Turn Forty-six
1:40 PM, September 6, Heavy Rain (Visibility: 7 Hexes)
Union:
Even before the Union turn started Mallory wrote Brogden about the Confederate attack. “The Rebs are pressuring both of II Corps flanks. I have men ready to hold them up. And by moving forward, the enemy is coming back in range of our artillery.” Mallory doesn’t seem nearly as worried as the Rebs might be expecting him to be. Probably because Mallory’s exemplary use of commanders has limited his routs all game. Not a unit routed this turn and the Federals are holding. He continued to write, “You can assemble Meredith's brigade in battleline formation near Crums Ford without revealing themselves to the enemy. That will also give the next brigade (Cutler's) time to move up.”
Brogden though wouldn’t wait. “I will melee at Crums Ford at once and take the pressure off the Toll Gate area. I am also going to move Birney’s Division (now under de Trobriand) northward. It will be interesting to see what the Rebs do now.”
Editor’s Note:
The I Corps attack is on!
Union Moves:
The Federals continued their fighting on Reich Ridge with more attention now being paid to the Confederate attack on their right flank. Mallory is moving more men to the right but the II Corps is starting to become more fatigued and depleted after fighting for five hours for possession of the ridge. Critically Mallory repositioned some artillery but has left them too vulnerable with just 154 men guarding a stack of 10 cannons. During the fighting Confederate Brig. Gen. John B. Gordon was killed by a Federal sharpshooter on Reich Ridge. Union Brig. Gen. Samuel Zook was also wounded in the fighting just a few hexes away.
To the south at Crums Ford the attack has begun! The leading elements of the Iron Brigade were quickly thrown against the 16th North Carolina at the crossing. In a daring frontal charge in column formation the Federals captured the crossing. With other I Corps units just behind the spearhead it will be a full rush to get men over the river as quickly as possible now.
Trobriand’s Division has disengaged at Hope Bridge and continues to move north towards Monocacy Junction. With heavy rain obscuring the movement from enemy eyes they will steal a march on the Rebels across the river.
Mallory wrote Brogden after the turn that, “Hancock's corps is in trouble. Their task was to distract the Rebs, luring them away from the other crossings. They may have accomplished their mission TOO well - they whole dang Rebel army seems to be converging on the Toll Gate area! I still think the Rebs believe our goal is the Fredrick City objective. As long as they continue thinking that way, Reynolds will be able to steamroll over the few Rebs left at Crums Ford.”
Confederate:
Confederate Moves:
The Federal attack managed to rout eight regiments from the Confederate lines across the battlefield. On the critical left flank of Swanson’s attack though the men remained organized. The cavalrymen of Fitz Lee brushed aside a small blocking unit and charged the poorly defended stack of ten guns and captured them. Fire combat all along Reich Ridge was intensified as Swanson hoped to disrupt and rout the Federals as he drove for Toll Gate Bridge to isolate the II Corps.
At Crums Ford the situation was dire. Part of Scales’ Brigade was routed and there were no nearby infantry units available to reinforce them. Archer’s Brigade is coming from Monocacy Junction but will need at least an hour to be in position. Five sections of artillery were just passing towards Reich Ridge from Monocacy Junction when the attack struck. They have unlimbered and are trying to add some teeth to the Rebel resistance.
Hively wrote to Swanson, “They made a good move. I might need some help at Crums Ford. I have Anderson’s Division coming, but they are 5 or 6 turns away.” But Swanson had no men to spare he wrote. “I must continue with my attack or my whole line will collapse.” He then reiterated his offensive plans against the Union flank and his hope to isolate the entire force.
End of Turn forty-six:
Total Strength:
USA: 51,520 (+1,749)
CSA: 40,548 (+789)
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 7,013 (+720)
CSA: 7,790 (+1,199)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 13
CSA: 25
Right: Fighting all around Toll Gate Bridge and now at Crums Ford
That was fun to watch! The Union attack at Crums Ford went off about as ideally as it could have. Scales men were never in position and wasted a turn or two trying to enter the trenches in column formation to avoid being automatically disrupted by moving into them in line. The result was just a 20-minute window of vulnerability in which the Federals struck at that exact moment. Unlucky for Hively at Crums Ford – but very well played and a timely attack by Brogden.
