Micro Table Battles - Part Eleven.

Confederate activation.

The initial part of the Archer/Davis plan, had so far worked even better than either man could have hoped. The swift advance of the two cavalry regiments on the western escarpment to the woods, one dismounting and entering, the other waiting to swing around and be in position to hit the flank of the Union infantry battalion, or swoop down onto the main Union battle line. Archer's single battalion, drawing the Union cavalry regiment forward into a firefight which could only end one way. The artillery had neutralized the enemy cannon, and was now starting on the task of decimating the enemy infantry.
It was now time to execute phase two, the artillery limbering and moving forward into effective range, and the hidden reserve of four infantry battalions to move up behind the initial force, that had been purposely revealed to the Union general. They would advance slowly, allowing time for the cannon to weaken the enemy, before charging in with bayonet to finish the job.

1st Maryland move to the edge of the treeline as 2nd Virginia charge into the flank of 41st New York.

5th Alabama pour a volley into the troopers of 5th Michigan.

The rest of Archer's brigade, 13th Alabama and 1st Tennessee, appear like ghosts, and form up ready to advance.

Artillery ready to advance.

All four battalions of Davis' Brigade in column. 2nd, 11th & 42nd Mississippi and the 55th North Carolina.

Davis' 4th Brigade ready to advance.

41st New York move from the frying pan into the fire.

Looking down the valley from the Union position.

Brigadier General Ade Ames face was ashen, binoculars jammed to his eyes, he watched in abject disbelief as first two, which then became four, fresh rebel infantry battalions came into view. Two on the eastern escarpment and two moving in behind those already advancing beside the road. Now the enemy artillery was limbering up to add to his concern. His 41st New York were in a very vulnerable position by the wood, and he could see no way of easily extricating them.

Leo von Gilsa rode up and reined his horse in beside his fellow commander. 

'You have seen them Ade?' he asked, knowing full well the answer.

'It answers the question of why they didn't attack yesterday afternoon, they were waiting for these men.' Ade lowered his glasses, 'That extra artillery that puzzled us, was actually just part of a whole fresh brigade!'

Leo nodded, 'It seems we have drifted into shit creek my friend, the thing is, do we have a paddle?

Ade shook his head, 'I am not retreating again, not after the debacle at Hog River.'

If we stand, that artillery will move up and blow us to pieces at their leisure Ade, what do you propose.

'The only damned thing I can propose, we advance and attack them, they will assume that we will withdraw, but my friend, this time we take away the initiative they have so far enjoyed, I am sick and tired of countering their moves, they can counter ours for a change.'



 Musketry from 5th Alabama wipe out the 5th Michigan, the few survivors mounting up and racing for their own lines.

The already weakened 41st New York take another body blow, as the 2nd Virginia smash into their flank. As the cavalry are mounted, and involved in melee, the crossed sabres also counts. Two hits and a fall back.

The 41st is now a spent force, with a single elan remaining.

The survivors heading north, hoping to reach Garton.

A general advance along the whole Union front! It would be they who would have to cross that deadly ground!

Confederate initiative.

2nd Virginia ignore the routing 41st New York and turn to face the flank of the enemy.

1st Maryland rush back through the wood to their waiting horses.

Artillery unlimber as 4th Brigade continue to move forward.

3rd Brigade is now also united.

The southern gunners lick their lips in anticipation of so many approaching targets.

41st New York leave the field.

With drums beating and flags flying, the Union brigades advance, hoping to find a way out of  'Shit Creek.'

'Here they come boys, solid shot this time, then canister as a warm welcome.'

With the enemy cavalry swept away and the powder smoke clearing, the advancing Union soldiers came into view.

A last hurrah for Ames and von Gilsa? Seen from the ridge occupied by 2nd Virginia.

Rebel initiative.

5th Alabama shuffle left to allow 13 Alabama to form a battle line.

Major Harry Gilmor and his men race to join Colonel Munford.

A storm of steel.

Each battery scores two hits, as well as a single push back.

17th Connecticut and 25th Ohio bear the brunt, the latter unit also falling back.

Some of the Union battalions had moved into musket range, they readied their weapons.

17th Connecticut angled away, to allow 54th New York to advance.

On the Union left flank, 25th & 107th Ohio, with 153rd Pennsylvania on the extreme flank.

The artillerymen hurried to load canister.

Some shots of the valley before the carnage begins.

If ever Ade Ames needed to win an initiative roll, this was that occasion!