Historical Introduction

If there was a lull during the first day at Shiloh, it occurred between 11 AM and noon. The Army of Mississippi, led by Albert Sidney Johnston and Pierre Beauregard, had dislodged the Army of the Tennessee’s three forward divisions that morning, seizing their camps and sending thousands of blue-clads running for the safety of Pittsburg Landing. Prentiss’s 6^th Division had been especially hard hit.

Almost everywhere the Confederates had gained or crossed the line of the Hamburg-Purdy Road. The cost was high, however, and not only a question of casualties. The exigencies of battle unraveled Confederate command and control to the point where not a single division or corps fought as a unified formation. Indeed, in many cases individual regiments found themselves fighting alongside troops from other brigades, even brigades of divisions other than their own. Both losses and the need to reform the troops brought the Rebel advance to a halt. For almost an hour the artillery did most of the fighting.

The Federals, too, used the lull to reform their troops, while reinforcements arrived from the rear. As a new line took shape south of Jones Field, William Sherman and John McClernand realized their divisions still retained a measure of fighting spirit. Both men had reason to consider taking the initiative. Earlier in the morning Sherman had ridiculed subordinates who warned of a Confederate attack. Perhaps he could now atone for his error. McClernand was an Illinois politician who was well aware that here, as at Fort Donelson, it would be best for his career to turn a morning defeat into an afternoon victory. The two assembled their most battle-worthy regiments and led them forward about noon.

Introduction to the Scenario

The scenario is one of two that can be played on the backprinted 11”x17” map included in the box. Within its boundaries the smaller maps not only reproduce all features on the larger maps, but mark the victory hexes with red stars. For this AAR, I opted to use the map and counters in my advance copy of the game, as the Vassal module used for playtesting did not yet feature the final proof of the map.

The terrain in this part of the battlefield is not as challenging as it is elsewhere. On the extreme west, uneven ground slopes down to Owl Creek, but elsewhere the only significant impediment to traversing the woods and fields is an occasional gully formed by streams running generally south to north.

Victory conditions are simple: the side controlling a majority of five “camp” hexes, including those of Colonel Marsh’s four regiments plus McClernand’s headquarters, wins the game. At the scenario’s start, the Confederates control two of those hexes and are adjacent to a third. The other two lie between the lines, but the Union is sure to quickly take them.

The Confederates weren’t expecting a counterattack, so the scenario features mechanics ensuring their surprise.

• The Union has the Initiative for the 12 PM turn. All Union units activate under McClernand’s AMs for this turn. Confederate commands each have 1 AM for the turn, but the CSA player does not add his AMs to the cup until after the Union AM during which an enemy unit has either moved adjacent to or fired upon a CSA unit.
• During the 12 PM turn, each Union brigade may change orders without a die roll at the start of the activation of its choice. In this AAR, all three brigades will switch to Attack Orders for the second McClernand AM.
• Upon first contact with the enemy (as defined above), each CSA unit except Trabue’s brigade must UDD, disordering if it fails.

Both sides are fatigued to one extent or another, reflecting the morning action and the all-too-brief lull.

Caveats

I have sought to describe the action in naturalistic terms, avoiding rules jargon except when clarity demanded it. I’ve also inserted some human interest passages; may I be forgiven any historical misrepresentations they include.

Regarding the illustrations accompanying the text, I also beg pardon for the kinds of irregularities we all experience when pushing cardboard: crooked stacks, informational markers competing for space with crowded units, and occasional slips of the tweezers requiring a dressing of the lines. The benefit consists in getting a look at the game’s actual components rather than the playtest equivalents. I’ve tried to avoid counter clutter by skipping the use of “Collapsed” markers.

Abbreviations used in this AAR:

AM = Activation Marker

Conventions used in the Illustrations

Red arrows = advances

Yellow arrows = retreats

Green boxes call attention to a particular location, unit, or units.

All photos of the map and units follow the descriptions of the actions they depict.

Let’s start with a picture of the mini-map itself. The five victory hexes are marked with red stars.

