Now that naval operations for the year are over it is time to begin the land campaign. So we will go as far from the sea as possible to Fort Mackinac.
Now historically the British commander, Captain Charles Roberts received news that war had been declared. Promptly taking advantage of threat advantage he gathered his forces to quickly deliver the news of the outbreak of hostilities to the American commander a Lieutenant Porter Hanks.
If only it was so simple, there would be point in recreating it. There are a number of points in the narrative of this story that give us the chance to play with history.
The first are British intentions. Captain Roberts immediate superior, General Isaac Brock wrote three letters dated the 26th, 27th and 28th of June ordering him to attack, not attack and attack the Americans. General Sir George Prevost also wrote ordering Roberts to defend his Post. Finally Brock wrote to Roberts authorizing him to use his discretion. So there is a chance that Roberts is a little confused over what his commanders expect of him. So, there will a 1 in 6 chance of command confusion but throwing a five means that I don't have to figure it out.
Second is British mobilization. Fortunately Roberts was kept well informed about the approach of war if not the plans of his commanders. There is a chance that all the confusion will adversely affect mobilization in the area but with a 1 in 6 chance of having a smaller force and throwing a 5 means that the British are fully mobilized.
Third is the Americans tell Hanks that war has been declared and giving him a chance to be prepared. Another 1 in 6 chance of this happening but another five means that this does not happen.
The end result is that Fort Mackinac surrenders to Captain Roberts on schedule.
Now historically the British commander, Captain Charles Roberts received news that war had been declared. Promptly taking advantage of threat advantage he gathered his forces to quickly deliver the news of the outbreak of hostilities to the American commander a Lieutenant Porter Hanks.
If only it was so simple, there would be point in recreating it. There are a number of points in the narrative of this story that give us the chance to play with history.
The first are British intentions. Captain Roberts immediate superior, General Isaac Brock wrote three letters dated the 26th, 27th and 28th of June ordering him to attack, not attack and attack the Americans. General Sir George Prevost also wrote ordering Roberts to defend his Post. Finally Brock wrote to Roberts authorizing him to use his discretion. So there is a chance that Roberts is a little confused over what his commanders expect of him. So, there will a 1 in 6 chance of command confusion but throwing a five means that I don't have to figure it out.
Second is British mobilization. Fortunately Roberts was kept well informed about the approach of war if not the plans of his commanders. There is a chance that all the confusion will adversely affect mobilization in the area but with a 1 in 6 chance of having a smaller force and throwing a 5 means that the British are fully mobilized.
Third is the Americans tell Hanks that war has been declared and giving him a chance to be prepared. Another 1 in 6 chance of this happening but another five means that this does not happen.
The end result is that Fort Mackinac surrenders to Captain Roberts on schedule.
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