Christian McBurney’s book on the Battle Rhode Island Campaign provides me with a step by step breakdown of the action, but I still need to digest it slowly. While I work on a tabletop role playing activity centered around the Battle of Rhode Island, I am trying to draw out the points in the battle where decisions had to be made. These are some of the decision points I may include in the role playing.
August 28
- Once the Americans knew the French would not be returning, Sullivan’s council of war had to make a decision on whether to continue their Siege or Retreat.
- Once the decision was made to retreat – Sullivan had to devise a strategy for that retreat.
August 29
- In making a decision to retreat, how did the geography of Portsmouth affect the strategy for the retreat?
- How would Sullivan decide to distribute the seasoned soldiers and raw militia?
- How would Sullivan decide where to place the advanced guards to hinder the enemy?
- The British had been on the defensive with the Siege. What decisions does Pigot make to go on the offensive?
- What is Pigot’s strategy?
- On Turkey Hill, Lauren asks Sullivan for more men. What decisions does Sullivan make?
- When Malsburg is out of ammunition past Turkey Hill, what decision does he make?
- What were Malsburg’s decisions on attacking the redoubt.
- What decisions did the British Navy make?
- Greene urged Sullivan to Fully Engage when the British got beyond Quaker Hill. What decision did Sullivan make?
- How did the American actions change the Navy’s decisions?
- What decisions did Nathanael Greene make in flanking the Hessians?
- What decisions did Smith make when he had orders not to make a general engagement?
- Later in the afternoon, when Sullivan was faced with the choice of counter attack or stay put – what decision did he make?
Questions:
- How did both armies communicate?
- What were some of the tactics used by the Americans?
- What were some of the tactics used by the British?
portsmouthhistorynotes 