid in determining troops needed, the phases, and the timing of the operation.

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Any feedback? Anything that is too unlikely?

 

[hzn5pk]

September 16 – Development of plans with Alexander Hamilton and Lafayette

The discussions of the plans with Hamilton and Lafayette are for political reasons, to present a general time table of events, and to determine troops needed.
Hamilton and Washington worked out some troop numbers.
1.)Arnold to lead the northern attack on Ft. Niagara – 1200 regulars
2.)Greene and Glover to establish a base at Ft. Eerie to support Arnold and the second phase of Ft Detroit – 600 regulars
3.)Allen/Warner to secure Northern end of Lake Ontario – 900 men (600 NY & Ver militia and 300 regulars)
4.)Daniel Morgan – would lead troops from Ft. Eerie to Niagara then from Eerie to Detroit through Ohio – would need 600 VA & PA militia, 300 regulars
5.)James Clinton to lead a force from Easton, PA to Ft. Niagara, south of the finger lakes – 600 regulars with Oneida support
6.)Daniel Broadhed to lead a force from Fort Pitt to Niagara – 600 regulars, would harass Seneca and meet up with Clinton before advancing on Niagara
7.)John Sullivan to lead a feint against Montreal – 600 regulars, 600 MA & NH militia. They would try to look as large of a force as possible.
Total of 4200 regs and 1800 militia is needed. Hamilton mentioned that Phillip Schulyer could be used to aid in supplying the Niagara campaign from Albany as Greene will supply the campaign from Eerie. Hamilton also inquires upon a military command. Washington states that Hamilton can lead the force of regulars that will go with Allen/Warner to secure the northern flank.
The main goal of the campaign was to capture the two forts. The secondary goal was to scourge the Iroquois villages in western NY and PA. The timing of the campaign is that Greene and Glover were to set up base at Eerie as soon as possible. The rest of the campaign was to start in late spring 1779.
The main effort for now will be to persuade Congress and states and assemble the generals. Washington needed support from the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Since his offensive dealt with the securing of the frontier, there was little doubt that these states would support the cause. What was also needed was support from New England, this would be trickier. Washington proposed to have General Gates assume command of the Eastern Department, in charge with the defense of New England. Washington also stated that a similar, future campaign could be taken to secure the northern boundary of Maine from British encroachment when the time was right.
Gaining the support of Vermont would also be tricky. Washington hoped to gain Vermont's support that if the campaign is successful, it would go a long ways towards recognition by Congress, more importantly recognition by the State of New York.
Hamilton and Washington concurred that an address to Congress of the plans was needed. Washington would address Congress on Monday, Sept. 21. Congress had wanted a campaign against the Iriquois and Ft. Detroit in 1778 to be led by Gates. Washinton would provide the details that will provide for a successful campaign. Washington would make the argument that Gates would be needed in the defence of the East and to counter any British moves. Washington would also state that the campaign would need proper logistical support to suceed, that is why it is critical for Greene to set up a base on Lake Eerie (present day Eerie, PA) and that the 1775 experience of both Morgan and Arnold in moving men through wilderness would aid.
Before talking to Congress he would talk to Greene, Arnold, and recruit Daniel Morgan via a personal letter.
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The troop numbers are about 1000 more than OTL. In this scenerio, I have included a feint upon Canada to confuse British.

 

[FDW]

Hmm, Interesting. Consider me subscribed.

 

[SilverPhantom2]

Wait... why was Washington contemplating a plan to take Florida? The Spanish were in the process of retaking it already not to mention it's hella far away for him to march the Continentals there for what would amount to a hellish fight in the swamps in unfamiliar territory for very little gain against the British.

I mean, minor detail, but I'm interested.

 

[hzn5pk]

Hmm, Interesting. Consider me subscribed.

Thank you. My pace is slow. I want to show some detail. Also, I want this to be as realistic as possible. This is going to be an Ameriwank, but I think that it is the most realistic Ameriwank from the ARW.

