The 2nd US Dragoons

The 2nd Dragoons are currently the longest continuously serving regiment in the US Army. In March of 1814 the 1st Light Dragoons and the 2nd Light Dragoons were combined into the Regiment of Light Dragoons with eight companies. During the War of 1812 rarely more than 200 dragoons served in one place at one time. Both mounted and dismounted dragoons are represented in my army and are shown here. The dragoons are shown in the 1812 regulation uniform in all blue. The uniform was pretty much the same cut as the 1810 pattern uniform, however, the red collar and cuffs were replaced by blue. The headgear changed the most with the high front piece and leopard skin turnban were gone. The black comb was reinforced by metal and held a white horsehair crest. There was a white over blue plume on the left side of the helmet. Note that the dismounted troopers carry their carbines at the ready and still have their high topped cavalry boots and sabers. These figures are all from the Foundry 1812 Range.

The 1st US Infantry

The 1st US Infantry is the oldest unit in the United States Army. During the War of 1812 the 1st Infantry was spread out among several outpost on the Western border of the fledgling nation. Because they were very dispersed, they were among the last units to get the new 1813 regulation uniform. Additionally, the uniforms that they did have after several years in the field were probably not as standardized as I show them in these figures. However, I have to present the oldest unit in the Army in a presentable way! The unit is shown in the 1812 regulation uniform of blue coats with red facings. The officer wears the regulation bicorne and the drummer is in the regulation red coat with blue facings. The color bearer carries the distinctive National Colors of the 1st Infantry which includes a star-burst area around the national symbol as well as a "1st US Inf" on the upper corner of the flag away from the staff. These figures were also painted by Fernando Enterprises in Sri Lanka. They did an outstanding job on my 25mm War of 1812 figures and 15mm Napoleonic figures that I sent them. I highly recommend them to any wargamer looking to get a large number of figures painted in a relatively short amount of time. These figures are also from the Old Glory 1812 Range.

The 16th US Infantry

The 16th US Infantry was organized on January 11, 1812 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It served at the captures of Fort York and Fort George and at the Battle of Crysler's Farm. The regiment is clothed in the 1812 regulation uniform in all green. This uniform includes the felt cylinderical shako with plume centered on the front. The US Army had a serious supply problem throughout the War of 1812. These problems led to uniforms being turned out not only in the regulation blue, but also in black, green, drab and gray. The gray uniforms were made famous by Brigadier General Winfield Scott and the troops he led during the 1814 Niagara Campaign. Note that the officer is in a completely regulation uniform. This often happened as officers provided their own clothing and could often afford to have the correct uniform to be made. In some sources, the uniform of the 16th is stated as "black" but with poor quality dyes and with fading, this would have quickly changed to some other color such as the green shown. I had these figures painted by Fernando Enterprises in Sri Lanka. I was very happy with the 25mm War of 1812 figures I had painted by Fernando. They also did some 15mm Napoleonic figures which turned out very nicely. It is a bit pricey for the shipping, so I would only recommend using such a service if you have a large number of figures to be painted. These figures are from the Old Glory 1812 Range.

The 23rd US Infantry

The Twenty-Third US Infantry was raised in New York state. It was one of the units making up a part of the Brigadier General Eleazar Ripley's 2nd Brigade of Jacob Brown's Division in the Niagara Campaign of 1814. This unit is painted in the normal blue uniform of the American infantry. This is the regulation uniform of 1813 which includes the blue facings on the cuffs and collars. Also, the headgear is the "Belgic" leather shako. The crossbelts are black leather. The color shown is the "Battalion Colors" which was a buff or yellow flag. Mine is shown with the complete National Arms. In reality, the colors included only a red scroll and at some point - usually at the upper corner of the flag closest to the staff - there would be an embroidered number of the regiment. These figures are from the Foundary Range of the War of 1812.

The American Photo Gallery Starts

To add to the US 13th Infantry the following posts will add some photos of my American 1814 army. Some are very old figures and some are from the past year or two. I have painted most myself, although I purchased some painted Native Americans and I sent figures to Sri Lanka for painting. I identify those units with my narrative on the photos. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Another State Championship

Our youngest, Andrew, completed another successful football season this afternoon when the Plymouth Regional High School Bobcats defeated Laconia High School for the NH Division IV Football Championship. Andrew, a Sophomore, started on special teams for the Bobcats and did a great job during the game.

This is the fourth state title game for our sons in the past four years. Andrew's brother Marc played on the Bobcat teams which won the previous three state titles at the Division III level.

The Plymouth Bobcats are on a 44 - 0 run during these four championship seasons.

Congratulations to Andrew and all of his fellow players for another great season!