the British must have been strained financially as well after many years fighting Napoleon Yes, this may be true, but they also had a large, well trained, battle-hardened army (and navy) who were no longer fully occupied in Europe. It would not have been difficult to transfer this force to North America. The British regulars garrisoned there had already proved themselves more than a match for the American forces. Had the war continued, and that military force been focused on the United States, the war would have gone on longer with much different results. However, the war ended. And now we have a great time re-enacting it, then afterward, happily sharing good times with "the enemy". Huzzah for history! And for those who share a passion for it! -- Sue McLean smaclean@deadsquid.com