The battle now will become very bloody. The I Corps is going to have to fight for every hex they can if they want to try and secure their crossing point and come to the aid of the II Corps. The II Corps has its hands full as well as the Confederates are attacking them with all they have left. Whoever fails at Reich Ridge, I believe, will end up losing the battle. Should Mallory’s II Corps be isolated and captured the loss will be too much and the game will come to a quick end due to heavy casualties. If Swanson fails he will be forced back to the ridge minus thousands of men he can't afford to lose.
I believe the battle hangs in the balance.
editor's note:
Turn Forty-seven
2:00 PM, September 6, Heavy Rain (Visibility: 7 Hexes)
Union:
These are desperate times. Before the turn Mallory wrote to Brogden that, “I knew II Corps was in trouble, but I thought I had made a solid defensive line to buy another few turns. I hadn't counted on the Rebel cavalry. The Union has the advantage in artillery, and we have been using it. The Rebs have the advantage in cavalry - and they just used it. I'll be scrambling now to protect that bridge, or all of the II Corps and several cavalry regiments will be isolated on the wrong side of the river and captured. I was thinking about withdrawing back across the river, but wanted to keep the Rebs - and their reinforcements - focused on the threat from II Corps. The time for that withdrawal may have come. I just hope it isn't too late.”
​
Union Movements:
The Union moves this turn were solid. Mallory moved men to his right flank and poured a heavy fire into the attacking Confederates. On Reich Ridge he lightly pulled back while continuing to hold elsewhere.
At Crums Ford two more regiments of the Iron Brigade have crossed the ford and are threatening the Confederate center. Meeting little opposition at Crums Ford has been an unexpected boon for the Federals. Cutler’s Brigade is preparing to cross behind the Iron Brigade. Behind those brigades there is a long line of I Corps units ready to cross in support.
Editor’s Note:
Everything continues to hinge on the right flank of the II Corps. Mallory moved barely enough men to stop them there and it will be a VERY close thing. The good news for the Federals is that, no matter what, they cannot be isolated next turn because of their dispositions. The Confederates will likely make it to within a hex of the bridge though. Edge of my seat!
Confederate:
Hively wrote to Swanson that, “Your attack is looking strong. Drive them into the ground! We'll restore the situation at Crums, but they will gain some more ground. Reinforcements are coming as fast as possible.”
Confederate Moves:
The attack on the II Corps continued this turn. Swanson drove hard against the Federals hoping to cause routs and disruptions all along their lines. The attack on the right flank was continued but the lack of readily available fresh troops is hampering the momentum as they were unable to get any hexes closer to the bridge.
At Crums Ford the situation is very bad. Scales' men are scattered and fighting in all directions as the Iron Brigade is now over the ford. Behind Scales there are only unprotected batteries and open fields. Archer’s Brigade, dispatched from Heth hours earlier, is moving to the ford but will require another two turns to be deployed fully for battle. The last of Anderson’s brigades has arrived and the entire division is rushing to Crums Ford.
After the turn Swanson was convinced his attacks were going to have the effect he desired. Despite coming up short at Toll Gate Bridge he believed, “They'll run this turn and I'll hit them even harder at my next go at them. They are in a world of trouble at Toll Gate and the Yankees will remember it as a Valley of Death.” He continued on to say that he was sending a brigade of cavalry to Crums Ford and that he did not believe the attack there to be a general one. “You are up against their best at Crums Ford - the Iron Brigade. In total it seems like two infantry and two cavalry brigades to me. I hope there are no other Yankees close by as it will be a few turns before I can finish at Toll Gate and send assistance.”