It strikes me that the generals that Congress favored such as Gates did not do so well when in the field. And that some of the generals that had shown merrit, Arnold and Morgan, were pushed to the sidelines. And somtimes they were forgotten there. By the fall of 1778, Arnold had recovered from his wounds from Saratoga, he was ready for another command of troops in the field and not garrison duty of Phil and then West Point. The trick though is convincing him that thrill of the adventure of this campaign is enough to pull him away from the comfortable life in Philly?

Washington had wanted to support Clarke in the West. The Sullivan campaign OTL was a success in that it broke Iroquois in New York but due to lack of coordination never captured Fort Niagara.

At this time, Vermont is the formation of an independent republic. They are in a sweat position where they are playing the British against the Americans and remaining neutral. Vermont knows that if the British want to march south down the Hudson, they must go through Vermont and visa versa, if the US wants to strike at Montreal, they have to go through Vermont. Each side is using Vermont as the buffer since they do not have any real plans.

Once again, my goal is to make this as realistic as possible. So any comments and knowledge that I have overlooked is welcome.

 

[hzn5pk]

Wait... why was Washington contemplating a plan to take Florida? The Spanish were in the process of retaking it already not to mention it's hella far away for him to march the Continentals there for what would amount to a hellish fight in the swamps in unfamiliar territory for very little gain against the British.

I mean, minor detail, but I'm interested.

Yeah your right. I wanted Washington to work more with the French to recapture Savanah and then move to Florida. Problem is, in September 1778, Savanah still belongs to USA for a couple more months. So I said,crap, ok how about a foray into Florida.

What Washington really wanted was NYC back. This was his focus after French entry into the war.

To Washington, Ft. Niagara is the best option to keep forces in the area and secures his back door.

 

[DuQuense]

Wait... why was Washington contemplating a plan to take Florida? The Spanish were in the process of retaking it already not to mention it's hella far away for him to march the Continentals there for what would amount to a hellish fight in the swamps in unfamiliar territory for very little gain against the British.

Probaly because the Spanish wouldn't join the war till 1779, and he is making his plans in '78. Looking for something the southern forces can do.

 

[Faeelin]

I am interested. And, umm, go Washington?

 

[hzn5pk]

Saturday, September 19, 1778 - Meeting with the generals
Washington, Hamilton, Greene, Sullivan, Lafayette and Arnold meet in Philadelphia. First, Washington was relieved when Arnold accepted to lead the northern wing. The group agrees that if Congress approves of the plan, that Hamilton, Sullivan, and Arnold will go to Vermont to solicit support. Greene will immediately start the process of gathering supplies to set up a base on Lake Eerie.
As they discuss details, the overall plan is updated to better use the Vermonters and New England militia. Sullivan with 600 NE militia and militia from NY and Vermont are to start out from Vermont towards Trois-Rivers, Quebec. Washington states that his objective is to make as much ruckus as possible. Also, Washinton wants him to keep in communication in case Washington will need the 1200 militia for defence of the Hudson. Hamilton will lead 600 regulars on the North shore of Lake Ontario to guard the flank. Once the eastern end of Lake Ontario is secure, he will divide his forces in two, half to feint towards Montreal and half to join the attack on Ft. Niagara. This leaves 300 regulars to be reassigned to General Clinton for operations on the south side of the finger lakes driving to Ft. Niagara. Glover will also land another 200 men to secure the Niagara peninsula opposite of the fort. The manpower totals are the same, redistributed though to strengthen the south wing of the campaign.
Washingtn stresses that if the campagn is to succeed, the generals must work together, must move together. He uses the British example of 1777, Howe was in no postion to aid Burgoyne as he went after Philadelphia in stead of going straight up the Hudson.
Monday, September 21, 1778 - Proposal to Congress
Washington addresses Congress of his plans. After the address of an hour, Congress debates the details of the campaign.
The biggest debate is over which state will lay claim to the conquered territory. New York debates the Vermont issue. PA and VA debate over the Ohio region. The debate continues until Henry Laurens, current President of the Congress, speaks up and states that the debate over the territory was contingent upon the success of the campaign and that the success would eliminate the Iroquois, Loyalist, and British threat to western PA, New York, and the Ohio and Kentucky lands. He states, the fact that they were debating over the spoils, meant that the states must approve of the campaign.
New York once again laid claim to Vermont. Congress stated that the Vermont situation would be addressed after the successful conclusion of the campaign along with the long term status of the territory gained. Until then, it is wise to enlist as much aid as possible, and Vermont could provide some aid as they had done in the past.
The other issue that is debated in Congress is the troop levels and the curret restruturng of the Army. To support this campaign, and it was quite evident that NY, PA, and VA strongly supported it, the current redistribution of the Continental Army might have to be curtailed.
A vote on the capaign as detailed and the curtailment of the army would be taen thenext day. That night, Washington’s detractors agreed to the campaign thinking that if it failed which they thought that it would that it would be the end of Washington. They also agreed upon voting in favor to stop the downsizing of the army.