The Opposing Forces at 12 PM

Almost a half mile separates the two lines.

The Union Line

Of Sherman’s 5^th Division, John McDowell’s brigade is relatively fresh, with only 40^th Illinois having suffered significant losses earlier in the day. 13^th Missouri of John McArthur’s 2^nd Division brigade has arrived from the rear and is attached to McDowell.

The Confederates have hurt John McClernand’s 1^st Division about as severely as Sherman’s. Of its three brigades, only Marsh’s will participate in the counterattack, with 11^th Iowa attached from Hare’s brigade. All of Marsh’s regiments have suffered losses but are still battle-worthy. Finally, Colonel James Veatch and two regiments from his brigade of Hurlbut’s 4^th Division are on hand to lend their weight to the effort, reinforced by 43^rd Illinois of Raith’s brigade. All three units have taken losses.

Backing up the eleven Union regiments slated to attack are the 15^th and 16^th Iowa, no longer brand new after being in action the previous hour. In addition are Taylor’s six-gun battery from Sherman’s division and seven guns representing the remnants of three of McClernand’s four batteries.

The Confederate Line

Analysis of the Confederate line here on its extreme left reveals just how jumbled the Army of Mississippi was by midday. Furthest west are three of Preston Pond’s regiments along with the brigade’s artillery. These units are unbloodied. Three of Patrick Cleburne’s regiments are subordinated to Pond, but have suffered severe losses in earlier fighting.

To Pond’s right is half of Robert Russell’s brigade of Clark’s division, with 5^th Tennessee from Stewart’s brigade attached. Only 5^th Tennessee is at full strength. To its right rear is half of Robert Trabue’s mostly Kentucky brigade.  It is part of Breckinridge’s Reserve Corps and still completely fresh. Cobb’s battery is slightly forward of its supporting infantry. The rest of Trabue’s brigade is further to the right and rear, having gotten lost after receiving orders to move to the right. Each of these three “lost” units rolls at the start of the 1 PM turn. On a roll of 0-4, they may activate.

Between Trabue’s two groupings is the sadly reduced brigade of Patton Anderson, which, along with Pond’s brigade, is part of Daniel Ruggles’ 2^nd Corps division (a third brigade is far to the east). Its Washington Artillery is still very much a viable unit, however. To Anderson’s right is Bushrod Johnson’s brigade, almost as badly shot up as Anderson’s. Finally, to Johnson’s right is Alexander Stewart’s brigade (less the 5^th Tennessee; see above), but with 12^th Tennessee from Russell’s brigade attached. These regiments have suffered in earlier fighting but remain powerful.

Beauregard and two of his corps commanders, William Hardee and Leonidas Polk, are in charge of this sector. With Breckinridge a couple miles to the right, Hardee directly commands Trabue, while Polk commands Russell, Johnson, and Stewart. Ruggles need not trace command to Bragg (who was also on the far right at the time).

12 PM. The Union’s Opening Assault (McClernand’s first and second AMs)

Bill Sherman gradually loses sight of Grant and his retinue as they head east to consult with Prentiss, Hurlbut, and William Wallace. Sherman knows he owes Grant for the chance to redeem himself after his nervous breakdown following a dust-up with a hostile press corps the previous winter. Now he must also redeem a disaster of his own making. The insults he hurled at Jesse Appler and others who tried to warn him that morning echo in his mind, each stabbing at his conscience more painfully than the buckshot wound in his hand, suffered early in the fight.

