Second Manassas AAR

['Ol Fezziwig]

Second Manassas AAR 8/28 5:30 P to 8/29 1:00A

Mike and I started this scenario the other night. Wanting to give our ASL predilection a rest for the time being, we picked this scenario after deciding we both have had CWB games left unplayed for far too long and were pleasantly surprised to find we both wanted to explore the system at some length. Despite some pre-game ASL analness, we embark thus...

Second Manassas
Union Player: Mike Allexenberg
Confederate Player: The Ruffian

Deciding to get right into the action, Starkes’ Brigade leaps into close combat with one of the Iron Brigades’ extensions. I thought, briefly, of opening this action by loosing a Rebel Yell, but decided against it, what with the effect my imposing size, a crazed hairstyle only us men with male pattern baldness and a delusion that if we grow it long, the thinning crown of our heads will be less noticeable, a scraggly Joe Johnston goatee, Rasputian eyes and the acoustics of my cellar would have. I also feared my Rebel Yell might be construed as an in-progress infarction or, even worse, a vote of support for Howard Dean. All that notwithstanding, Starkes’ boys manage to hold their ground and force back the extension; a most favorable opening. Quickly, the Stonewall Brigade marches up point blank to the parent brigade, trading close range volleys. Quickly I realised, the Union commander meant to punish this storied unit, even as I, myself, desired to do the same to the Iron Brigade. Following behind Baylors’ boys, a rebel battery unlimbers should the Stonewall Brigade falter, for ‘moral support’. Taliaferros’ Brigade and Pelhams’ Horse artillery moved to the right rear of Starkes’ Brigade in support, should Patricks’ Brigade show some inclination for flanking moves. Being too far away for coordinated support just yet, Trimble and Lawtons’ Brigades of Ewells’ Division move up, Lawton being able to place fire on the left of the long frontage of the Iron Brigade.

Longer ranged fire is exchanged between a pair of Confederate batteries and the lone Union battery located on the right of the Union line. Apart from the expenditure of ordnance, nothing substantive results from this exchange.

The infantry battle continues unabated with both sides taking fairly equal losses, though the Union force struggles with its morale. As an example, Patricks’ Brigade moving to its’ right to help support the engulfed Iron Brigade, routs under fire from Pelhams’ Horse battery, leaving the Iron Brigade without support on its’ left flank with two hard charging Confederate brigades bearing down on that flank.

Continued Confederate pressure ultimately cracks the resolve of the Iron Brigade when a determined flank assault strips one of the extended portions of the line away, though denying the Confederates the rear and flank shots they so desired when the rest of the brigade follows suit. In this vignette also, Hatch is wounded, with dire consequences for his division. Though the right was anchored on a prominent knoll with a battery in support, the divisions’ resolve cracks and they start the movement to the rear. This Battle of Brawners’ Farm ends with the Confederates in control of the whole of the Warrenton Turnpike from Pageland Lane to the heights just vacated by Doubleday and the yankee artillery. As this action ends, Stuart rides up with Robertsons’ Brigade just ahead of the entry afield of the cavalry of 2-3Va, who lay up in Gainesville. Dispatched to guard the right of Jacksons’ line, Robertson settles in for the rest of the night.

After the fall of dark, the brigades of Ewell and Taliaferro fall back to the railroad cut in good order. After settling in for the night, they, too, gather up the stragglers of this evenings’ action and rest for the impending fracas certain to come on the morrow.

The retreating division of Hatch meanwhile, takes several hours to form up enough to attempt to reorganize; gathering stragglers and formulating orders for the division. Ultimately, this division decides to follow the original orders and retreats back on Manassas as discussed earlier in the day. Reynolds and his Pennsylvania Division of 3Va choose instead to face the Confederates where they are, deciding this indeed is the main body of the wily Stonewalls’ corps and marches up to Matthews Hill, ready to move in the morning. Sometime after midnight, the cavalry of 2-3Va decide as well to move on to Manassas, moving through the hills and vales of the Bull Run drainage.

The day ends uneventfully with both sides having inflicted equal losses upon the other; the Confederates being able to lay claim to having gotten the better of the damnyankees, having driven them from the Turnpike and holding the field. Fourteen hundred soldiers still lie in the fields and woods of Brawners’ Farm, none of whom care much of such matters.

 

[sgtono]

Great AAR, nice to see CWB stuff.

