Introduction

This is the third and last installment in my after-action report for “Fisher’s Hill”, one of Death Valley‘s 1864 battles. Like the preceding parts, it employs a “narrative” style designed to display the GBACW system’s level of detail. In all but the final section of the article I avoid game terminology. Nevertheless, the AAR relies solely on GBACW system mechanics, except for invented dialogue between historical figures. While often merely an embellishment, the dialogue at other times serves to indicate the rationale behind player decisions. Any unfamiliar-sounding accounts of unit actions may well reflect series rules changes for the 2019 edition.

For the sake of continuity, I follow the action in a given sector throughout a specific turn before turning to another sector, rather than risk the narrative being fragmented by the chit-draw activation mechanic.

This article covers the scenario’s 1800 and 1900 turns.

Key to the battle graphics:

— Red arrows represent forward or lateral movement or advance after combat, and point at the moving or advancing unit.

— Yellow arrows represent retreats or retrograde movements, and point at the unit conducting the retreat or movement.  A long yellow arrow pointing to no unit indicates a Rout.

— Red boxes identify formations or units playing a key role in particular events.

Dusk Falls

After two hours of battle (see parts 1 and 2) many commands are scattered and intermingled. In addition, troops on both sides are tiring and cannot sustain their former pace. Their commanders know this, but Sheridan’s best chance of destroying the Valley Army is now, during the brief twilight. By the same token, Jubal Early must call upon his more intact formations for a final effort, if his army is to make good its escape southwest along the Valley Pike. The fading light compounds command and control problems, and Early must hope that his brigadiers on the spot will post skirmisher screens to slow the enemy.

1800. The Army of West Virginia, Ricketts, and Getty

Ramseur’s brigadiers are veterans and do indeed start forming skirmish lines. In the confusion of defeat and the growing gloom not all orders get through, but Bryan Grimes manages to both screen Ramseur’s rear and send two regiments toward the Pike to shield the Valley Army’s deep rear against the threat of Union cavalry.

Thoburn’s two brigades are affected by command problems, as well as by lack of frontage on which to deploy. Wells and Harris do their best to position their troops to attack. Foster’s and Warner’s brigades of Getty’s VI Corps division close in on the reentrant between what was Ramseur’s salient and what remains of Pegram’s salient. Cox’s men find themselves wedged between elements of three Union brigades, a completely untenable position. And so it proves. After enduring searing enfilade fire, Cox’s 150 survivors make for the rear, right through the 6th North Carolina of Davis’s brigade, spreading confusion as they go. To their right, 100 of Cook’s men abandon the redan they had defended, and the almost unthinkable happens. Cook’s sharpshooters, or the 50 who are left, at any rate, keep running. 12th Georgia’s men see them scatter into the forest to the south.

But it is Ricketts’ division that lands the heaviest blows. Emerson’s 10th Vermont, a huge regiment of 650 rifles, embarrasses itself by pulling back from a withering fire from a mere 150 of Davis’s men. But the 106th New York, nearly as large, comes up next. Its fire cuts up Davis’s 21st North Carolina, which nevertheless stands its ground until the bluecoats move in for the kill, at which point the Rebs skedaddle. Much the same happens a little further west, where Keifer’s brigade washes up like a tidal wave against Colonel Pickens’ thin line. Pickens, who has succeeded to the command of Battle’s brigade, pulls his troops out, but 4th Georgia on the extreme left of the line surrenders. Ramseur’s best troops are caught in a nutcracker, with Hayes’ troops to the west, Thoburn’s to the northwest, and Ricketts’ to the north and northeast.

As in so many battles of the American Civil War, however, forces exerting concentric pressure rarely move fast enough to bag the enemy. So it is here. Ramseur’s and Davis’s remnants stay one step ahead of their foes, steadily withdrawing to the southeast and the Valley Pike.

Further east Bidwell finally grinds down the apex of Pegram’s salient. John Pegram is in the front line with 200 men spread over nearly 300 yards of trenches. Bidwell’s 900 take them under fire, and although the Rebs drive one regiment off, the other three fix bayonets and rush the works. Pegram bitterly orders the men to give up the trenches. To the immediate left, however, men of his division continue to hold the works and fight back. Bidwell’s troops are tired and have suffered heavily. They may not be able to prevail in this sector without help.