Sherman hears a nearby bugle call. It’s from the 6^th Iowa. The blare of call after call follows, fading away to the left along the line and unleashing what appears to be a blue wave as the attack regiments move forward in columns of companies. The troops make rapid progress over a quarter-mile of gently rolling fields and woods before deploying into line of battle. (See Scenario point 2, above)

The boom of artillery from the rear drowns out the bugles – it’s his and McClernand’s remaining guns announcing the counterattack by opening up on targets of opportunity, namely, Cleburne’s clustered regiments. The bombardment disorders 24^th Tennessee outright and generates a wave of alarm throughout the Confederate line. File closers cannot quite control the men of the 16^th Louisiana, 15^th Arkansas and 35^th Tennessee (Pond); 17^th Louisiana and 9^th Texas (Anderson); and the 4^th and 12^th Tennessee of Stewart’s command. These units must hope they aren’t the targets of immediate assault. Not all will be spared that fate. (See Scenario point 3, above)

Veatch Develops his Attack

Veatch’s 46^th Illinois, 550 men strong, is first to confront the enemy, charging the startled 12^th Tennessee of Stewart’s command. Only 350 men of the 15^th Illinois’ original 650 remain with the colors after the morning fighting, but the regiment moves up on 46^th Illinois’s right and opens fire at 13^th Arkansas with devastating results. 50 of the 300 Arkansans go down, with the survivors close to panic. Stewart himself remains unharmed. Southern return fire fails to cool Illini ardor.

Veatch’s third unit, 43^rd Illinois with 300 men, now comes abreast of the 15^th Illinois’ right. The northerners fire at 33^rd Tennessee’s 500 Confederates. Union audacity overcomes the numerical disparity, as another 50 Tennesseans are hit or break for the rear. But Rebel fire is effective enough to throw 43^rd Illinois into disorder.

Veatch knows his job is to break Stewart’s resistance, wheel to the right, and outflank the rest of the enemy line. As 46^th Illinois’ charge proceeds, he orders 15^th Illinois to assault 13^th Arkansas. 43^rd Illinois’ confusion is such that Veatch does not send it forward. 12^th Tennessee manages to pull back without panicking, but 13^th Arkansas fails to maintain order despite Stewart’s pleading. 15^th Illinois scoops up 50 prisoners and Veatch succeeds at least partially, outflanking 33^rd Tennessee.

Marsh’s Attack

Reluctant to assault a firm enemy position frontally, Marsh instructs his colonels to test Rebel resolve first. 45^th Illinois’ 450 men engage Blythe’s regiment, which can muster only 200 of the 400 who marched forth that morning. Volley and counter-volley end with half the Mississippians dead, wounded, or scattered, and only the 100 who remain with the colors mitigate Colonel Blythe’s horror. 11^th Iowa (550 strong) similarly engages 15^th Tennessee of Johnson’s brigade, but Tennessean return fire disorders the Hawkeyes. Up come 20^th Illinois’ 350 men to challenge Anderson’s 1^st Florida Battalion and the 17^th Louisiana. The Floridians have been cut to pieces in earlier fighting, and only 50 are present to augment the 200 Louisianans. Once again Union fire staggers the Confederate line. The Floridians are finished as a fighting unit, while 17^th Louisiana, having suffered over 50% losses thus far this day, retreats in confusion. But 20^th Illinois does not emerge unscathed. 50 of its men fall, and the rest cannot maintain an orderly line.

11^th Illinois’ veterans of Fort Donelson draw an unenviable assignment: charge Cobb’s Battery of Trabue’s brigade. But the battery’s crews unexpectedly quail before the onrushing blue hosts, ducking under limbers and caissons rather than firing point-blank into the faces of the bluecoats. The 11^th overruns the battery. Its charge carries it up against the 17^th Louisiana, whose remaining 150 men would be no match on their own for the Illini. However, alongside them is Trabue’s 5^th Kentucky, whose 400 “Orphans” induce the Pelicans to stand. Both regiments blaze away at their assailants, but without effect! Even so, with a favorable strength ratio of nearly 3-to-1, the southerners are prepared to receive the attack. To the surprise of nearly everyone, the Illini push the two enemy units back. About 50 Pelicans throw up their hands in surrender while the rest retreat toward the lone figure of Daniel Ruggles. Their division leader feels sure he can steady them, but they splinter and run right past him, disappearing into the trees. The 11^th Illinois occupies the ground but finds itself in a precarious position, as the gunners of the Washington Battery of Anderson’s brigade quickly use their handspikes to swivel their tubes in the intruders’ direction. Ruggles, left alone, beats a hasty retreat, joining General Polk a little more than 100 yards to the rear.