End of Turn forty-seven:
Total Strength:
USA: 51,535 (+15)
CSA: 40,307 (-241)
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 7,698 (+685)
CSA: 8,820 (+1,030)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 13
CSA: 25
Right: The Confederates are driving at Toll Gate Bridge while the Federals attack over Crums Ford
editor's note:
Wow! Swanson’s men came up short at Toll Gate Bridge! I was expecting a banzai attack at the bridge but he cautiously chose fire combat over melee in a few instances. I believe he is hoping for massive routs and a window of opportunity next turn to exploit the situation. But Mallory’s command and control has been stellar so far and I believe he will continue to hold on. Both sides now are in a whirlwind of clashing units near Toll Gate Bridge. Each turn units are isolated from both sides by the back and forth fighting. Swanson’s Rebels will isolate a number of Federal stacks this turn but unless they get routed or disrupted they will still be able to melee during the next turn to try and escape.
One major missed opportunity here is Swanson’s decision not to bring up his artillery atop Reich Ridge. Right now the attack on the Federals is all infantry with no artillery. He has a few dozen guns on the eastern side of Reich Ridge sitting quietly as the infantry tries to break the Federal lines by themselves. Union artillery is red hot firing into the Confederate units as they attack. The closer the Rebels get to Toll Gate Bridge the more fire they encounter from the massed Union guns.
The Confederate belief that the attack on Crums Ford is a diversionary tactic is totally unsubstantiated by the events ongoing. The Federals have been incredibly bold there and the Confederates have spotted two brigades of the I Corps crossing the ford. Unless they believe the Federals have dispersed the I Corps units to multiple points I can’t explain their reluctance to realize the juggernaut that is falling upon them.
The limited visibility of seven hexes is very challenging right now to both sides. Neither can see the movements of the other across the river and it is probably very stressful for the generals. Most of Sickles’ III Corps has disengaged from Hope Bridge and is moving north leaving Heth’s large division to face a single brigade west of the bridge. This stolen march may be of no consequence but it may also help to obfuscate the situation even more at Monocacy Junction once Sickles' men are seen where no real activity had been registered all day. With only so many reinforcements, and so many places to send them, the Confederates can’t afford to mistake a distraction for an attack at Monocacy Junction.
This next turn will be another critical one as the Federals probably just need to hold on for another turn, maybe two, at Toll Gate Bridge before the Confederates are beaten back. At that point the II Corps might begin to flee back east of the river or they might try to hold west of it. What a good show this is from above! I, for one, am greatly enjoying it.
Above: The Union I and III Corps moving northward across the map from the south. Union attacks at Crums Ford continue while the Rebels move Anderson to Crums Ford and attack at Toll Gate Bridge.
Turn Forty-eight
2:20 PM, September 6, Heavy Rain (Visibility: 7 Hexes)
Union:
Editor’s Note:
Swanson’s hope of a massive Federal rout did not occur. Just two units routed from the II Corps and minimal disruption has occurred across their lines. There are numerous isolated II Corps units but nearly all are undisrupted and able to charge their way out of their traps during their turn. I expect this to be another bloody turn for both sides!
Brogden wrote to Mallory that, “We are going to capture Scales who is standing alone in front of our lines and we will also charge a stack of artillery which has unlimbered without support in our front. This will clear up a lot of space to pour more boys across the ford. Things look difficult at the Toll Gate Bridge. We have launched a feint as a diversion at Worthington Ford to the south. The bulk of 3rd Corps is still moving north for Monocacy Junction. I wish you good luck. I expect them to try to clobber your right flank.”
Union Movements:
Union fire combat was intense around Toll Gate Bridge and Mallory launched a number of counterattacks against the Confederate attackers. It is pure chaos now around Toll Gate Bridge with the right flank of the II Corps. At Crums Ford the Iron Brigade has continued its rampage against the Confederate center. They captured eight unprotected Confederate cannons along with Brig. Gen. Alfred Scales this turn. Cutler’s Brigade is now crossing in their wake with seven more brigades lined up behind them to join the fracas. To the south the III Corps continues its move on Monocacy Junction while a diversionary attack has been thrown against Worthington’s Ford south of that place.