Hope to see more,

Keith

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

1 AM to 1:30 PM

August 29, 1:00 AM​

As to be expected, little happens in the overnight period. The withdrawing elements of 3Va are joined by the cavalry elements and infantry forces of 2 Va slipping away from Thoroughfare Gap. Jacksons’ Corps, apart from some minor reshuffling of the line, stays put, awaiting dawn and the pending arrival of Longstreets’ Corps.

The first arrivals on the field wear the blue of the Union, as first a trickle, then a flood, of blue clad soldiers arrive to bolster the thin blue line already afield. Incongruously, McDowell arrives amongst the withdrawing columns of one of his divisions, heading himself, towards Chinn Ridge. Following shortly behind him is the whole of the Army of the Potomac’s 5 Corps, under orders to head towards Gainesville. On the opposite side of the line, 3 Corps and 9 Corps arrive with orders to assault the RR cut. All leaders appear to have stopped short on their own initiative, allowing time to properly form up. This also includes 5 Corps on the Army’s left, who detour to take up positions to the left of Pa-3Va, who are holding Chinn Ridge. The tail end of 5 Corps avoid a snap shot by Pelham’s Horse battery on the way, quickly marching out of sight of the guns. This change of direction is a fortuitous occurrence as the first half of Longstreets’ Corps, finally realising that the Union screen afront Thoroughfare Gap slipped away in the middle of the night, is moving on the exposed Pennsylvania Division. Currently dressing lines along Lewis Lane, they await the command from Ol’ Pete to move forward.

As the rest of the corps form up, both Wilcox and Jones’s Divisions arrive to the west of Gainesville, marching hard to rejoin the rest of the corps. But Anderson’s Division keeps Longstreet’s Corps from being fully fielded.

Thousands of men file slowly into position on both sides, as lines are extended and depth added. Anxious eyes strain into the distance to discern what forces face them across the countryside. Slowly, the day itself marches on, more tirelessly than the forces passing within. Well on towards one o’clock, scattered fire erupts from the railroad cut close to the Bull Run; A.P. Hill’s famed Light Division is greeting Hooker’s Division as they line up in the woods beyond a small swale. Casualties are light on both sides, owing chiefly to the range of the engagement thus far. A Union battery takes losses from a quickly deployed Confederate counterpart, giving a small advantage in firepower to the Confederates. Ammunition in both Maxcy Gregg and Branch’s brigade runs low during the firefight, easing the balance of firepower gently back to the centre. All the while, in the woods behind Hooker, lines of blue begin to form up out of the sight of the defenders.

The day draws further on, having seen little bloodshed thus far. This seems certain to change as two great hosts in such proximity cannot for long hold back their blows. The remainder of the day seems destined to draw to a close in shades of red-

1:30 PM​

Casualties remain light thus far, estimated at 1000-1100 hard casualties each. Given the tardy arrival, on both sides, of reinforcements, most of the day has been spent hurrying units forward into position. Now, with most of the arrivals either in place or soon to be, the action will most likely heat up as the range between the two armies decreases.

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

8/29 1:30-4:30

1:30 PM

Longstreet, pacing along Lewis Lane, waits until Wilcox and Jones arrive before giving the order to Hood and Kemper to step off. Prior to this order, the action consisted of desultory cannon fire with little effect to either side. 5 Corps gets its’ artillery into this action, trying to influence Kemper, and later Wilcox’s, brigades as they obviously start to form up for an attack. Longstreet’s artillery ultimately provides the greater result; an opening, as a battery supporting Meade’s brigade is forced to retire as is a portion of Meade’s line. Despite the opportune arrival of 2-3Va to its rear, Pa-3Va has a vulnerable hole in its’ front, the question being if it can be exploited successfully by the approaching Confederates.

The main action remains at the north end of the railroad cut, as both Hooker, and finally Kearny, assault the line of A.P. Hill along the RR cut. The fire rattling from the Confederate lines staggers the Union divisions, joined by artillery rushed to the scene of the heaviest action. This would be the portion of the line held by Maxcy Greggs’ brigade, holding a piece of ground between the railroad cut. The Union assault targets this vulnerable spot, the attack flowing to the point of least resistance. The adjacent units hold much more formidable ground, ensconced as they are in the RR cut. Just holding back Hooker, in large part to concentrated cannon fire, Gregg’s Brigade is forced to retire, with Dorsey Pender’s Brigade filing into the tempest. Hill’s Division slides down the cut, decreasing its frontage (with Ewell’s Division sliding down as well) as Gregg’s battered brigade is spelled to the rear. Union assaults continue despite casualties, pressuring Hill’s Division along a frontage of nearly half a mile, with Kearny’s contribution another 200 yards. Kearny, seeing the devastation being visited on Hooker, throws one of his brigades into the RR cut and watches it evicted after a short firefight.