 

[hzn5pk]

Saturday, September 19, 1778 - Meeting with the generals
Washington, Hamilton, Greene, Glover, Sullivan, Lafayette and Arnold meet in Philadelphia. First, Washington was relieved when Arnold accepted to lead the northern wing. Privately Arnold conversed with Washington that he would go anywhere Washington would send him as long as it was not with the French.

The group agrees that if Congress approves of the plan, that Hamilton, Sullivan, and Arnold will go to Vermont to solicit support. Greene will immediately start the process of gathering supplies to set up a base on Lake Eerie. Washington asks about the feasabiliy of building and supplying the twowings by oar boat. Glover states that it should not be hard to construct the boats, some may even be able to be transferred. As for Lake Eerie, if the oar boats hug the shore line with scouts on the shore, it would be possible to transport the men and supplies and keep both wings in communication.

As they discuss details, the overall plan is updated to better use the Vermonters and New England militia. Sullivan with 600 NE militia and militia from NY and Vermont are to start out from Vermont towards Trois-Rivers, Quebec. Washington states that his objective is to make as much ruckus as possible. Also, Washinton wants him to keep in communication in case Washington will need the 1200 militia for defence of the Hudson. Hamilton will lead 600 regulars on the North shore of Lake Ontario to guard the flank. Once the eastern end of Lake Ontario is secure, he will divide his forces in two, half to feint towards Montreal and half to join the attack on Ft. Niagara. This leaves 300 regulars to be reassigned to General Clinton for operations on the south side of the finger lakes driving to Ft. Niagara. Glover will also land another 200 men to secure the Niagara peninsula opposite of the fort. The manpower totals are the same, redistributed though to strengthen the south wing of the campaign.

Washington stresses that if the campagn is to succeed, the generals must work together, must move together. He uses the British example of 1777, Howe was in no postion to aid Burgoyne as he went after Philadelphia in stead of going straight up the Hudson. The first objective was to capture Ft. Niagara. The two wings and the flanks would converge on the fort. A scorched earth policy would b applied as long as it did not take time and momemtum away from capturing the fort. More villages could be plundered once the fort was captured, General Clinton could accomplih this upon his way back to Albany.

Monday, September 21, 1778 - Proposal to Congress
Washington addresses Congress of his plans. After the address of an hour, Congress debates the details of the campaign.
The biggest debate is over which state will lay claim to the conquered territory. New York debates the Vermont issue. PA and VA debate over the Ohio region. The debate continues until Henry Laurens, current President of the Congress, speaks up and states that the debate over the territory was contingent upon the success of the campaign and that the success would eliminate the Iroquois, Loyalist, and British threat to western PA, New York, and the Ohio and Kentucky lands. He states, the fact that they were debating over the spoils, meant that the states must approve of the campaign.
New York once again laid claim to Vermont. Congress stated that the Vermont situation would be addressed after the successful conclusion of the campaign along with the long term status of the territory gained. Until then, it is wise to enlist as much aid as possible, and Vermont could provide some aid as they had done in the past.
The other issue that is debated in Congress is the troop levels and the curret restruturng of the Army. To support this campaign, and it was quite evident that NY, PA, and VA strongly supported it, the current redistribution of the Continental Army might have to be curtailed.