Confederate:
Confederate Movements:
The Confederates continued their attacks all along Reich Ridge this turn. Heavy attacking and melee’s across the field were the order of the moment. Toll Gate Bridge remains out of reach though and it will depend on Union routs whether or not a window opens up next turn. At Crums Ford, Archer’s Brigade has moved into line and will be ready to advance next turn to join the fighting in earnest. For now the door is open at Crums Ford for more of the I Corps to cross.
Swanson wrote to Hively that, “things are looking promising. If they persist in attacking the southern ridge at Toll Gate I should have a good chance of getting a unit to the bridge in a couple of turns. If I can do that they're finished. The Yankee units are proving troublesome in the safety of the trenches I dug but which were captured - surely they will run now after our attack. I was surprised to see them advance at Worthington Ford. Your men are sitting in trenches behind abatis so they will need a mass of men to push you out of there. Crums Ford is looking good and you should have an excellent chance of destroying the Iron Brigade.”
End of Turn forty-eight:
Total Strength:
USA: 50,347 (-1,188)
CSA: 40,675 (+368)
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 8,886 (+1,188)
CSA: 10,145 (+1,325)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 13
CSA: 33
Right: More heavy fighting all along the river.
editor's note:
I said it was going to be bloody - and it was.
We haven’t looked at the numbers in a while and I believe this is a good place to stop and check them out. Let’s just look at the numbers of men who have been engaged up to this point. That includes five Confederate divisions and three Union Corps. As you can see from the chart below the II Corps and Ewell’s Corps have been mauled in their fighting around Reich Ridge. Most of the cavalry losses have been from the fighting on that flank as well. Hood’s Corps and the III Corps spent most of the battle skirmishing and have suffered much fewer losses up to this point. Right now Ewell’s 11,115 men are attacking the 10,983 men of the II Corps at Toll Gate Bridge. Both forces are backed by about 1,000 cavalrymen in the fighting. The Federals have an advantage in artillery in that they are all massed east of the river providing support while the Rebel guns are not engaged and are still standing quiet behind Reich Ridge.
What is really going on here?
Swanson is attacking with all he has left. His men are high-fatigued and they have no reserves to call upon anymore. Their only option is to attack and suffer the losses necessary to try and capture, or throw back, the II Corps. Swanson is willing to sacrifice every man he has to this end. Why? Because he thinks he can’t hold defensively anymore. If he falls back to try and defend Reich Ridge, unaware when thousands of more fresh Union troops may arrive, he feels he will not be able to hold and will be routed. His units are scrambled, diminished, and exhausted. All he can do is keep attacking and risk everything to regain Toll Gate Bridge and bag the II Corps.
The best part of a double-blind game is what is happening here. Were Swanson to know that the Federals have no more reinforcements arriving until the next morning he might alter his plans. But he doesn’t know that the Federal VI Corps is still 18 hours away. For him it is a moment of supreme desperation in a gambit to destroy a large part of the Union army. Were he still on the strict defensive right now Mallory might be attacking over Reich Ridge in support of the I Corps attack. Mallory's attack would encounter the waiting Confederate men and guns safely entrenched and behind breastworks. It would likely be very bloody and unlikely to succeed.
But still Mallory is fighting for survival on the defensive. He was not prepared for the sudden Confederate counterattack and was caught off-guard. His men are nearly cut-off from Toll Gate Bridge and their one lifeline to safety. If this happens they could all be captured and the entire Union flank, along with dozens of guns, will be completely unguarded. Mallory’s only defense right now is to take as many Rebels with him as he can. He cannot disengage and run and he can’t hold indefinitely on his right flank. But, if he can kill enough Rebels, maybe, just maybe, Swanson will not be able to cut him off and will have saved the II Corps and the Union Cause.