Hill, watching his command being ground down, throws in the brigade of Branch, his reserve, and watches them force out another Union foray into the cut, routing the attacking Federals. General Heintzelman, seeing the routed elements of Kearny’s Division streaming to the rear, orders a halt to the assault and recalls his corps to the far end of Matthews Hill. Both Hill and Heintzelman look to their units, licking their wounds and assessing the damage wrought; estimated casualties of this action: 1400 per side; +/- 2500 overall.

August 29, 4:30

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

couple of pics

Attached are a couple of Mike's pictures showing the battlefield afront Longstreet and Hill.
Longstreet's front shows the situe at the end of our night, with Meade's Brigade stripped of a supporting battery (to his right) and an extended line (to his rear). Both of these resulted from the low ods, low FP artillery shots in the CSA's last fire phase. Hood and Kemper are ready to assault, with Wilcox and Jones just coming up.

("Hooker v AP Hill") shows the initial foray against the RR cut by Hooker's Division of 3 Corps. Hooker stood while Kearny fought the beastly terrain to tie into his left, taking some intense fire in the process.

Hill's front ("Fed Right") shows the situation after Hooker and Kearny withdrew after the attack stoppage. Hill's Division stands along the line of the RR cut after a bloody, yet successful stand. A careful examination will show the shifting the CSA pulled off during the battle. For comparison, in "Hooker v AP Hill", just to F-Lee's right is Thomas (w/extension to his right under Low Ammo), next is Gregg <also Low Ammo> (w/extension to his right)and a 5-point JWing battery. Beneath Hill should be Branch.

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

August 29, 4:30 PM

August 29, 6:30 PM​

The smoke drifts down off from the ridge and the woods edging it on either side. The noise has diminished now, to scattered potshots traded between skirmishers. The news from the hospital is grim and bodes ill of the ventures of the past few hours. Stragglers move singly and in groups about the roots of the hill, along the stream and woods and smoke. General Longstreet looks to the right of his lines and sees the foreboding batteries of the US 5 Corps sitting astride his lines, the infantry doubtless nearby and untouched thus far in this days’ battle. Runners bear news of the timely arrival of Rickett’s Division to the aid of the Pennsylvanians and of Sigel’s appearance on the left, a stubborn nest of resistance in the woods below the crest of the ridge. The attack, once promising much in gains, has fallen short due to yankee intervention. General Longstreet closes his weary eyes and weighs the cost of his purchase and of his remaining duties to perform…

August 29, 4:30 PM​

Seeing the result of friendly artillery fire, Hood moves his storied Texas Brigade into the midst of Meade’s Brigade with Law moving up to his left, taking the exposed section of Chinn Ridge under assault. The Texans wade into the fray, sensing imminent collapse of the Pennsylvanians, but are staggered when General Hood falls, the Pennsylvanians still standing defiant. Law fares no better; worse, in fact, being routed by fire from the top of the ridge. The assault on the right continues on theme as Kemper’s Division assaults the other end of the line, only to be stalemated in place as the tough Union division holds its ground. Quickly, Jone’s Division takes the place of Hood’s and strives to maintain the pressure, taking frightful losses itself in turn. They do not appear to be inflicting casualties at the same rate as they are receiving them. The plentiful Union artillery rips into their ranks and drives the Confederates back time and again, the Rebels playing the part of target, not being able to return the favour.

Slowly, however, the Confederate forces gain the top of the ridge, as much by grudging Union withdrawals as by their offensive efforts. In the end, the ridge is cleared of men in blue, who have fallen back into the embraces of Rickett’s Division on the backside of the hill, whose arrival cannot be better timed. His division forms an artillery studded line, holding back the Confederates from forming up on the exposed, and undoubtedly soon to be canister swept, ridge line.

While the battle for Chinn Ridge rages on, General Lee orders General Jackson to move his corps east and attack the forces afront his line in the RR cut. His corps moves to Matthews Hill, looking to finish off 3 Corps, who have 9 Corps to the rear in support. However, Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry brigade unnerves Reno enough to force him to withdraw back on the Stone Bridge, leaving 3 Corps without support and an angry throng of southerners in his front. Quickly taking action, Heintzelman withdraws his battered corps east as well, to a position on a lesser hill in the shadows of Matthews Hill itself. There will be no fight here, just yet.