A vote on the campaign as detailed and the curtailment of the army would be taken the next day. That night, Washington’s detractors agreed to the campaign thinking that if it failed which they thought that it would that it would be the end of Washington. They also agreed upon voting in favor to stop the downsizing of the army.

 

[hzn5pk]

Map of Washington's 1779 western campaign after consultation with his generals

 

[hzn5pk]

Map of phase 2 of Washington's 1779 Western Campaign

 

[hzn5pk]

Tuesday, September 22, 1778 – A vote was then taken inCongress, the campaign is approved as Washington detailed the following day. The current restructuring of the army was to be stopped as well. The delegates of New York, Penn, and Virginia would inquire upon their states for militia. Massachusetts and New Hampshire delegates also would inquire upon militia but questioned when the campaign to secure the Maine border would be made.
Upon gaining Congressional approval, Washington writes another letter to Daniel Morgan and his personal desire to have Morgan in the field, he chooses a trusted messenger to deliver it personally. Washington advises Hamilton, Arnold, and Sullivan to address Vermont to recruit militia. Phillip Schuyler lends his skills when talking to Vermont. Schuyler is to speak upon the State of New York in that the Vermont question will be addressed after hostilities with Britain are concluded and before then, New York would respect the land claims of the current residents while both New York and Vermont are engaged in hostilities with Great Britain (currently Vermont is considered a neutral, this will get Vermont back in the game).
With the generals assembled in Philadelphia, Washington again stresses the conformity of action and the example of the British in 1777 of not acting together. For success, the two main wings of both operations must work together. The second item was to ensure that operations concluded in 1779 so that forces would be available to counter any British moves for 1780.
Thursday, September 24 – Greene and Glover start gathering supplies to travel to Eerie, PA to start the boat making process for 30 supply boats. The goal for the winter is simply to set up camp and ready for the folloing spring. Some of the oar boats may be transferred to Ft. Eerie instead of building from scratch.
Tuesday, September 29 – Proposal to Vermont
Arnold, Hamilton, Sullivan along with Phillip Schluyer address Vermont Assembly, Seth Warner, and Ethan Allen. They reveal letters from Congress, New York, and General Washington. With Vermont participation, NY agrees to place claims on hold until the end of hostilities with Britain. Vermont asks the million dollar question of why they should aid the Continental Army. Hamilton seconds the letter from Washington stating that they would give support of admitting Vermont as a state the following spring after the campaign. Once again Vermont asks the question of why should they join the other states. This time Hamilton paints a picture of the future that the war is only a matter of time until Patriot victory now that the French are involved. The British will cling to the coast while the Patriots control all other parts. Eventually the British will tire and leave the continent to the Americans. Will Vermont then be seen as a friend or foe? Warner’s response was “are you threatening us?” For which the response from Schuyler was not a threat but that of reality. To this Vermont replied, so why then do not we side with the British.
To end this, Arnold cuts in and states that they need Vermont’s aid just as in campaigns of old. That the solid support of Vermont was able to make success possible. That they are calling out to Vermont as common Patriots in a common cause to aid in protecting Vermont. A successful campaign, will cause great emotion and gratitude for the states. Also, with new territory, it might be easier for New York to give up claims on Vermont for lands across the Niagara river.
The Americans retire, the Vermont assembly debates some more. A vote will be taken tomorrow.