McDowell Shields the Flank

A stream bisecting McDowell’s sector complicates his brigade’s movement. McDowell is in any case opposite the strongest part of the enemy line. His regiments move up to support Marsh’s right, with 46^th Ohio on the extreme right refusing its flank.

Progress of the Assault

Veatch and Marsh have enjoyed moderate success thus far. It must be remembered that their troops were in action most of the morning. Truly, the counterattack has been launched with little margin to spare. Ineffectual Union artillery fire during the opening assaults does not help.

The Confederates Respond

Ruggles’ troops are the first to shake off the paralyzing fear of defeat. The Washington artillery wastes no time firing canister into 11^th Illinois’ flank, wreaking terrible havoc. The remnants flee to the rear, stopping amidst their trophies, Cobb’s guns. Anderson sends 20^th Louisiana to support his artillery while he and Ruggles rally the 9^th Texas.

On the extreme Confederate left, Pond sends the Orleans Guard and 18^th Louisiana to threaten McDowell’s flank. Ketchum’s battery fires without visible success, while Pond’s appeal to its honor fails to induce the 16^th Louisiana to rally. Among Cleburne’s units only the 15^th Arkansas rallies. Indeed, 35^th Tennessee suffers a loss of about 50 effectives who’d rather skulk than remain on the line, despite their being no Union threat here.

Elsewhere, 4^th Kentucky apparently forgets who is to its left front and unleashes friendly fire against 5^th Tennessee, disordering its line before the error is rectified. Meanwhile, Union artillery targets 18^th Louisiana in response to Pond’s move, but without effect.

In Johnson’s CSA brigade, Blythe and the 2^nd Tennessee fall back 100 yards – neither unit is in any shape to hold the line. Johnson fails to rally the 15^th Tennessee, which is facing superior numbers and has no support to its right or left. 154^th Tennessee initiates a lively but ultimately harmless firefight with 45^th Illinois.

Russell sends orders to his regiments to attack, but his aides apparently go astray en route, as the orders fail to get through. Stewart, whose brigade occupies the most critical sector of the line, attempts to rally his troops with mixed success. 13^th Arkansas and 33^rd Tennessee (the most exposed) rally, but 4^th and 12^th Tennessee both fail, the latter despite Stewart’s assistance.

Trabue’s brigade is almost fresh and sure to challenge the blue-clads as soon as it goes forward. Trabue issues orders to attack, but none of his units comply, despite Hardee’s aides-de-camp being available to convey the message. We can only surmise that Trabue’s regimental leaders need a breather after 5^th Kentucky’s defeat at the hands of 11^th Illinois. 4^th Kentucky’s mortification at having fired upon friendly troops does not help. Concerned at the delay, Trabue takes a short ride over to 5^th Kentucky, whose Orphans rally smartly once their brigadier arrives.

McClernand knows Veatch’s brigade is key to victory and rides forward to join his subordinate. Together they rally the 43^rd Illinois – no mean feat given the enemy’s proximity and the Illini’s fragile morale. Marsh is not as fortunate with 20^th Illinois. The less eager leak to the rear, offering any handy excuse they can muster when questioned by roving cavalry.

Overall Situation Prior to the Final Union AM of the 12 PM Turn

Veatch Continues the Attack

While the Union artillery moves forward in search of targets, Sherman and McClernand face a dilemma. Do they attempt to exploit their success, knowing their troops may fatigue to the point of diminishing returns, or do they pause, possibly handing the enemy the initiative? Success seems likeliest in Veatch’s sector, so McClernand sends word to Veatch to continue the attack. McDowell will rest while McClernand assists Marsh in rallying the latter’s troops. Their efforts succeed with 11^th Iowa but again fail with 20^th Illinois. The Union artillery continues to fire and manages to throw 18^th Louisiana into disorder. That’s sure to discourage Pond from making a quick move against McDowell’s flank.