The battle of Chinn Ridge is now at an ebb, with Jone’s Division being repulsed by a strong infantry/artillery position of Schenck’s Division at the eastern roots of Chinn Ridge. They withdraw to reorganize and draw ammunition as all along the Confederate line, units are being rotated, lines being reorganized. Now, word comes that General Hood has, indeed, died. The cost of this bloody action has risen, the purchase not yet equating the price.

August 29, 6:30 PM​

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

August 29 6:30 to 8:00 PM

August 29, 6:30 PM

The Fall of Damocles Sword​

Having sat on his hill overlooking the rebels deployed along Lewis Lane and Chinn Ridge for the better part of the day, General Porter finally orders his 5 Corps into the attack even as Pa-3Va, indeed, the whole of 3Va Corps, pulls back from the roots of Chinn Ridge. The initial move to contact brings the expected exchange of fire, but as more Federals are brought into the fray, the Confederate line inexplicably shatters. Despite the benefit of interior lines, the refused flank of Longstreet’s Corps gives way, the hastily shifted reserves joining in the headlong retreat. Most disappointingly, Law’s Brigade again flees at the first sign of combat, allowing a breach in the Confederate lines to widen, subjecting neighboring units to flanking fires who then ultimately rout back towards Young’s Branch and beyond, to the heights afront Groveton. From the banks of Young’s Branch to the top of Chinn Ridge, the Yankees push the disorganized rebels back, holding just about half of the prominent rise. Stunned Confederates stream to the rear, hoping to reorganize a semblance of defense to stem the flood of the Yankee advance. Wilcox’s Division, newly brought up, has been sent reeling; Kemper, redeployed to the Corps right, has avoided the larger fight, engaging in cross stream sniping only. Jones, posted to the Corps center rear in reserve, now finds itself on the front lines. Hood’s old command, having shifted from the Corps left to the center, has been split with the retreat of Law; the Texas Brigade is soon to be up to the fore. From this assortment of battered units must come a coherent defensive line.

Despite the horrific sequence of events at Chinn Ridge, Jackson’s Wing continues to make progress on the left, pushing both 3 Corps and 9 Corps back past Matthews Hill towards the Bull Run. An bewildering move by 3 Corps sees them stream back towards Bald Hill in the Union Army’s center, leaving 9 Corps to fend for itself against the whole of Jackson’s Wing. 1 Va Corps attempts to assist 9 Corps with harassing artillery fire into the flank of the attacking Confederates, but with little real effect as the Confederate forces steadily grind forward. Losses in this sector have been slight the past hour as both sides steadily move and counter-move and darkness is soon to fall.

The Union Army is gathered, in large part, on Bald Hill, excepting 9 Corps, 1 Va Corps and 5 Corps. Absent from the field is Hatch’s Division, some 7 hours later than they were expected. As 3 Corps files into their designated positions amidst some long range Confederate artillery sniping, nightfall beckons over the concentrated Union Army, basking in a late afternoon success, while the Confederates lay their heads on the hard pillow of a setback.

August 29 8:00 PM​

 

[Leftie]

After reading this AAR I am seriously considering picking the game up. I need to get my cardboard counter fix in a bad way and computer games aint cutting it.

 

[sgtono]

After reading this AAR I am seriously considering picking the game up. I need to get my cardboard counter fix in a bad way and computer games aint cutting it.

CWBS is a great system. Also check out

http://www.gamersarchive.net/theGamers/archive/cwb.htm

Keith

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

more pics

These show much of the current situation @ 8:00PM. Note that except for the odd supply wagon or flank guard, all of the Union forces are shown. Hatch's Division has not yet re-entered play as well. On the Confederate side all forces are shown except the two cavalry brigades, Stuart, Pelham's Horse Artillery and AP Hill's Division, which is due west of the rest of Jackson's Corps currently engaging 9 Corps on Van Pelt's Hill. Counter density is overall, quite manageable.

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

8:00pm 8/29-4:00am 8/30

August 29 8:00 PM​

Night falls with an explosion of fireworks as Ewell and Taliaferro handle 9 Corps roughly, pushing back the leading brigades atop Van Pelt’s Hill as the Confederates gain a foot hold on the hill within the former Union lines. These 9 Corps brigades welcome the cloak of darkness into which they melt, reforming their lines under the safety of darkness to the rear of the hill, thankful for the reprieve of nightfall.

