Turn Seven
7:40 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
The XIX Corps now began an advance towards Berryville by moving a number of hexes closer to the Confederate lines. Confederate fire disabled one artillery piece and inflicted scattered casualties on the other units while advancing. The VI Corps continued to adjust its lines into a defensive posture utilizing as many natural defensive positions as they could ahead of the oncoming Confederate lines. The VI Corps’ large artillery column has arrived and will begin to unlimber during the next turn to provide support.
At this point Will was convinced that the brunt of the attack was now falling upon Ashdoll’s forces to the west. In this he was correct. He wrote to Ashdoll that he would attack southward against Berryville to draw pressure off of the VI Corps. Knowing it was Colwell who led the Confederate forces in the west he wrote, “Colwell is in berserker mode and that will not change when his cavalry comes on. It doesn’t help our cause that he has very good A-rated troops. You must be a rock that he bleeds on. Remember, every time he melees with 3 or 4 units against just one of yours, even if he wins… all those units get fatigued……. Chess not checkers. I wish he had engaged you further from his line and closer to ours, but it is what it is. I think the Rebs have the advantage of good roads to support their offense and hinder ours. It may be time to look to defense, until your guns come up and make his assaults more costly to him.”
Confederate:
The Confederates have halted their advance in the west at the moment as they consolidate their own lines in front of the Federal VI Corps. To the east the troops of Breckinridge’s Corps have opened fire on the XIX Corps which has began to advance towards Berryville. Gordon’s Division, which had been heading west, has now halted to come in on the left of Wharton’s Division.
Swanson wrote confidently to Colwell that, “I'm starting to have some fun blasting at his units in the open who have yet to get their artillery up. If he doesn't take care he may need to limber them up again as their infantry support will be weakened and I may be in a position to charge his guns. I'm moving Gordon's Division in to support Wharton as it seems a lot of Yankees are coming down the road towards my main position. I'm trying to move a cavalry unit unseen to a position in the rear so I can see what is going on back there as their last turn replay was long so there must be a lot of units moving unseen behind their lines.”
End of Turn seven:
Total Strength:
USA: 24,179
CSA: 19,533
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 693 (+198)
CSA: 587 (+71)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 1
CSA: 0
Right: The overhead map of the battlefield. Both sides are fighting heavily in the west while Breckinridge's western division under Gordon has turned northward to attack between the Union forces.
editor's note:
I have to admit that the advance of XIX Corps confuses me. I get that the Yanks want to relieve pressure on the VI Corps but advancing frontally against an increasingly fortified position with plenty of artillery support seems like a poor way to go about it. Ideally it would make more sense to have moved the 2nd Division of the XIX Corps to the east and began a flanking march around Berryville. This would have taken a few turns to develop but by turning the enemy flank, or even threatening to, it would have accomplished the same thing. It also would have forced the Confederates to extend their own lines quite a bit. Gordon had moved to the west of Wharton leaving now real force to extend Breckinridge’s right flank. Luckily for the Rebs it does not seem like it will be necessary to do so at this point.
Another option for the Yanks would have been to move the 2nd Division west to support the VI Corps and assume the Confederates would not be anxious to attack into the teeth of the Federal position near Whittington’s Shop. Doing so would have kept the main battle far from the Union objective and still have allowed plenty of time for the oncoming Army of West Virginia to take up a position near Whittington’s.
Will the Union keep up the move south towards Berryville or will they fall back to better defensive ground where they were before? They can’t stay where they are so they need to either attack or fall back.
Turn Eight
8:00 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
Before the turn began Ashdoll and Will had another discussion about the movements of the XIX Corps. Ashdoll wrote that the advance should remain a mere “feint” as opposed to a “full scale” attack. “We need to try to limit our casualties and prepare to retreat at any time. The losses may not be worth distracting the Rebels and interrupting their entrenching. I think you‘d better retreat immediately next turn to limit losses. Our purpose has been finished. I believe if Rebs refuse to recall their forces in the next turn, they won't recall them in later turns. It is in vain to keep attacking for more turns.” He went on to say the VI Corps position was still holding and would just fall back if pressed hard enough. If forced back they would move closer to Whittington’s Shop and incoming Federal reinforcements from the east. The Federal Cavalry Corps was also about to arrive from the west for more support.
The XIX Corps fell back a few hexes this turn after taking a few licks during their last turn. They have taken up positions in the southernmost edges of some wooded areas and along a slight elevation southwest of Whittington’s Shop. The VI Corps continues to hold their position in the west with more artillery pieces now unlimbering. The Army of West Virginia has begun to arrive as has the Cavalry Corps. Both units will arrive quickly over the next hour.
Discussing what to do with the oncoming Army of West Virginia and the Cavalry Corps Ashdoll wrote to Will his plans. “I want the XIX Corps to defend south of Whittington’s Shop and our left flank. It is advisable to start building more breastworks at this point. Given that Army of West Virginia is on the way, our left flank can be regarded as safe now. I want Army of West Virginia to defend the big hole between your force and mine while leaving a division in a central reserve. I will send one Cavalry Division to screen the hole between us until the infantry arrives. After that they may serve as a reserve or flank guards, based on conditions.”
Confederate:
With the Federals falling back from Berryville the Confederates have been emboldened to make their own demonstration in the center of the battlefield. This gap between the known Federal lines is just north of Gordon’s Division. Cheatham’s men continue to put pressure on the VI Corps but are not attacking fully. They did manage to wound Colonel William Ball leading of the brigades of Ricketts’ division. Ball is the first officer casualty of the contest.
