This is a fictional introduction for the Champlain Valley Campaign

The Champlain Valley Campaign – April 1814

Background:

     During the winter of 1813-1814, with American forces under the command of Major General James Wilkinson making quarters at French Mills, British Commanders worried that their lines of communication along the St. Lawrence, could be threatened.

     In an attempt to thwart the assumed American plans, General Prevost recalled Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry, who was just about to take on the role as Inspecting Field Officer of Light Troops, and instructed him to prepare for a possible American attack along Lake Champlain, during the upcoming spring.

     On the other side of the border, Wilkinson knew that he might soon be relieved of command due to the failure of the St. Lawrence campaign from the previous year, and decided to prepare to mount a successful assault, and regain his reputation.  Having been able to assemble regulars from positions such as Sackett’s Harbour, Burlington, and Ticonderoga, and finally managing to convince some militia regiments to cross the border, Wilkinson moved north from Plattsburgh, through Rouses Point, to take the first objective, Odelltown.  If successful, Wilkinson was determined to push on, through Lacolle and up the Richelieu, all the way to Chambly, effectively controlling all of the Champlain valley and be just a stone’s throw away from the coveted city of Montreal.

     When news reached de Salaberry of the American advance, he sent forces from his headquarters in Chambly, as well as from Beauharnois, and Fort Lennox at Ille aux Noix, to first reinforce the block house at Lacolle mills, and then engage the Americans at nearby Odelltown.  Knowing that his superiors had often wished to occupy Lake Champlain and then strike at New York city, essentially cutting America in two, hoping the Americans would then sue for peace, de Salaberry was given assurances that if he was able to defeat Wilkinson at Odelltown, would then be given enough men to continue to advance south all the way to Ticonderoga.

     The morning of April 1^st arrived, with the sound of American fife and drum sounding through the crisp, spring air.  The battle was about to begin…