Mallory's best hope is that Swanson's attack breaks on his defenses. But if we assume the worst, that II Corps is already lost, then we can add 12,000 more casualties to the Union column. That would put them over 20,000 men lost and practically guarantee a Union defeat in the battle.
The only bright side of such a bad scenario is if the II Corps can inflict enough losses on the Rebels that it would offset the loss. If Swanson loses an additional 3,000 men in his attacks it would mean a potential casualty gain of just 5,000 to 7,000 men in total losses. In other words if the II Corps fell after a prolonged and bitter fight then the losses for the Union might be 21,000 in total but the Confederates might end up with 15,000 losses on their tally sheet.
That outcome would mean both sides would still be 6,000 men away from being forced to concede the battle due to the extremely high casualties rule (set at 26,950 for the Union and 21,000 for the Confederates).
Every loss at Toll Gate Bridge for both sides is critically important. But especially so for Mallory as it seems increasingly likely the II Corps will be wiped out. If they can take enough Rebels with them it will negate the losses somewhat and leave a window open for the VI Corps to still carry the day when they arrive tomorrow.
Things are crazy! I love it.
The big Confederate error here continues to be the complete lack of artillery support for the attack on the II Corps. Confederate artillery shells are running low but if there was ever a time to use them – it’s now! They should be pouring all they have into the Federals in this make or break attack they are launching. The addition of ten or twenty Confederate cannon, which are currently sitting idle nearby, atop Reich Ridge firing down on the Federals below would demoralize and crush the defenders. Instead this continues to be an infantry fight for the Rebels. They may still win it with just infantry but the losses and time spent doing so are greater as a result.
Turn Forty-nine
2:40 PM, September 6, Heavy Rain (Visibility: 7 Hexes)
Union:
Editor’s Note:
The II Corps held together! Despite a few inconsequential routs the bulk of the II Corps has held for another turn at least. Each turn that they can hold bring the casualties of the Rebels that much higher. As mentioned above I believe the II Corps to be in great jeopardy. Each and every turn they can hold means hundreds and then thousands of more casualties for the Rebels. The more losses they inflict the more it offsets the loss of the II Corps should that eventuality come.
Union Movements:
Union forces have held on for another turn at Toll Gate Bridge. The situation is very desperate though. Heavy Union fire has inflicted heavy losses on the Confederates and a number of counterattacks have been successful in driving them back. Brig. Gen. Robert Hoke was captured during one of these attacks and his brigade left without a leader. But the situation remains largely unchanged. The Federals are holding on by their fingernails at the bridge. But at the end of the Union turn they have guaranteed, once more, that no Confederate attack will isolate them by taking Toll Gate Bridge during the ensuing Rebel movement phase. They have bought more time.
At Crums Ford the situation remains chaotic. Union regiments are crossing in greater numbers and are launching melees against any Rebel units left in their way. Archer’s Brigade is now visible a handful of hexes away and the two sides and turning towards one another for the coming clash.
At Monocacy Junction the III Corps is filtering into the lowlands across from the crossing points out of sight of the Confederate defenders.
Brogden and Mallory are in constant communication at this point about events. Both realize the dire situation of the II Corps and are preparing for the worst. They are hoping the I Corps may force the Rebels to lighten their attacks at Toll Gate Bridge or that they can keep holding out and inflict more losses on the Rebels with their massed guns east of the river. I believe both are starting to think that the II Corps is lost in another turn… two at the most.
Confederate:
Editor’s Note:
The Confederates lost five regiments routed this turn. Near Toll Gate Bridge they remain dangerous but they are losing steam quickly. The units now attacking south to try to take Toll Gate Bridge number 3,325 men. There are sixteen regiments involved in the attack from five different brigades. Four of the five brigade commanders of those units are out of the fighting and the average fatigue of the sixteen units is 442. But just five of the sixteen are disrupted to begin the turn and this is probably the best chance they will have to cause significant damage to the Federals and cause a massive rout and breakthrough.