1800. Wheaton and XIX Corps

Wharton’s division was supposed to fall back and join Atkinson’s brigade of Gordon’s division, but pressure from XIX Corps has denied it any easy opportunity. With one brigade out of the fight and another wandering in the woods to the southeast, only Smith’s brigade remains a factor versus Grover’s triumphant legions. Assailed on three sides, Smith doesn’t hold out much hope of survival, let alone standing his ground. He opts for a desperate gambit, launching his men at 11th Indiana, one of four regiments opposing his troops. The Hoosiers are apparently stunned to see Smith’s men jump the parapet and rush down the steep slope. The southerners take damaging enfilade fire from other nearby enemy units, but they do not stop, and the 11th breaks and flees. Its stampede incites a panic in the 3rd Massachusetts, which likewise routs. The rest of the Union line in the vicinity holds firm as Molineux intervenes. Smith and his remaining men have probably sacrificed themselves, and it’s an open question whether such impetuosity serves any greater good for Early’s army.

Retribution is swift. The 13th Connecticut greets Smith’s bloodied troops with sheets of lead. When it marches forward with Molineux at its head, the surviving Virginians surrender. Grover’s troops sweep forward.

Upon hearing of Gordon’s death (see part 2), Clement Evans climbs from his sick bed in an ambulance and heads for the line. The division continues to defy Wheaton’s VI Corps division and Dwight’s XIX Corps division. Its largest regiment, Atkinson’s, has refused its flank in response to Grover’s threat. But Grover isn’t the only threat. Union cavalry aim to cut the Valley Pike, the army’s retreat route to the south. Evans has Atkinson send 350 of his men to head them off. If they can unite with Grimes’ troops assigned a similar mission, 550 southerners will be available versus Schoonmaker’s 1100 troopers. It’s the usual odds. The Confederate troops are probably better off having no idea what they’re up against.

The rest of Evans’ division braces for impact when Wheaton and Dwight assault the entrenchments. McMillan’s brigade of Dwight’s division manages to punch a hole in the line, driving Atkinson’s 61st Georgia back with losses. A large portion of Wheaton’s troops would benefit from a pause, but Hamblin calls up his strongest unit, 2nd Connecticut. Together with the smaller 121st New York it pushes Terry’s and Peck’s sharpshooters back, thus gaining the entire nose of Gordon’s salient.

To Wheaton’s left Dwight’s brigades slam into the trench line. Beal’s troops clear a 300-yard section. On their left McMillan’s big 12th Connecticut traps Wharton and the survivors of the 45th Virginia Battalion, who march into captivity. By the time darkness blankets the land, only Peck’s sharpshooters retain a precarious hold on their trenches, and only because retreat is more dangerous than remaining where they are.

1800.  The US Cavalry

Driving Schoonmaker’s brigade relentlessly, William Averell is Early’s nightmare come true. As dusk’s last glow fades from the western sky, Schoonmaker’s two big regiments, 8th Ohio and 14th Pennsylvania, dismount and hustle forward to cut the Valley Pike. Both are armed with Spencer repeating carbines. The much smaller 22nd Pennsylvania remains mounted and slightly to the rear. Early’s escape hatch is now blocked. If the Confederates cannot dislodge the Union horse, they will be forced to scatter across the countryside before Sheridan’s oncoming infantry. It is a most unappealing pair of options.

1900. Nightfall

Jubal Early has been defeated for the second time in four days; that much is clear. However, the extent of this second defeat remains in doubt. Unbeknownst to the Confederate commander, he has one slim advantage. Sheridan’s troops are tiring. Rugged terrain, the need for speed, and sometimes stubborn resistance have all taken their toll. It remains to be seen how much of a factor fatigue might prove to be as the Valley Army attempts to make good its escape.

The darkness is playing havoc with efforts to coordinate both Sheridan’s attack and Early’s defense. The southern commander sends his aides out to all division commanders whose locations he can pinpoint. They deliver verbal instructions to form skirmish lines whenever possible to dilute the effects of enemy fire. By the same token this will force the Yankees to maintain battle lines rather than ploying back into column for easier movement. Ramseur’s location is unknown, and Early can only hope he will follow suit on his own initiative.

The Army of West Virginia, Ricketts, and Getty

Ricketts, however, continues to batter Ramseur’s line, sending Emerson’s brigade forward in a charge along a front almost 450 yards wide. If Emerson can break through Ramseur’s thin screen, Keifer’s troops may be able to pour through the gap. But the Rebels here, including Davis’s brigade of Pegram’s division, refuse to play Ricketts’ game. They are already withdrawing and slip away without mishap. Nelson’s Fluvanna battery, however, having taken refuge in the woods earlier in the evening, finds itself unable to move. 10th Vermont overruns the guns.

