Turn Forty-One
12:00 PM, September 6, Rain (Visibility: 10 Hexes)
Union:
Union Moves:
As fighting continues on Reich Ridge a number of Federal units have advanced on the right to expand the bridgehead northward if possible. The I Corps keeps marching for Crums Ford where they plan to launch a quick attack to take the crossing.
Viewing what they could of the battlefield the Yanks have noticed the Stonewall Brigade abandoning Crums Ford and other units taking over for them. Though they are not quite sure what it means they have concluded that the Rebs are weakening Crums Ford in favor of Reich Ridge. “That's exactly what we want.”
Confederate:
Confederate Moves:
The Confederate position behind Reich Ridge has grown quite formidable. Trenches and breastworks continue to be built as both Jones’ Brigade and the Stonewall Brigade have reinforced the lines. At Crums Ford the brigade of Brig. Gen. Alfred Scales is filling in the abandoned trenches of the Stonewall Brigade and will take over the protection of that ford.
“I will act carefully at Toll Gate and not attempt any isolation of the Union forces on our side of the river until I am sure of success as failure to wipe them out would be a disaster and promptly lose us the battle.” Swanson wrote this as he and Hively discussed affairs around Toll Gate Bridge and Reich Ridge.
End of Turn forty-one:
Total Strength:
USA: 45,436 (+1,564)
CSA: 38,392 (+309)
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 4,402 (+167)
CSA: 4,912 (+166)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 3
CSA: 15
Right: The Union's I Corps continues its advance for Crums Ford as fighting carries on at Reich Ridge.
Crums Ford grows more interesting. Scales’ Brigade is an average one and does not enjoy the higher quality bonuses of the Stonewall Brigade. Now that they fill these trenches the Union’s goal of taking them has become a little easier. It still will not be easy but at least they are not going to be up against the best brigade in the Confederate Army. With the arrival of Anderson’s Division in an hour the question is whether the Rebs will sniff out the coming assault on Crums Ford and take precautions. Right now the ford is protected but contains no artillery and no secondary line of men or guns.
But, that being said, what the Federal commanders have not thought too much about is that Crums Ford lays directly between two fords they know are heavily guarded (Toll Gate Bridge and Monocacy Junction). Further, each can very quickly send reinforcements to Crums Ford in an emergency. Even if the Federals make it across the ford they will have enemy troops converging on them from multiple sides to contain the breech.
As I have said many times so far… we just have to wait and see what happens.
editor's note:
Turn Forty-two
12:20 PM, September 6, Rain (Visibility: 10 Hexes)
Union:
Union Moves:
The Federals have launched a small attack on the northern side of Reich Ridge. An advance by Zook’s Brigade has managed to throw back the depleted 4th Alabama of Law’s Brigade and capture three guns which it was protecting. Elsewhere the advance has isolated two forward Louisiana units in their trenches.
Around Crums Ford the Federals have noticed the enemy movement as Confederate units were seen shifting northward away from the ford. [Actually what they are seeing is Scales' Brigade replacing the Stonewall Brigade.]
Mallory wrote to Brogden that, “You're correct about the Rebs moving toward the Toll Gate. It actually appears they are shifting units northward all along the line. That is, they're moving units from Crums Ford north to the Toll Gate fight, replacing those Crums Ford units with units from Monocacy Junction, etc., rather than marching units from the far south all the way north.” Brogden replied that he was continuing to fire with his artillery on numerous positions south of Crums Ford to keep up the illusion of a crossing elsewhere. It is hoped the continued inactivity at Crums Ford will lull the Confederates to sleep there and make the coming attack more unexpected.
The following map shows both armies around Reich Ridge and Crums Ford after the Union turn but before the subsequent Confederate turn.
Confederate:
Confederate Moves:
Heavy fire combat ensued all along the ridge as the two sides slugged it out for control of the high ground. Confederate counterattacks on Reich Ridge drove the Federals out of the trenches they had captured the hour before on the southern part of Reich Ridge. Brig. Gen. Harry Hays was wounded in the fighting and carried from the field of battle.