Opposing them are 2,988 men in thirteen regiments. But of these five are either routed or isolated and their average fatigue is 417. The Federals are not in a good position to defend themselves and I expect much more Confederate success this turn than in the previous ones.
The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife right now!
Above: The situation at Toll Gate Bridge at the beginning of the Confederate turn.
Confederate Movements:
Charge! The Confederates once more threw all they had against the Federals. At Toll Gate Bridge multiple melees were launched driving the Federals back in some places. Elsewhere the Federals, occupying old trenches captured from the Confederates, have stubbornly resisted all assaults and continue to hold.
At Crums Ford Archer’s Brigade has moved into line and is going toe-to-toe with the Iron Brigade as the Confederates seek to contain the breakthrough there. Brig. Gen. Solomon Meredith was captured in the fighting by Archer’s men. Not far behind Archer are the lead units from Anderson’s 10,000-man division. These units should arrive within another hour to try and help contain the breakthrough.
Swanson continues to be fixated on the Toll Gate Bridge. He wrote Hively that, “The Yanks hardly have any units at Toll Gate that aren't disrupted or routed. I'm very close to isolating them there.”
End of Turn forty-nine:
Total Strength:
USA: 49,155 (-1,192)
CSA: 39,559 (-1,116)
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 10,078 (+1,192)
CSA: 11,261 (+1,116)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 13
CSA: 33
Right: Action intensifying at Toll Gate and Crums.
editor's note:
Another turn and the Yankees have held on! I don’t know what else to say at this point except – wow. Swanson is throwing all he has at them and they keep defying the world and holding on. I can see the cracks starting to form in the Union lines though and I don’t know if they can keep it going beyond one more turn. I think they can with a few right moves. If they can, as I said before, the losses on the Confederate side will begin to offset the possible loss of the entire II Corps. But for that to happen they need to inflict at least 2,000 more Rebel losses before being cut-off and captured.
The big question is whether Swanson can keep driving with his men for Toll Gate Bridge. I think as long as he has a single usable unit left he will keep trying. The next Union turn will be critical. If they can continue to pour artillery fire into the Rebels they may score a critical rout or two and disrupt enough men to slow the attack.
It is turn by turn by turn at this point and each one matters more than the last.
This is what gaming is all about! Let’s carry on and see what happens!
Turn Fifty
3:00 PM, September 6, Rain (Visibility: 10 Hexes)
Union:
Editor’s Note:
This turn saw the Union forces begin to really crack around Toll Gate Bridge. Numerous routs and the loss of Colonel Norman J. Hall has led to a mess around the bridge. But… the line holds! Mallory still has an effective force to fight with and will be able to hold out… stop me if this is familiar… one more turn! By the skin of his teeth. The Federal units utilizing the captured Confederate trenches are holding on and not budging. Other units are well-led and managing to just hold a cordon around the bridge. But the Union is now out of units, reserves, and just about out of time and space. Mallory’s position will fall barring some miracle. His goal now should be to take as many “damned rebels” as he can with him!
Mallory and Brogden discussed events before their turn. Brogden suggested trying to send support from Crums Ford north to relieve pressure on the II Corps. But Mallory insisted that the overall goal should remain to take and hold Monocacy Junction. Mallory has a line of sight behind Reich Ridge and wrote, “There is no great mass of Rebel reinforcements behind the ridge at the Toll Gate. Hancock ‘The Superb’ may just be able to hold the Rebs off!”
​
Union Movements:
The Federals have not given an inch this turn. Mallory has continued to bring up just enough men to keep holding Toll Gate Bridge. Strong Union offensive fire this turn inflicted heavy losses on the attacking Rebels.
To the south at Crums Ford the Federals have continued to move across the ford and have finally cleared out the last defenders from Scales Brigade. Archer’s men are now trying to attack and disrupt the Union crossing and it will be a brawl to keep the path open from now on. Cutler’s Brigade is fully across with Day’s US Regulars coming up behind them.