Fitzhugh Lee brings word, meanwhile, of the arrival on the field of 6 Corps, headed apparently to Union headquarters thought to be along Bald Hill. More information was not forthcoming due to the arrival, as well, of some three brigades of yankee cavalry; screening the entry of 6 Corps and the approaches to the Stone Bridge. Seeing the odds against him, Lee brings his news and his brigade to the south bank of Bull Run, watching Poplar Ford on Ewell’s left.

Night also finds a flurry of activity within the Union Headquarters as General Pope fires off a series of commands to his collected command. The Union Army, despite the hour, scrambles to redeploy as well as pick up the stragglers from the days’ actions. The line now snakes from the woods shading the feet of Mount Pone to Van Pelt’s Hill on the banks of Bull Run. Newly arrived 6 Corps wends its way to the far left of the Union line, looking to head along the route of the Manassas Gap RR line. This movement is duly noted by Robertson’s Brigade, currently hosting General Stuart. More activity noted behind 9 Corps heralds the reappearance of 3 Corps, bolstering the right flank of the Federal line against the aggressive units of Jackson’s Wing.

The fall of night finds the battered units of Longstreet’s Wing pulling back from the bloody fields along Chinn Ridge to a line along Lewis Lane; roughly from Groveton back to the Lane and turning west towards the Cundiffe farm. Here they look to lick their wounds and prepare for tomorrows action. In this they will be helped by the arrival of Anderson’s Division, recently arrived from the rear, giving this Wing some fresh men for the morrow.

Pink streaks of Dawn begin to break over the combatants, heralding yet another day of discord and contention with a stunning display of natures’ splendor amidst the sufferings caused these past few days…

August 30, 4:30 AM​

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

August 30, 4:30 AM​

The arrival of morning is signaled not with the cry of roosters, but with the crash of artillery. Jackson’s artillery opens up on the batteries of 9 Corps and 1-Va Corps, the Union batteries returning the fire apace. The exchange of fire proves deadly, though even, as ultimately each side loses around fifteen guns apiece and the removal of the cannon to safer environs. Some infantry of 9 Corps also take losses as they scrambled up Van Pelt’s Hill, the shot and shell convincing them discretion the better course as they fall back behind the cover of the folds of the hill. Movement of Jackson’s Wing is limited to the redeployment of both Taliaferro and Powell Hill’s Divisions out of the line of fire of the contentious artillery duel.

Longstreet’s Wing has Anderson’s Division file into position on the right. They are called to come forward along Meadowville Lane by JEB Stuart when Robertson’s Brigade is pushed back from the Dawkins Branch crossing of the Manassas Gap RR by the approaching Federal 6 Corps under covering fire from Pelham. Ordered to fall back to the hill bearing his name, General Stuart takes Robertson’s Brigade with him under fire from quickly unlimbered Yankee cannon. Pelham, continuing to cover the cavalry, takes losses of half his cannon for his efforts before following the cavalry west to the end of Stuart’s Hill.

6 Corps then pulls up and forms line along the left of 5 Corps, holding a few brigades to the rear for depth. To the east, clouds of dust beyond Mount Pone and galloping scouts bring news of yet another Yankee division moving north along the Manassas-Sudley Road, they most likely being Hatch’s Division coming up from Manassas. The Union Army’s ranks continue to swell…

August 30, 8:30 AM​

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

August 30, 8:30 AM​

General Lee mounts Traveller and rides out to General Longstreet’s headquarters west of Groveton. The news of the Union 6 Corps arriving on the flank is disturbing, as it now overlaps the line of this Wing to its south. Additionally, the continued appearance afield of McClellan’s units increases the force opposing the Army of Northern Virginia. Based on reports from Stuart’s cavalry, it is found the unpicketed Manassas-Gainesville Road offers a route around the Union left flank. They decide to send General Anderson around the flank of 6 Corps hoping to cause the Union force to pull back from its current positions to forestall any potential offensive actions towards the Confederate flank. The orders cut make it clear that this is not to be a full fledged assault, but a demonstration. Anderson’s Division is to provoke a response after limited contact and return to the Wing’s line. The move is risky, yet needs be taken to give the Wing a measure of breathing room.

