"Assuming Lafayette invades Canada in 1779" Topic

It was "planned" for 1778, ostensibly commanded by Lafayette. But he was supposed to be a figurehead (20 years old! 🙄) commander, but really commanded by the infamous Conway. Boo! Hiss!
Lack of troops and supplies scuppered the plan. As did Washington's opposition and suspicion of Conway.

But, let's jump ahead to 1779. He would certainly have his "own" Light Infantry battalions. Possibly Sullivan's corps too. Let's ignore the creaky command structure here and just plan a mini "what if" campaign or battle. Patriot forces can be assembled from your standard "They are who I say they are" forces. Plus I can finish my "bounty coat" Massachusetts guys from Brigade Games. 👍

But, what troops would be available for the defense of Canada?

Royal Highland Emigrants, for sure. (I would give them trews. Canada, after all. Snow, mosquitoes… But if you have the 42nd in kilts, go for it.)

Anhalt Zerbst. I would draft from my SYW army. German? See this earlier TMP thread for the widest acceptable plate.
TMP link
A flag would be nice. Mine in that early thread is entirely speculative.

What of Burgoyne's expedition were not part of the surrender at Saratoga? These were "guarding the boats" upriver. Not part of the extremely generous surrender terms.
Hesse Hanau. Flag? Just re-flag one of my extant Hessian units.
Von Barner's Light Infantry
What else?

What British regiments would be available?

Indians, for sure.

Militia? Loyalist? Green coat regulars? I have Johnson's Greens, with flag.
Rogers Rangers without the post war cap? I have plenty of green cost Regulators.

Any possible cavalry, on either side?

It would have a very colorful set of uniforms.

It's probably best that the plan never got past a planning stage, and for that matter that Arnold's attempt also failed. Why? Because if the American colonies had captured Canada from the British with a French nobleman, while having an alliance with the King of France around the same time, then France would probably have demanded it back from the Americans, which the Americans would have been loathe to do, alliance or no alliance. Not a good situation to be in.
With Canada remaining in British control, we avoided such a diplomatic dilemma.

That's a consequence that has not occurred to the planners. 🙄
I shall refrain from further comment.

I just want to put colorful figures on the table and roll dice.

We didn't have an alliance with France during Arnold's expedition.
In fact one of his "reasons" for later treason was his opposition to an alliance with the Papist French.

It would make a great what if campaign.

Might want to add a some small Native units from the Seven Nations of Canada