Swanson continued to contemplate a larger attack seeking to isolate and capture all of the Federals west of the river. “At 1 PM it should be heavily raining for two hours and visibility will be down to 7 hexes so if I move against them it will be then.”
End of Turn forty-two:
Total Strength:
USA: 46,752 (+1,316)
CSA: 37,976 (-416)
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 5,035 (+632)
CSA: 5,253 (+341)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 3
CSA: 18
Right: Fighting is heavy along Reich Ridge west of the Monocacy River.
editor's note:
The Confederate counterattack was able to regain some trenches but failed to drive the Federals back as much as they hoped to. No Federal units routed in the ensuing turn and they are still in fighting shape to keep up the battle for Reich Ridge.
Neither side seems willing to make a general attack. Both keep attacking with limited sorties for limited gains. Whether or not a larger attack could succeed for either side, by this point, is an unanswerable question. But maybe one side or the other will attempt to answer it for us.
Turn Forty-three
12:40 PM, September 6, Rain (Visibility: 10 Hexes)
Union:
Union Moves:
The isolated 5th and 7th Louisiana, with 431 men, were captured in their trenches by a renewed Federal attack this turn on Reich Ridge. Mallory has moved the last fresh brigade of the II Corps, Smyth's, over Toll Gate Bridge to join the fighting. Cavalry was advanced on Crums Ford to lightly skirmish with the men of Scales Brigade still in column formation moving into the trenches there. Firing also continued with artillery at Monocacy Junction and Hope Bridge.
Mallory wrote to Brogden that, “I decided to go ahead a move Smyth's brigade forward now. I could sure use some fresh men, and I expect the lead elements of Reynolds corps will be in position to attack Crums Ford in three turns (one hour). By moving Smyth's brigade into the fray now, hopefully it will draw the Rebels' attention even more to the Toll Gate.”
Confederate:
Editor's Note:
The Federal attacks successfully routed key Confederate units at Reich Ridge, Crums Ford, and Monocacy Junction.
Confederate Moves:
Confederate forces on Reich Ridge poured a heavy fire into the Federals but otherwise did not launch any counterattacks this turn due to a number of disrupted units as a result of routs suffered nearby. At Crums Ford just the 13th and 22nd North Carolina are currently in position after the rout of the rest of the brigade due to enemy fire combat results. Two reserve artillery battalions that arrived this morning are both headed for Reich Ridge.
End of Turn forty-three:
Total Strength:
USA: 47,857 (+1,105)
CSA: 37,242 (-734)
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 5,589 (+555)
CSA: 5,987 (+734)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 3
CSA: 18
Right: The I Corps continues to stealthily advance towards Crums Ford.
editor's note:
Both sides have been smoking through their artillery ammunition at an alarming pace. As of now the Confederates are down to below 700 and the Federals below 1,000. With still 60% of the battle to be fought the two sides have used up more than half their available ammo supply. If one side or the other completely runs through their ammo it could spell the doom of their cause. But with both sides depleting their stocks it might just happen that both sides run out before the end of battle.
Turn Forty-four
1:00 PM, September 6, Heavy Rain (Visibility: 7 Hexes)
Union:
Editor's Note:
The weather turned worse as the Rain became heavier and has limited visibility to just seven hexes.
​
Before the start of the turn Mallory wrote Brogden a general recap of events that is worth quoting at length:
Zook's brigade on Reich Ridge was hit hard by enemy fire and most of them buckled under the pressure. Unfortunately, Zook's men who ran stumbled right onto the Toll Gate Bridge, complicating me moving more units forward this turn. Fortunately, the Rebs can't see that far in the rain and have no idea of our difficulties.
You said the "Monocacy Junction Federals are taking a beating." You're doing a great job all up and down the line, keeping them occupied and off-guard. Just a couple more turns, and the Rebel defenders at Crums Ford will have a rude awakening!