General Anderson receives his orders and quickly sets his division in motion. General Kemper is moving to replace his spot in the line but is not yet sighted; no matter, his orders leave little margin for delay. His division moves through the woods along the Manassas-Gainesville Road, deploying at woods’ end west of Dawkins Branch. Wright’s Brigade bursts out of the woods finding but a single Union brigade, which they are able to take in the flank with pinning fire from Mahone’s Brigade in its’ front. The Yankee brigade routs back towards the main Union line as the Confederates sweep forward. Their attack is now across uncontested open ground: the damnyankees have moved forward in an attack!
6 Corps had indeed moved to displace Anderson’s Division from its crossroads position, but appeared unaware it had slipped the flank. Kemper’s Division, just moving into the abandoned position of Anderson, instead felt the force of the Union assault. They held firm, holding 6 Corps front while Anderson moved up on its rear, nearly surrounding this Union corps. Anderson was now in a bind; his orders were to force a move to the north, but he now had the opportunity to surround and heavily damage a Union corps! Doing so would likely cause damage to his division as well, but with Kemper in the front, the Union force could not afford to face one division or the other solely, meaning they would locally outnumber the Yankees at a point of their choosing and likely be able to take individual brigades from the rear.

Even as Anderson weighed his options, the opportunity had already started to slip away. General Franklin, seeing the danger his 6 Corps was in, adroitly moves his corps north, out of the closing vise, but in a measured manner. His corps manages, despite effective, if limited, fire from Pelham to extricate itself nicely. Counterstrokes against Kemper’s Division, however, are thrown back repeatedly, again with help from Pelham’s pesky Parrots. Deploying atop the hill once held by the Confederates, 6 Corps stands and will move no more.

General Anderson, seeing the escape of 6 Corps, neatly sidesteps the Union moves, mirroring them as he slides back into his place in the line. Scattered fires are heard, but the larger battle has ceased for the moment as the opposing lines adjust themselves and watch warily for signs of renewal of the fight. The Confederates have gotten the better of this fight, though inflicting far less damage than they could have.

General Lee does not wait for results of the move at Longstreet’s headquarters; he instead moves quickly back to his own headquarters for any news and then hurried off to visit General Jackson at his headquarters with sounds of the fight to the south just echoing across the countryside. The front here, though, is quiet, with no movement apparent from either side. The two generals stand over what maps they have, tracing fingers over roads and turnpikes and fords, turning now and then to look the other in the eye for assent or disagreement. Crisp salutes are exchanged and General Lee is off once more to his headquarters in the railroad cut.

Ol’ Stonewall watches him leave silently and removes his watch from his pocket. Looking at its weathered face, he returns it to its place and asks a hovering aide to saddle Little Sorrell… Shortly thereafter, activity erupts in the ranks. Rifles are shouldered, orders barked and acknowledged and the first columns of Taliaferro’s Division head towards Poplar Ford to cover the Wing’s flank. Noone can say with certainty what is happening, only that something is happening…just another typical day in Old Jack’s command…

August 30, 1862 1:30 PM​

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

Here are some pics bookending our last session. Missing, unfortunately, is Anderson's attack into the flank and rear of 6 Corps as 6 Corps itself attacked forward. (I don't think Mike was amused by that turn of events) The front astride Jackson/9 Corps and 3 Corps remained relatively static until the very end when Taliaferro moved to picket Poplar Ford. But six scant hours remain in this battle...

 

[Chris Milne]

It seems you guys have had a good time with this baby. I soloed it once, and got a way into it before realising that using Pope's historical orders was really hurting the Union (why I was surprised by this is anyone's guess - I suppose I just didn't think through the implications), and I quit. Did you guys play with these rules? If I try again, I'll probably want to give the Union a bit of flexibility rather than condemn each Corps to a piecemeal attack as they enter the map.

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

It seems you guys have had a good time with this baby. I soloed it once, and got a way into it before realising that using Pope's historical orders was really hurting the Union (why I was surprised by this is anyone's guess - I suppose I just didn't think through the implications), and I quit. Did you guys play with these rules? If I try again, I'll probably want to give the Union a bit of flexibility rather than condemn each Corps to a piecemeal attack as they enter the map.