Emerson’s troops pursue the elusive enemy, catch up with them, and try again. Grimes’ sharpshooters are too concerned with Hayes’ troops to the west to be aware of 87th Pennsylvania’s 100 men. The 87th hits the sharpshooters from the rear, and the ensuing melee effectively destroys both units. A little to the east the 151st New York, armed with breechloading rifles, assaults the 6th and 54th North Carolina. Both regiments are wobbly, but Davis is with them. “Make a stand here!”, he cries, and the Tarheels do.  A ragged volley disconcerts the New Yorkers, and the sound of bayonets being affixed to rifle barrels suddenly unnerves them. They disappear into the night. Emerson’s troops may have reached the end of their rope.

Further west the last of Battle’s units, 3rd Alabama, is trapped in the woods. Thoburn’s and Hayes’ troops bar all exit. 100 men surrender to Coates’ brigade; the remaining 50 scatter into the dark woods. With that, Crook’s and Ricketts’ men have now lost immediate contact with the enemy.

Wheaton and XIX Corps

Wharton’s division having disintegrated, most of Grover’s division is able to gain ground unopposed. Richardson’s brigade, however, pauses to dress its lines. Previous fighting has resulted in 12th Connecticut from McMillan’s brigade of Dwight’s division having obliqued well to the left. The 12th is in contact with the enemy and low on ammo. Word is that it faces well-supported artillery. Molineux senses an opportunity for a flanking maneuver and brings his brigade up. Shunk’s troops, however, beat him to it, driving off Atkinson’s infantry and capturing the guns, McLauglin’s sole surviving section. 

To Grover’s right, the rest of Dwight’s division continues its drive on a quarter-mile long front. McMillan’s brigade keeps Atkinson’s left-most unit, 61st Georgia, pinned down. To McMillan’s right, Beal’s brigade corners the consolidated 2nd/33rd Virginia, veterans of the Stonewall Brigade, and cuts it to pieces, taking 150 prisoners. 50 men of Atkinson’s 60th Georgia, low on ammo and little better than a mob, are all that stand between Beal and a clean breakthrough.

Maybe it’s the darkness or Dwight’s lack of drive, but Beal and McMillan are unable to land a knock-out blow. Gordon’s troops simply fall back, with the sole exception of Terry’s Sharpshooters, who scoff at the diminutive 114th New York when it attempts to assault up a steep slope. Yet the New Yorkers prevail, driving Terry’s elite troops back in disorder. Despite this minor moral victory, the Confederate right flank remains unbroken. Emory, thinking the battle over, halts XIX Corps, and Atkinson breathes a sigh of relief. If he can get a little assistance, there is a slight chance he can still reopen the Valley Pike.

1900. The US Cavalry

Colonel Schoonmaker has 1100 cavalry at his disposal. The 8th Ohio, dismounted, keeps an eye on Rebel infantry approaching from the north, while 14th Pennsylvania, likewise dismounted, deploys versus Atkinson’s troops to the east. The 22nd Pennsylvania’s 100 troopers remain mounted astride the Pike. Averell has no idea what the Rebs might bring against him in the darkness. His growing anxiety triggers an urge to take the initiative. “Colonel Schoonmaker, with your Spencers you could make quick work here. Advance and disperse any enemy concentrations on our flanks.” Schoonmaker issues the appropriate orders. Both his big units do their job, disrupting troops from both Grimes’ and Atkinson’s brigades, but darkness and fatigue contribute to an indecisive result, and southern return fire throws the 8th Ohio into confusion.

Night fighting is a tricky business, especially with fatigued troops. Aware of the Pike’s importance to the army’s survival; Ramseur has ridden to join Grimes. “General Grimes, you must send your troops forward against the enemy.  I will accompany you!” Grimes would no doubt protest if he knew what he was up against, but the darkness shrouds the truth, and Ramseur’s decision to lead the assault leaves him speechless. The 32nd North Carolina’s  rebel yells pierce the night air, unnerving the Buckeyes, who flee into the surrounding woods. The 32nd plunges onward to the Pike. Their waits the 22nd Pennsylvania, which refuses to yield. Both sides take heavy losses, and the two southern leaders are unable to keep the 32nd in the field. They take refuge with the 43rd North Carolina back at the assault’s start line.