But it’s Veatch on whom McClernand’s hopes are pinned. In a way, McClernand can rest easy even if Veatch fails. After all, Veatch’s brigade is part of Hurlbut’s 4^th Division. With the merest flitter of uneasiness, McClernand entertains the thought that Veatch’s men are thus expendable.

Veatch, however, finds glory’s lure as irresistible as McClernand does. 15^th Illinois, poised to deliver flank fire against the newly rallied 33^rd Tennessee, makes that fire count, cutting down the Tennesseans in windrows and casting the survivors into turmoil. Now 15^th Illinois moves in for the kill, while 46^th Illinois strikes the equally hapless 12^th Tennessee. The 33^rd attempts to retreat before the Yankees can close, but the only escape is through 4^th Tennessee, as there are simply too many men in those two units to combine in such a narrow space without becoming a mob. Already disordered, the 4^th manages to maintain its line as the 33^rd retreats through it, but the experience proves too harrowing for the latter, and its troops flee the field.

Such precipitous flight can be contagious. Blythe’s regiment of Johnson’s brigade flees as well, while 4^th Tennessee wavers and falls back, leaving 50 stragglers for Veatch’s men to send to the rear. 3^rd Kentucky’s colonel, proud of his men, can scarcely believe his eyes when they waver, too.

Meanwhile, 12^th Tennessee falls back without mishap, led by their brigadier. Veatch’s men advance into the vacated ground. Just ahead is a miniature tent city — McClernand’s headquarters. The prospect of reaching their goal and the spectacle of fleeing enemy troops lends fire to their weary spirits. But no one can deny that the enemy’s right wing, though staggered, is not yet defeated.

The Situation at the End of the 12 PM Turn

1 PM: the Confederates Retaliate

Vital Game Information:

• The Union wins the Initiative roll for the turn, and Sherman draws a “3” Efficiency chit. His +1 Activation Rating means he’ll have four AMs for the turn. The scenario fixes McClernand’s Efficiency at 3 for the 1 PM turn.
• Polk draws Efficiency 2, Bragg draws a 3, and Hardee draws a 2. Beauregard awards his +1 Initiative to Hardee, giving the latter a total of three AMs for the turn. Pond and Russell, comprising the Confederate left wing, are out of command.
• Sherman takes McDowell out of Attack Orders due to the Confederate threat to his right flank. 15^th and 16^th Iowa are assigned to McDowell.
• Of Trabue’s “lost units”, only 3^rd Kentucky successfully rolls to activate.

The Union Continues its Drive

McClernand’s artillery opens fire from its new positions, targeting the Orleans Guard. The batteries cannot “see” the unit and thus use indirect fire (“Restricted LOS Fire”). Despite the decreased probability of accurate fire, the bombardment disorders the Guard!

Marsh’s brigade swings into action. 45^th Illinois fires upon 154^th Tennessee without effect, but the Rebel return fire is devastating. McClernand assists in rallying 20^th Illinois (again). 11^th Iowa engages 15^th Tennessee in a fruitless exchange of volleys, but then fixes bayonets and moves to assault. 15^th Tennessee refuses combat, retreating to the Washington Artillery’s hex without incident. Marsh and the 11^th Iowa occupy the 15^th’s former position, which prompts the Washington Battery and 15^th Tennessee to expertly swing their line to face them.

Veatch’s tired troops still enjoy a promising position. 15^th Illinois flanks 154^th Tennessee but is unable to capitalize on its advantage just yet, as moving into position has exhausted the men. Nevertheless, it has retaken McClernand’s headquarters, the fourth victory hex to fall! 41^st Illinois moves forward, but fatigue slows its progress, too. Veatch and the 46^th Illinois fire on Stewart and the 12^th Tennessee; the Yankee fire is too high, but Rebel accuracy has improved. 50 Illini fall, but Veatch is not hit and the regiment stands firm. Undaunted, it assaults the Tennesseans, who pull back but fall into disorder, leaking stragglers as they go. Following its advance, 46^th Illinois finds itself facing 13^th Arkansas’ flank.