Yes, we did. Mike was able for the most part, to countermand the majority of those orders, with perhaps the exception being the attack of 3 Corps into the RR Cut. The Union Army has had an amazing run of initiative and in-the-nick-of-time reinforcements to stave off several crises (or potential crises). They also have had some ridiculous delays (Hatch's Division was nearly 11 hours past it's earliest return) and some delays in order acceptance.
As the CSA, I think I have missed some opportunities my superior command system would have allowed, but am chalking those up to experience. This _has_ been an extremely enjoyable experience!

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

August 30, 1862 2:00 PM​

General Anderson continues to adjust and align his division back into the Wing’s defensive line, withdrawing slowly back along Meadowville Lane. As he does so, scattered fire erupts from his front as 6 Corps also apparently readjusts along the lower crest of the hill, provoking a limited skirmish. Despite the light pressure, Wright’s Brigade is forced back, causing the rest of the division to readjust on them further north. Ominous sounds can now be heard to the south, sounds that speak of Union movement against Beverly Robertson’s cavalry Brigade posting the extreme flank. Those words, they tell the story of the Union 5 Corps moving along the Manassas Gap railroad, brushing back Robertson and turning along Pageland Lane towards Stuart’s Hill and the Warrenton Turnpike. Along the way, they brush the flank of Anderson’s Division, Armistead’s Brigade, which holds stubbornly despite being taken in the flank. Pelham, trying in vain to slow the Union tide, is absorbed by the assault; his valiant guns, finally silenced.

5 Corps pushes against the stubbornly withdrawing Confederates, clearing the whole of Stuart’s Hill and posting along the Turnpike despite the toll. A brazen counter-attack by Armistead’s brigade takes a Union battery in close combat, they then assault an advanced Yankee brigade in the rear from the former gun position. Mahone, in support, is driven back, leaving Armistead in an exposed position within the Yankee lines. Both sides reap a fearful toll of the other, but give ground only grudgingly. The protracted combat against two Union corps finally wears on the valiant division as both Armistead and Mahone’s Brigades fall back, disorganized. Once more, Porter’s Corps has driven the men of Longstreet, though not so decisively as on Chinn Ridge. They have, however, attained their goals once more.

On Stonewall’s front, Taliaferro continues apace across Poplar Ford and towards the Union cavalry screen. The battle is joined against Beardsley’s troopers, who give ground slowly up Spindle Trail. Admirably, they stand up to the line infantry of Taliaferro, until Fitzhugh Lee, following on the left flank, manages to gallop to the rear of the damnyankees and pour fire into their rear, this finally forcing them to rout back towards the Bull Run. Now, brushing past Beardsley, the Confederates next launch into Buford’s waiting cavalry, driving them back, though not before General Taliaferro falls leading the assault which ultimately routs Buford’s Brigade as well. The last remaining Union brigade, Bayard’s, is easily driven off, heading back towards the safety of the river crossings.

The defeat of the cavalry allows fire from the north of Bull Run to be placed into both 3 and 9 Corps, who have just been attacked by the division of Ewell. Early’s Brigade, led by Old Bald Head himself, crashes into the previously weakened brigade of Farnsworth. The Union brigade pushes back the first rush, though they cannot withstand sustained combat, ultimately fleeing to the rear. 9 Corps artillery, posted to the flank of the corps, supporting Farnsworth, is now left exposed and alone. Pouring grape into Early’s regiments appears to have little effect; the Confederates slowly whittle down the crewmen as the guns slowly grow silent. The rest of 9 corps, deployed around the opposite slope of Van Pelt’s Hill cannot support the guns; indeed, they can but hear the battle. This soon changes as Forno’s Louisiana Brigade marches to the left engaging the separated Union brigades, with Lawton in support. Fire is exchanged, though the forces remain at arm’s length. At length, Lawton, then Forno, charge into Scammon’s Brigade, who are defending the headquarters of 9 Corps. Lawton is repulsed, but Forno drives off the Yankees, General Ewell once more leading the charge. The densely packed Union position now becomes a liability as 9 Corps streams to the rear through 3 Corps, beaten and badly bloodied.

All the while, Taliaferro’s Division continues to add fire into the flank of 3 Corps along the river and brings the Stone Bridge under Confederate artillery fire from this quarter. Posted astride the Warrenton Turnpike, this division blocks easy Union crossing of the river and will not allow 3 Corps to concentrate on Ewell’s command to its front. The Confederate vise tightens…

To the west, the weary men of Anderson’s Division see clouds of dust rising from the west from the vicinity of Gainesville, coming from the gap. General Lee is seen galloping along the unfinished railroad with his eyes trained on those billowing red clouds. The past three hours have seen over 8000 men in blue and grey fall, the most vicious three hours of this fight thus far: to whom will those gathering red storm clouds portend the tempest?