 

[hzn5pk]

Wednesday, September 30, 1778 - The Vermont assembly came back and agreed to supply 300 militia under Warner. Overall command would be given to General Sullivan for the feint against Montreal.
October 23 – Morgan arrives at winter quarters to confer with Washington, Greene, Hamilton, Glover, and Arnold. Morgan is convinced of the plan and will go back to Virginia to lead a contingent of militia.
November 2 – Greene and Glover set out to Ft. Pitt then to Eerie, PA with 600 men, mainly the Marbleheaders and other men with boat building skills. They do their best to avoid contact with the Seneca’s. Upon reaching Eerie they set up camp and start the process of building the 30 oar boats needed to supply the effort to Ft. Detroit. They arrive in Eerie on December 15.
February 1779 – Lafayette is set to travel back to France to garner more support from the French. Before leaving, he introduces Arnold and Clinton to the Oneidas that he had established a relationship in 1777. The Oneidas will be able to provide 300 men to Clinton and additional scouts to Arnold. An Oneida representative is now assigned to both Arnold and Clinton.
April 1779 – Daniel Morgan and a force of 600 Virginia and Pennsylvania militia. The 300 regulars that were assigned to Morgan have been re-distributed to Clinton.Washington's fear is that the center going through Iroquois territory needs to be strengthened.


The stage is now set for whatbecame known as the Western Campaign of 1779

 

[mikegold]

This is very good! Please continue.

What was Washington doing OTL in 1779, just shadowing NYC?

 

[hzn5pk]

This is very good! Please continue.

What was Washington doing OTL in 1779, just shadowing NYC?

Yes, pretty much

There was actually a campaign against the Iroquois led by General Sullivan and Clinton. Washington wanted to cature Ft. Niagara, Washington also wanted to aid George Rogers Clark to capture Ft.Detroit. With this said though, Washington's main orders to Sullivan were to destroy and devastate the Iroquois nation. To this, Sullivan did. In western PA, another force under Daniel Brodhead waged against the Senecas. The two forces never met up to engage Ft.Niagara. Which is why in this timeline, I have Washington ordering the capture of Ft. Niagara first and then devastation of the Iroquois settlemnts second. One of the problems of the campaign OTL was supply and logistics. This is why I like to have another POD of the commanders.

Benedit Arnold had recovered from his leg injury by the fall of 1778, he was smitten with Phil. money and Peggy Shippen who he met in the summer. He was brooding in Philly over not being recognised for his war actions to date and the fact that the US was allied to France. OTL, I think that Washington liked Arnold and that is the reason why he got both the Philly and later West Point asignments. But Arnold is a man of action that we wasted. You have to wonder if a third reason why he switched sides is because he wanted to be in action again, not just on garrison duty. May-June 1779 is when Arnold began to actively engage the British about turning sides. If there are any Arnold experts out there, please cut in. In this timeline, I have Washington throwing Arnold a bone, recognising that he is an able leader who can get the job done. He will be backin action again and he will recieve what he should have recived OTL.

Another POD that I have is to add in Greene and Schuyler to aid with the supply an logistics problems that hampered Sullivan OTL and led to time lost. I am also throwing in John Glover who evacuated the Army in the New York campaign and who transported the main portion accross the Delaware to attack Trenton. I will have Glover in this scenerio use his oar boats to keep the armies supplied. I envsion him keeping the boats close to the shore. Going over water like this is probably easier to move supplies than over land. If the Lake is too rough, he can just put to shore, make camp and wait it out, but from being to different parts of Lake Eerie while living in Ohio, I think that it is feasible.

I am also throwing in Daniel Morgan. Morgan had served in the Quebec campaign and in the Saratoga campaign. He was dissatisfied with the Congress, he was not promoted past colonel. He was also roughed up a little bit and went back to Virginia to recouperate. I do not know if he and Washington had a personal relationship. He rejoined the Army in he South after Camden as that loss struck his patriotic side and sence of duty to the cause. It is this sence of duty to the cause that I have Washington taking advantage of.