The Situation following McClernand’s 1^st Activation

Sherman Activates

Sherman’s lone battery does well, sending the 18^th Louisiana scurrying for cover. Thus, the Union artillery has neutralized Pond’s flanking threat for the moment. McDowell resets his line while the 15^th and 16^th Iowa hurry forward.

McDowell Secures the Flank

The Quest for Glory

The action now shifts to McClernand again, as if the gods of war acknowledge his ambition and are willing to grant him free rein to “roll the iron dice”, to borrow a phrase from conflict half a century in the future.

McClernand’s hopes still lie with Veatch, whose position remains favorable. 15^th Illinois delivers flanking fire versus 154^th Tennessee, but the powder smoke in this part of the field must be thick, because the fire has no discernible effect. 46^th Illinois fires upon 13^th Arkansas’ flank with the same result, only to find its cartridge pouches nearly empty. 43^rd Illinois must climb a knoll before it can even see its foe. It makes its move and fires on 13^th Arkansas, but it’s as if the Arkansans knew the enemy was coming. 43^rd Illinois wavers under a galling return fire. In desperation Veatch presses the attack with both 15^th and 46^th Illinois, but 154^th Tennessee and 13^th Arkansas pull back to avoid the shock. 15^th Illinois advances, but 46^th Illinois declines, hoping to resupply its ammunition.

Marsh’s 11^th Illinois, in no condition to contribute to the effort, remains with the captured Cobb battery. McClernand rallies 45^th Illinois while Marsh sends the rest of the brigade forward to capture the last of the victory hexes, currently occupied by the Washington Artillery supported by the disordered 15^th Tennessee of Johnson’s brigade. The Washington gunners fire as the 250 men of 20^th Illinois approach, but the canister fails to stop them despite the close range. 20^th Illinois then levels its muskets and volleys at the gunners, who reply with Rapid Fire from their smoothbore tubes. This time the iron hail manages to disorder the foe, while the battery suffers no harm. Marsh leads 11^th Iowa alongside 20^th Illinois and fires in turn, but the Rebel gunners stand by their guns. The Hawkeyes nevertheless assault. Once again the Reb battery fires with everything it has. 50 of its assailants fall, and the blue line starts to dissolve but continues the assault. Fighting alongside the Tennesseans, the gunners grab rammers, hand spikes and pistols. Together they repulse the Iowans! A fifth of 11^th Iowa’s strength melts away, some surrendering while others head to the rear. Marsh’s attack has failed.

McClernand’s Attack

The Confederates Finally Respond

Johnson’s 154^th Tennessee engages in inconclusive fire combat, but Patton Anderson orders his brigade to attack. Confident in the knowledge that 154^th Tennessee is lending some support to its flank, the Washington Artillery blasts 20^th Illinois with canister. The result drives the unit’s losses higher than 50 percent for the day. 20^th Louisiana charges 11^th Illinois, which fails to stand. The Pelicans sweep up a number of POWs, but, more importantly for southern morale, retake Cobb’s Battery. Marsh has been turned back.

The Washington Battery and 15^th Tennessee then pivot to face 15^th Illinois but opt not to fire. Instead, 9^th Texas moves forward to help support both 20^th Louisiana and the battery.

Meanwhile, Pond’s brigade shakes off the effects of recent Union artillery fire.

Anderson’s Counterattack

The Union Refuses to Quit

Sherman meets with McDowell, urging his brigadier to attack and safeguard the gains made over the last hour. The cautious McDowell hedges his bets. 13^th Missouri, a fresh regiment sent from 2^nd Division, engages Anderson’s 20^th Louisiana in a vicious fire-fight that lays low some 50 Pelicans, throws the rest into turmoil, and costs Cobb’s battery a gun crew. The Missourians take losses, too, but retain their order. 6^th Iowa fires at 5^th Tennessee and wreaks similar havoc, although Russell’s presence helps ward off disorder. When elements of 46^th Ohio join in the fire, 5^th Tennessee turns to respond, but neither unit inflicts any damage.