Further south at Monocacy Junction a few random and unfortunate routs have halted the progress of the III Corps to build up around the crossings. The bulk of the men are still under cover but if the Rebs are observant they will realize something is up by the number of regiments suddenly crossing a few hilltops in the distance.
Mallory wrote Brogden that, “If enough of the Rebs around the Toll Gate rout this turn and the rest back off, I might just not fire any artillery - and let them think we have run out (or at least are low), luring them back in for a final charge. For now, though, the artillery is about all that's saving Hancock's bacon. Overall, the Rebs have lost more of everything (infantry, cavalry, artillery, supply, AND leaders) than we have. The Rebs haven't learned their lesson yet about the Mixed Organization Penalty. In the Toll Gate area, they have five hexes with more than one unit (at least, adjacent to one of ours - close enough we can see their flags and identify the unit) - and four of those contain units of different brigades.”
Confederate:
Editor’s Note:
Routs! This was a very bitter turn for the Rebs I believe. The momentum has swung! Swanson’s right flank, the opposite of the one he is driving south on the bridge with, was badly routed and weakened. While he can repair the damage it will slow him down putting pressure on both flanks of the II Corps. On the important flank which is driving for Toll Gate Bridge the turn was equally bad. Mallory has blocked all routes to the bridge and guaranteed Swanson cannot reach the bridge for yet another turn. Does that sound familiar? Mallory continues to plug units into gaps when needed while the Rebels throw all they can against them. A few key routs this time have significantly weakened the attack's power for this upcoming Rebel move. Swanson has some undisrupted units still to commit to the fighting but they are fewer, heavily fatigued, and weaker than needed. If I were Swanson this would be the turn I ordered a retreat and attempted to just save what I could. But Swanson doesn’t believe in retreating so I expect him to attack still. But I don’t believe he can take the bridge now. This is the turn it all unraveled for the Confederate attackers.
As predicted Swanson’s attack has continued. He continues to push as hard as he can at the Toll Gate but made very little progress this turn as he could only manage one minor melee win. Elsewhere Hampton’s cavalrymen, depleted to a shadow of their former selves, made a mounted charge into the Union lines south of Reich Ridge. While succeeding in the charge Brig. Gen. Wade Hampton was wounded and sent back to the rear.
At Crums Ford Wilcox’s Brigade of Anderson’s Division has begun to move into line as Archer’s Brigade charged directly into the I Corps units now across the river.
End of Turn fifty:
Total Strength:
USA: 48,404 (-751)
CSA: 38,840 (-719)
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 10,829 (+751)
CSA: 11,980 (+719)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 13
CSA: 33
Right: The brutal fighting continues at Toll Gate while it grows greater at Crums Ford
editor's note:
Another bloody turn for everyone west of the river. Both sides are really tearing each other up.
The I Corps can’t easily expect to hold their gains west of the river. The situation there is simply not winnable in the long-term unless the III Corps can put incredible pressure on Monocacy Junction and cause part of Anderson’s Division to veer in that direction. Also, II Corps needs to hold out at Toll Gate to keep the Confederates occupied there. Unless these things happen then the weight of Anderson’s Division, and reinforcements from north and south of Crums Ford, will hit the toehold of the I Corps from multiple directions. It is possible the I Corps could face the same isolation risks as II Corps is fighting against.
The breakthrough at Crums Ford was, briefly, a huge threat. But the arrival of Anderson’s entire division will be enough to stop their further advance for the time being. Coupled with the timely arrival of Archer’s men the Confederates have dodged a disaster there. If the Federals could have had artillery supporting them, as at Toll Gate Bridge, the situation would be different. But in the fighting around Crums Ford it is only Confederate artillery blasting away as the Federal guns are still far to the rear. Also, the ground for artillery is far superior on the Confederate side for a change.