What like about Greene, Glover, Morgan, and Arnold is that they were pretty resourceful in getting the job done.

While OTL Sullivan was laying waste to villages , you are correct, Washington was guarding the Hudson. There are a couple of actions that I will cover in my timeline that were OTL. I will also cover the British actions in 1779.

 

[DuQuense]

?So what will the southern [Carolina/Georgia] troops be doing?
All they would have to do is take [& hold] either Pennsicola or Tallahassee and the US gets East Florida in the Peace.

 

[hzn5pk]

?So what will the southern [Carolina/Georgia] troops be doing?
All they would have to do is take [& hold] either Pennsicola or Tallahassee and the US gets East Florida in the Peace.

In December 1778, the British capture Savannah. From then on in 1779, the Patriots try to hold onto the rest of Georgia and a joint US and French force attempts to regain Savannah. Also the Spanish enter the war in 1779 and lay claim to the Floridas as a prize.

 

[hzn5pk]

April – Hamilton leaves Schenectady, NY to head North to east end of Lake Ontario with 600 regulars.
May 1 – Warner/Allen/Sullivan set from Burlington Vermont with 300 NY militia, 300 Vermont, 300 MA militia, and 300 NH militia towards Trois-Rivers, Que. The pace is slow. The trick is to March and fake that numbers are greater. Former Continental Army deserters in Vermont are offered a pardon if they join campaign.
May 1 - Arnold leaves Albany West towards Old Ft. Johnson,where 300 men then travel South down the Susquehanna to meet up with Clinton. The others travel west north of the finger lakes to Forts Stanwix, Oswego and Niagara.
Brodhead leaves Ft. Pitt up the Cherry Valley with 600 men
Morgan leaves Ft. Eerie towards Niagara as the advance force. Glover covers with 200 regulars sent in 10 boats that land on the Niagara peninsula opposite the fort. Another 200 of Glover’s troops are sent to support Morgan. This leaves 200 at Ft. Eerie (the camp that Greene established) to complete the last oar boats.
May 15 - Clinton leaves Easton, PA up the Wyoming Valley to the south end of the finger lakes. 300 Oneidas join him along the way at Ft. Clinton (Sullivan), the 300 troops from Arnold are there as well.
Joseph Brandt and John Butler agree that they need to combine forces and attack the weakest American column first which they perceive as Clinton’s. Their goal is to stop Clinton, then address Arnold
June - Clinton has one battle at Newtown. His Oneida scouts effectively screen and detect an ambush of Mohawks and Loyalists. He has 1500 regulars and 300 Oneidas against 250 loyalists, 1000 Iroquois and 15 British regulars. Upon hearing the news of the intended British ambush along his route of advance, Clinton held a council of war, he divides his 1800 into three forces, to cover the flanks the British position. Clinton attacks with some initial success. Joseph Brandt leads a counter attack but is beaten back. The British and Iroquois are forced to retreat leading Clinton to plunder a few villages and link up with other units. Clinton concentrates more on making it to Genessee Castle and hooking up with Arnold and Brodhead than with plundering villages. He does make sure that no opposing forces are able to get around him.
British make a presence in Maine, Penobscot. Mass is rattled but can do little.
July – Arnold, Clinton, and Brodhead meet up at Genessee Castle
Morgan reaches Niagara and scouts about does not engage.
Stony point on the Hudson is sormed and captured by Anthony Wayne
July 15, Fort Niagara is besieged as Hamilton reaches Niagara as well (900 regs from Arnold, 1500 regs from Clinton, 600 from Brodhead, 800 from Morgan, 300 from Hamilton) 4100 troops converge. Greene and Arnold confer and agree that to conserve their strength, a direct assault is not needed, the fort is already doomed. Glover cuts off the retreat across the Niagara peninsula.
August – Fort Niagara falls to Arnold with little casualties. Brandt and Butler are forced to surrender.