Now 13^th Missouri, seeking to avenge Marsh’s defeat, lunges at 20^th Louisiana and the just-recrewed but still ineffective Cobb battery. The Louisianans, already shaken by Missouri lead, attempt to fall back, leaving the battery to its fate. Instead, all discipline evaporates, and it flees the field! Fortunately for southern hopes, other units in the vicinity stand firm. The Missourians overrun the hapless battery but go no further. Anderson takes refuge with 9^th Texas, which turns to face the enemy.

The Fruits of McDowell’s Efforts

Trabue Smashes Marsh

Confederate hopes are pinned on Trabue, whose brigade is still nearly fresh despite the capture of its artillery. Trabue approaches Hardee around this time. “General, I have a Kentucky brigade here. What shall I do with it?” Hardee responds, “Put it in where the fight is the thickest, sir.”

Trabue orders his men forward. 4^th Kentucky moves to confront Sherman and the 40^th Illinois, but suffers a blistering counter-fire that costs it dearly. 6^th Kentucky comes up alongside the 4^th and blasts the stubborn Illini with equally effective fire. Sherman survives, but the regiment starts to break under the pressure.

31^st Alabama reinforces 6^th Kentucky. The two units fix bayonets, targeting 40^th Illinois. Meanwhile, 5^th Kentucky launches a charge intended to retake Cobb’s guns from the Missourians, who haven’t sorted themselves out following their successful attack. 40^th Illinois retreats before the onslaught (McDowell is still under Advance Orders), and Sherman can barely keep the regiment under control. Some 50 men surrender or scatter. 13^th Missouri also tries to retreat, but all order dissolves and it skedaddles into the trees to the north. The effect is contagious: 11^th and 20^th Illinois along with 11^th Iowa also break and run. Marsh is not only defeated; his brigade has largely stampeded. Trabue’s men advance in triumph, once more liberating Cobb’s Battery.

Trabue’s Counterattack

The Confederate Continue their Drive

On the Confederate right flank Stewart decides the tide is turning. His attack orders, however, are slow reaching his units, who are busy attempting to rally. Both 12^th and 4^th Tennessee not only fail to do so, but cannot stop some of the men from deserting the colors.

Perhaps Stewart’s help will not be needed, as Trabue’s Kentuckians are by no means finished. Trabue busies himself rallying 4^th Kentucky, confident his colonels will know what to do. 3^rd Kentucky moves into Woolf Field and fires into 15^th Illinois’ flank, disrupting its line. The Kentuckians are a new unit but ready to strike. 15^th Illinois, however, is not ready to face a flank attack and flees. The Kentuckians take the ground but do not press the attack. Trabue’s other units move northward.

Encountering no resistance, 5^th Kentucky takes the victory hex along the farm lane. Marsh, caught on his own, scurries to join his sole remaining unit on the field, 45^th Illinois, where he finds McClernand. The Kentuckians continue until they reach 45^th Illinois’ rear and then open fire, disordering the foe despite the presence of both Marsh and McClernand. 3^rd Kentucky now delivers a galling volley at 45^th Illinois. The Orphans see an officer fall from his horse. They do not know that it is John McClernand! If he does not succumb to his wounds, they may serve as his ticket to the presidency. Grant could scarcely find fault with him now. Marsh and the 45^th retreat, and the 3^rd Kentucky takes the ground.

Meanwhile, 6^th Kentucky closes on both 6^th Iowa and 40^th Illinois. 6^th Iowa refuses its flank, but 6^th Kentucky fires only at 40^th Illinois. The fire is too high, doing no damage, but neither is the Yankee counter-fire effective. 31^st Alabama comes forward to lend its weight to the fight, and this time 40^th Illinois takes heavy losses. Less than half the regiment remains, although Sherman and McDowell manage to dodge southern lead. Trabue trots over to the Cobb battery and rallies its crews. Finally, 4^th Kentucky takes on 6^th Iowa, but without effect.