The 22nd Pennsylvania’s survivors have not yet settled their mounts when Atkinson’s 26th Georgia approaches from behind. The Pennsylvanians decide survival is more important than blocking the Pike, and skedaddle almost 300 yards west and out of danger. Atkinson has reopened Early’s retreat route. The question is whether he can hold it open against Averell’s likely attempt to reseal it. 

And Averell means to do exactly that. Although Schoonmaker’s exhausted 14th Pennsylvania is unlikely to assist such an effort, Colonel William Powell’s 1000 troopers are coming up. They, too, are tired, but their numbers are simply more than the Confederates can handle. Powell shuts Early’s escape hatch once more, and the Valley Army is forced to stumble along in the darkness through field, forest and stream to reach safety. Sheridan can be sure it will be some time before Jubal Early is able to offer any resistance to Union arms.

Thus, the test ends the way we GBACW players love. Thrust, counterthrust, and riposte, with the Union finally in possession of the Valley Pike.

Conclusions & Observations

1)  Flashy Cavalry Stunts. But for one particular, the playtest’s outcome was remarkably similar to history’s. That particular, however, is significant. Despite Sheridan’s urgings, Averell did not go forward in the actual battle, instead pleading the difficulties of the terrain. If he had exploited the situation once Lomax’s force scattered, the result might have been as devastating as Sheridan hoped. When the next day Averell again failed to aggressively pursue the enemy, Sheridan canned him.

Earlier testing revealed that the US would not fare well with the usual Efficiency pool. Thus, all Union corps were assigned “Efficiency 4” for all four turns. That worked well for the three infantry corps. Fatigue, which is not an optional rule in Death Valley, ultimately acts as a braking force on movement and combat, but not on Rally and Ammunition Resupply. Additionally, Emory’s -1 Efficiency rating and Dwight’s -1 Activation rating effectively slow XIX Corps, simulating its lesser role in the actual battle. However, as my test revealed, awarding Averell maximum Efficiency provided him a high probability of dealing Early a lethal blow by riding along undefended roads and reaching the Confederate rear.

Aware that history does not support this potential game-breaker, we subsequently decided to reflect Averell’s hesitation by having the Union cavalry draw Efficiency in this scenario. Thus, Averell’s performance will vary. He may indeed cut the Pike, but the Union player will not be able to count on it.

2)  Lomax the Doomed. The Confederate cavalry was indeed taken by surprise at Fisher’s Hill and largely routed. The scenario rules make this outcome likely. Nevertheless, I think the Confederate player could do a better job with Lomax than I did. While he cannot stand against Crook and Ricketts, he may be able to slow Averell sufficiently to nullify any possibility of a deep raid. Of course, the more strength Lomax invests in impeding Averell’s progress, the less he has available to oppose Crook. Thus, the Confederate player is faced with some rather fine calculations, which is as it should be.

Although Lomax’s troops are mounted infantry rather than true cavalry and thus cannot fire when mounted, they can maneuver and possibly extend their role in the game. In the actual battle Lomax was able to rally a portion of his force and mount a very limited threat to the Union left flank. With a little luck, the CSA player might be able to do the same. However, it was also evident from my test that Crook may be unable to deploy his entire force effectively upon reaching Early’s main line of defense. If Lomax does succeed in avoiding quick destruction at Crooks hands, he may become a threat of sorts, but the US has more than enough surplus force to counter him. Even so, that may be the best the Confederate player can do.

3)  Wharton the Brave or the Foolish? Gabriel Wharton’s division is the smallest in the Valley Army. It has no business trying to hold its ground against Grover’s large XIX Corps division. Given the slower progress XIX Corps is bound to make due to Emory’s Efficiency rating, it might behoove the Confederate player to abandon the entrenchments in Wharton’s sector before Grover can assault them. No sense fighting to the last man when the enemy may not be able to keep up with a fighting withdrawal. On the other hand, such a withdrawal risks XIX Corps switching to Advance Orders, thus facilitating its move forward and possibly allowing it to develop as much of a threat to the Valley Pike as Averell might. This is another conundrum for the Reb player, but isn’t that what we cherish in these games? During the actual battle Jubal Early intended to switch Wharton’s division from the extreme right of the line to the left. That may have helped, but in the game the US player is unlikely to restrain Grover’s division. Thus, while the Confederate player may profit from shortening his line, leaving the barn door open for Grover probably won’t pay.

One final word…Being a sucker for “last stand” games, I found the Fisher’s Hill historical scenario to be among the finest in the Death Valley box. I hope GBACW players will enjoy it as much as I did.

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Articles in this Series: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3