The rain has become heavier. The reduced visibility means our long-range artillery won't have the effect it has been having. This weather change turned out to be perfect timing for us, as we had few artillery targets in the Toll Gate area right now, anyway. According to the Weather Forecast, the heavy rain will return to normal rain (meaning our range will return to range of 10) in a couple of hours. Our artillery that COULD fire had little effect, so I'm taking this opportunity to move more of our artillery across the creek.
It does look as if the Rebs have pulled units away from the Worthington (McKinney) Ford. Unfortunately, most of your units in that area are low quality. You can easily hold the ford from incursion, but attempting a crossing would still be tough. Still, it might be worth the effort on the same turn Reynolds attacks Crums Ford, as a diversion. The Rebs won't know which (if either) is our main attack, and may just think that both are attempts to draw their attention from the 'main' fight at the Toll Gate. Just something to think about.
I believe the Rebs think our goal is the Frederick City objective, and they are doing everything they can to protect that place. The Rebs seem to have a solid line of units behind (west) of the southern end of Reich Ridge. Hancock's Corps will continue to keep them occupied, but I don't see any chance of attacking Crums Ford from behind as I had originally planned. IF (and that's a big 'if') the Rebs decide they have the II Corps blocked sufficiently and divert their oncoming reinforcements down to Crums Ford, I'll do whatever I can to make them regret that decision.
​
Union Moves:
The Federals attacked on Reich Ridge again. An assault by the Irish Brigade overran two regiments of Georgians and Virginians along with seven cannons on the ridge. Firing on Monocacy Junction has continued as the Federals are applying pressure to every crossing point in anticipation of the I Corps attack at Crums Ford. Mallory has began moving more guns across Toll Gate Bridge to set up west of the river.
Confederate:
Confederate Moves:
The lead brigade of Anderson’s Division arrived this turn under Brig. Gen. Cadmus Wilcox. Their first movement was northwards to the Union left flank and Reich Ridge. It will take them a number of hours to reach the battlefield there. Elsewhere the brigade of Brig. Gen. James Archer is an hour away from Monocacy Junction where he will reinforce the troops in the Union center. Scales’ Brigade has reformed and are hurrying into the trenches at Crums Ford.
Hively wrote to Swanson that, “At this point, our defense looks pretty good. I do have two concerns: Our left flank at Reich Ridge looks a little vulnerable. If I were the Yanks, I would try to send strong forces to drive you away from Hughes Ford, and try to expand their bridgehead that way. I am concerned about our artillery ammo supply. I'll stop shooting as you need all the ammo. Otherwise, I like our positions very much. I'm going to keep digging trenches to further improve the crossing defense areas. If they are gambling everything on the Toll Gate Bridge area, I think with our reinforcements backing up what you already have there, we should be able to block any progress.” Swanson replied that, “I'm just waiting to have some cavalry in good order to his northern flank and the Stonewall Brigade undisrupted on his other flank. As soon as those two things are in place I will definitely move in and put those mongrels to the sword at Toll Gate Bridge.”
End of Turn forty-four:
Total Strength:
USA: 48,817 (+960)
CSA: 38,614 (+1,372)
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 5,932 (+343)
CSA: 6,161 (+174)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 3
CSA: 25
Right: Fighting continues along Reich Ridge and at numerous points along the river.
editor's note:
The continued fighting on Reich Ridge has been enjoyable to watch. Both sides have fought hard but neither has attacked with everything all at once. Both are cautious and, maybe, that is wise. On the other hand if one or the other had attacked earlier with everything they had it might have enjoyed stunning success. I believe Mallory missed his chance for a quick breakthrough over Reich Ridge due to his caution after crossing. I also believe Swanson might be missing his chance for an equally brilliant stroke right now because he is waiting for all the pieces to fall in place before he attacks.