Trabue’s Progress

The Union situation is now desperate, but they are still the last to occupy three of the five victory hexes, and McDowell has two potential trump cards up his sleeve. The 15^th and 16^th Iowa arrive to reinforce his brigade, forming a line that will force the Confederates to fight for victory. 6^th Iowa falls back 100 or so yards to form a more compact defense. The effort fatigues McDowell’s troops, but that cannot be helped. Meanwhile, Sherman’s artillery again discomfits 16^th Louisiana. Veatch and Marsh attempt to rally 43^rd and 45^th Illinois, but neither unit seems willing to exert further effort.

McDowell Jockeys for Position

Russell and Stewart

Russell’s big brigade is another that has failed to contribute significantly to the Confederate cause this midday. He sends couriers bearing orders to his colonels. 5^th Tennessee responds with nothing more than taking 6^th Iowa under a weak fire. The Iowans answer briskly, disordering the 5^th.

Stewart’s men know they must push 43^rd Illinois away from the proximity of McClernand’s headquarters (the CSA player, of course, knows which of his commands have yet to activate). Both 4^th and 12^th Tennessee fail to rally, but that doesn’t truly matter at this point. Instead, Confederate fates rest with the small 13^th Arkansas. Stewart leads them as they charge 43^rd Illinois. The Yankees fail to stand! Worse, panic breaks out among the ranks and they flee northward.

The enemy having routed rather than standing, the rules require 13^th Arkansas to Continue Shock. It advances against 45^th Illinois, hitting it in the flank, and routs it as well. Aside from Veatch’s remnant, which is well placed to head east and rejoin its division, no formed enemy units defend this part of the field.

Stewart’s Triumph

Sherman’s Last Effort

Sherman’s spirits rise with the arrival of the big Iowan units, and he urges McDowell to make one more lunge forward. McDowell accepts the job! 40^th Illinois moves slightly east to allow the Iowans an open path forward. 16^th Iowa fires at 31^st Alabama, but takes the worst of the exchange. Sherman’s artillery cannot contribute to the main effort, but again hits 16^th Louisiana, this time sending the reeling Pelicans back in retreat. Despite 16^th Iowa’s failure to shake the Alabamans, 15^th Iowa levels its bayonets at them and charges.

The question is whether the green Iowans will balk at close combat. Both McDowell and Sherman urge them on, but at the last minute their colonel halts his men! (Truly a missed opportunity, as the Iowans could have used “Wrap-Around” in this instance. A favorable result might not have changed the outcome of the scenario, but certainly would have awarded Sherman a significant measure of satisfaction.)

No Writing Home about this Charge

While that still leaves three victory hexes occupied or last occupied by the Union, we have not yet heard from one Confederate command. Johnson sends 154^th Tennessee to reestablish control over McClernand’s headquarters, and the scenario ends with a whimper rather than a bang.

Scenario Finis

Critique

Perhaps I should have had Veatch’s 43^rd Illinois shock 33^rd Tennessee way back during McClernand’s 2^nd activation of the 12 PM turn, despite its disorder. With a disordered Cohesion Rating of “4”, the 33^rd stood a fair chance of routing, even if it retreated before Shock. However, the 43^rd Illinois’ disordered cohesion rating was “3”!

Secondly, there was no pressing reason why Marsh needed to take on the Washington Artillery, as Sherman & McClernand already controlled enough victory hexes to win. True, the artillery was in a victory hex, and taking that hex would have provided the Union a measure of insurance. But the effort doomed Marsh’s brigade.

Despite these questionable tactics, the game was not decided until the last AM, always a developer’s delight.

Acknowledgements

Thanks go firstly to Al Smith, who authored the scenario’s original draft. Next, to Alex Barney and John Severa, who play-tested the scenario with me. Alex contributed the final change to the victory conditions. I also thank Greg Laubach and Dick Whitaker, GBACW’s prime movers, for proofreading this AAR. Finally, I thank the GBACW community for its support of the series. Without you, where would we be? With you, we are on a great ride. 

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