ACW Campaign - Part Nineteen.

A quick look at the map shows the problem for the confederates. The lower slopes of both Choke Heights to the north and Gordon's Mount to the south, swing away to open up into a large valley floor. Once in the open land it will be virtually impossible to hold the Union division. The brigade holding Crow Bridge have been issued orders to start a slow withdrawal and head south, either straight across the the crossroads onto the Clanfield Road, or through Stockton and continue south on the East Road.

Fighting resumes after the brief interlude on the main road.

So too on the hill, only now two fresh Union regiments are in the line.

The other two regiments, weakened but not shattered join with the dismounted cavalry to seek a way around the flank of the hill.

12th Alabama continue their march to support the left flank.

49th and 77th New York continue in a musketry duel with 2nd Florida and 6th Alabama, all taking casualties. However, Stuart's Horse Battery is finally destroyed. General Hill's force now only has a single battery of guns remaining, Bondurant's Battery.

Generals Franklin and Smith look on in growing confidence as the outnumbered enemy brigade is continually forced to fall back.

Looking east along Stockton Road.

Heavy fighting can be seen on the road as 5th Maine and 16th New York move to outflank the rebels holding the hill.

View from Meon Road.

12th Alabama move into position at the rear of the hill.

They are supported by the weakened 9th Virginia Cavalry.

Overhead shot from behind the confederate positions.

Same from the Union perspective.

'Sir, may I suggest that I stay here with the forces currently engaged and you take the remainder and hightail it east to join with the brigade pulling back from Crow Bridge.'

General Dan Hill, knew exactly what Sam was suggesting, sacrifice himself and half of his brigade, to allow the remainder to escape. 'Mighty noble Sam, not that I would expect any less from you, but even if I did as you suggest, who is to say I could eventually defeat this enemy corps?'

Sam grinned, 'Well if anyone can, it is you sir. If you reunite with the other brigade and fall back south, there are a number of good places to hold up a larger force.'

Dan had to admit that Sam was right, if they all stayed then they would eventually have to die or surrender. He doubted he could defeat the enemy, but he could at least make their job a whole lot more difficult and painful. He thrust out his hand and shook the hand of his friend. 'Good luck Sam, we will meet again in hell or a Union prison camp.'

On the Stockton Road, 6th Alabama, 2nd Florida and Bondurant's Battery would hold the line here.

On the hill 5th and 23rd North Carolina, with the help of Hampton's Legion Cavalry and 9th Virginia Cavalry would hold the left.

General Hill leads 24th and 38th Virginia with 12th Alabama joining from the left and 2nd Mississippi from the right.

It was hoped Hampton's Legion Cavalry and 9th Virginia Cavalry would also be able to fall back, slowing the enemy down when he eventually began to pursue.

The remaining regiments grimly awaited the next Union assault.

The Union division looks as strong as ever.

I now need to fight out this last stand by Sam Garland and his men, then probably reset the table to show the crossroads on the Stockton Road with Clanfield Road and Crow Bridge too. That will take some thinking about.