August 30, 1862 5:30 PM​

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

...a few pictures from the close of last session. These show the situation on either flank, the center being static...for now...

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

August 30, 1862, 5:30 PM​

As the first ranks of the column crests the hill, the furiously waving banner wearing the Stars and Bars answers the question unequivocally: those soldiers are D.H. Hill’s men! They are unceremoniously greeted by a volley from the cannon of 5 Corps which shakes the ranks a bit, though they maintain order overall. General Lee and his staff gallop furiously ahead to greet General Hill and give him his orders: Attack! Drive the Yankees from Stuart’s Hill! Quickly, his brigades swing into line and head apace towards the dangerously encroaching Federals on the Army’s flank. The enemy turns and prepares to meet this new threat upon their rear…

Atop Van Pelt’s Hill, General Ewell surveys the scene towards his objective: the Warrenton Turnpike and the crossing at the Stone Bridge. His division is battered, having sent two Union Corps reeling; another sits on his right flank on the roots of Henry House Hill just across Young’s Branch. His orders are clear: cut the turnpike and take the bridge. Yet, he feels his division incapable of another serious push, yet again frontally. The nature of the terrain has allowed no other approach. To his left, across Bull Run, he sees the line of General Taliaferro’s Division firing on the as-yet-unseen-by-him Union force on the bridge. Cannon barks, muskets rattle and the cloying smoke eddies and swirls amongst the dips and folds of the river valley. To his right, somewhere in the rear, is the Light Division. Though itself blooded, its six brigades are in better shape than his division. He decides to tempt the wrath of Old Stonewall and await A.P. Hill’s men before proceeding. He requests more artillery to post on the heights above the turnpike to keep the Yankees distracted while he awaits support for his final moves of the day…

General Law, having succeeded the fallen General Hood, receives the compliments of General Longstreet. He is ordered to the right flank of the Wing to spell Anderson’s valiant men and push 5 Corps back off the vital crossroads back into the woods at the feet of Stuart’s Hill. Quickly he puts his division, with the South Carolinians of Evans attached, on the march to the beleaguered flank. Forming up just outside the unfinished railroad on the field which hosted the battle’s first shots, they drive into the reforming Federals even as D.H. Hill’s Division hits their rear. Close Combats are the order of the day as the Federals are sent reeling back from the sudden combined assault. Casualties are heavy on both sides, but through the swirling smoke can be seen the staggering and then throwing back of the Union lines. A renewal of the attack sees Hill’s Division push further into the woods near the base of Stuart’s Hill. A brigade of this division is sent reeling, but the attack is reinforced from the second line. The Yankees have been pushed back! The flank thus secured, the battle here slows as the Yankees pull back to preserve their battered lines and Hill’s men reform. The onset of dusk sees the action taper like the fading light of this day…

As the sounds of the clash on the right begin anew, A.P. Hill moves his Division ahead. Coming up on the right of Ewell, he extends to Young’s Branch. He finds the Wing’s artillery in action occupying the nearby Yankees while his men deploy. On the Wing’s left, Taliaferro’s Division presses his attack as forcefully as his worn out division can. Coupled with the advance of Hill’s men on the Turnpike, the Federals are compelled to pull back from the turnpike ahead of the impending maelstrom. Their main route to Centreville cut, they look to preserve a force in good order to cover the retreat of the less fortunate units. As the Confederates form line on the turnpike, once again standing victoriously upon the rough-hewn cobbles of the Stone Bridge over Bull Run, the blood-red sun slowly slips away on this day and on this battle…



Final casualties: USA: 16,100 (+11 CSA)
CSA: 13,300 (+11 USA)

Geographical objectives: USA: 5
CSA: 21

Optionals: USA: +4
CSA: +6

Wreckage: USA: 0
CSA: +1

 

['Ol Fezziwig]

final pics

My apologies for the limited views of these; I had to use a heavy, inexperienced hand to edit them down to allowable size.
These show the situation at play's end on either flank of the ANV; on the right, Hood's old division along with DH Hill's Division retake the crossroads and drive back the damnable 5 Corps. On the left, AP Hill has taken up position on the Warrenton Turnpike/Stone Bridge with Taliaferro's old division on his left across Bull Run and the battered Ewell to the rear.