Both sides have unwittingly allowed their opponents the needed time to consolidate their positions. For Mallory he allowed Swanson time to regroup and build numerous breastworks and trenches west of Reich Ridge. Meanwhile, Swanson has allowed Mallory to now start the crossing of numerous Federal batteries. If Swanson launches his counteroffensive now to regain the Toll Gate Bridge and isolate II Corps he will discover numerous unlimbered Federal batteries blocking his way. Further, with the I Corps about to charge at Crums Ford the timing here is potentially disastrous. Should the Confederates attack at Reich Ridge and become heavily engaged while the I Corps strikes Crums Ford they will be hard pressed to strip men from the ridge to support the meager Confederate forces there.
The next hour should be very interesting.
Turn Forty-five
1:20 PM, September 6, Heavy Rain (Visibility: 7 Hexes)
Union:
Union Moves:
More fire combat and charges along Reich Ridge saw the Federals isolate Brig. Gen. John Gordon and three of his regiments on the crest. A charge by Harrow’s Brigade also threw back some exhausted Virginians in Smith’s Brigade and captured more trenches atop the ridge. Union guns, having now moved west of the river, have unlimbered in front of Reich Ridge to support the infantry.
To the south, under the cover of the heavy rain, Brogden is moving part of Sickles’ III Corps north for Monocacy Junction. This movement, it is hoped, will surprise the Rebels and keep them from reinforcing Crums Ford from Monocacy Junction.
Confederate:
Confederate Moves:
The Texas Brigade has moved up on the right flank of the II Corps along with part of Hays’ remaining regiments and Fitz Lee’s Cavalry Brigade. They attacked the units on the Federal flank hoping to throw them back to Toll Gate Bridge and isolate the Federals west of the river. Elsewhere on Reich Ridge the Confederate fire was stepped up to inflict as many losses on the Federals as possible.
At Crums Ford the men of Scales Brigade continue to take their time getting into position with just one of the five regiments currently in battle line. The hex directly guarding the crossing is occupied by just the 297 men of 16th North Carolina at present.
The second of Anderson’s brigades has arrived and is following the first northeast towards Reich Ridge and the Confederate left flank.
"The time has come for the Confederate counterattack." Swanson wrote exuberantly to Hively about his plans. “They have next to nothing on our left at Toll Gate and they are starting to move more artillery to our side of the river. It looks like all their artillery on our side is exposed. I'm moving in. They will have to fall back to protect their artillery or launch attacks across my whole line. I'm committed now to try and destroy them while the heavy rains remain until 1500 (3PM). I must severely damage them now before the weather improves and they get reinforcements (which I'm sure are not far away).”
End of Turn forty-five:
Total Strength:
USA: 49,771 (+954)
CSA: 39,759 (+1,145)
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 6,293 (+361)
CSA: 6,591 (+430)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 3
CSA: 25
Right: The Confederates have counterattacked at Toll Gate Bridge while both Anderson's Division and the I Corps rush to the north to join the battle.
editor's note:
I am not loving the Confederate decision to counterattack at this moment to be honest. In theory it is a good idea but there are not enough men to get the job done on the Federal right flank at Toll Gate Bridge. Attacking with roughly 1,200 fatigued infantrymen and 1,000 cavalrymen against an unknown number of Federals supported by thirty or more cannons does not bode well. I believe Swanson is hoping to get lucky here and find a way, even if only for a single turn, to get some men to block the Toll Gate Bridge and cause the isolation of every Federal west of the river. If he does so it could mean a total collapse of the Union lines and potentially a catastrophic loss of men and material. Given the high stakes I would have tried to bring more men into the attack at the very least. I believe Swanson is staking everything on this counterattack. If he succeeds it will turn the tide - if he fails it will likely cost the Confederates the battle.
The next turn will be one of those handful of turns I said are critical in every game.
It is critical for another reason. The I Corps is now at Crums Ford. At the start of the next turn the Iron Brigade will be able to rush the ford in column formation and melee over it with an almost 70% probability of success. The Confederates have just 297 men at the ford while the Federals could bring easily over 800 high-quality men against them in the attack. If they wait another turn it will allow the Confederates to keep getting in position there and potentially bringing a second regiment up in the critical crossing hex. Right now is the time to attack!
Turn number 46… here we go! This is a BIG one.