End of Turn eight:
Total Strength:
USA: 31,886
CSA: 23,611
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 863 (+170)
CSA: 710 (+123)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 1
CSA: 0
Right: The overhead map of the battlefield. The arrival of the leading cavalry units for both sides is visible to the west while the Army of West Virginia begins to arrive from the east.
editor's note:
The gap between the two Union forces is a large one at the moment and the Confederates are well positioned to exploit it. If they move quickly they can turn the flank of either the VI Corps or the XIX Corps. But if they are delayed or meet resistance the Federal Army of West Virginia is moving rapidly to fill the gap. It is a race.
Turn Nine
8:20 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
The Federals to the east have stopped falling back and have once more solidified their line south of Whittington’s Shop. All remains status quo with the VI Corps as they hold out against Cheatham’s Corps in the west. The Cavalry Corps and Army of West Virginia continued to arrive by the thousands and are marching towards the sound of the firing.
Confederate:
The division of Maj. Gen. John C. Brown is advancing methodically up the Jones Road towards the left flank of the VI Corps. On their right flank the division of Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon is also advancing into the open area between the two Federal halves. Elsewhere along the lines the firing continues while the leading units of Forrest’s Cavalry Corps arrive from the west.
With the arrival of Forrest’s Cavalry the conversation has now turned to how to best use them. Swanson began the discussion. “Overall, it looks like there's a big gap between their two forces and that they are operating as separate Corps with separate objectives rather than as one army with one goal. Perhaps (I'm not sure) it may be better to send Forrest through the middle of their two forces. What do you think?” Colwell liked the idea and replied that, “I like your idea of rushing Forrest up the middle due to the way the Federals left their flank open.”
End of Turn nine:
Total Strength:
USA: 35,889
CSA: 28,700
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 1,104 (+241)
CSA: 870 (+160)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 1
CSA: 0
Right: The overhead map of the battlefield. Gordon's men are advancing across the center of the battlefield.
editor's note:
The Union forces have become fairly stationary and I feel like the momentum and initiative are with the Confederates at the moment. The Federals have the manpower to regain control of events but need to start shuffling them around more to take advantage of their numbers. The next few turns will be rough until held arrives in the center.
Above: The advance of Gordon's Division is heading right for the gap between the VI Corps and the XIX Corps.
Turn Ten
8:40 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
A small advance on the Union right flank drove back some of Cleburne’s men. Elsewhere the Federals traded volleys with the advancing men of Brown’s Division along Jones Road.
Despite the advancing Confederate forces Will remained optimistic that the oncoming Army of West Virginia would arrive in time “smash into him” and drive the Rebels back.
Confederate:
The Confederates advanced boldly this turn into the gap between the Union forces. Driving around the right flank of the XIX Corps they are now poised to sweep around the Union position and force a general withdrawal from their positions south of Whittington’s Shop. Forrest’s Cavalrymen are rapidly advancing northward along both the Old Tavern Road and Jones Road to reinforce the Rebel left and center.
Swanson wrote to Colwell that, “It looks like you have Ashdoll and the VI Corps in big trouble. I think all the US cavalry is heading away from him so it is possible that he could be flanked on both the left and the right by your cavalry. When you feel the time is right, attack. For now, continue to shoot him up and keep in cover as much as possible. Will might be in equally big trouble with the XIX Corps. He may have to fall back or he's going to be flanked as I'll soon be in the small forest behind (to the north-west of) his position. They may have to send their cavalry to support Will as they will be concerned about their Objective being taken. If they commit their cavalry against me that may be a good time to move against Ashdoll - wait and see. Will has a lot of reinforcements coming down the road from the north-east. I'll have one of my two cavalry units at that road in his rear in a couple of moves and that may give them some concern that we have a lot of cavalry following it and they may have to divert some of their force against it. I'm hoping they sent a big chunk of their cavalry over there.”
End of Turn ten:
Total Strength:
USA: 41,741
CSA: 33,034
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 1,507 (+403)
CSA: 1,202 (+332)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 1
CSA: 0
Right: The overhead map of the battlefield. The men of Gordon's Division are turning the flank of the XIX Corps southwest of Whittington's Shop. Reinforcements are rushing to the area.
editor's note:
With the aggressive arrival of Forrest’s Cavalry on Ashdoll’s weakening flank I believe the tide could be permanently turning in this battle. The Federals have a large force still unbloodied but they are being turned out of some of their prepared defensive positions and back onto neutral ground. They should be able to hold their objective at Whittington’s Shop but the fate of the VI Corps may determine the battle. If they are cut off and chopped up by Forrest and Cleburne it could spell defeat for Sheridan’s Army of the Shenandoah. How the Federal Cavalry Corps is used will be critical over the next hour.
Turn Eleven
9:00 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
Before beginning the turn the Federals had a brief discussion of strategy. Ashdoll informed Will that his VI Corps would soon be exhausted from such heavy fighting all morning and would be compromised in its ability to stay engaged as the hours wore on. The oncoming Confederates through the center of the Union position was also discussed but it was hoped the arrival of the Army of West Virginia would strike the Federals and throw them back before they could rout the XIX Corps from their positions.
The Federals continued to stand and fight all along their lines. The VI Corps launched a limited counterattack on the Confederate left flank (Cleburne’s Division) while also refusing the right flank of the XIX Corps as the Confederates threatened to turn it.
Confederate:
Attack was the order of the moment. All across the Confederate lines the infantry and cavalry surged forward to assault the Union lines. On Cleburne’s front the units advanced against the Federals for a point-blank exchange of fire. Brig. Gen. Mark Lowrey, leading one of Cleburne’s brigades, was wounded during the action. Behind Cleburne the men of Lomax’s Cavalry Division have gathered and are ready to ride around the Federal flank once an opening appears through a field (right now they are hemmed in by forests on all sides). In the center the men of Brown’s Division, supported by Chalmers’ Division of Cavalry, have attacked the other flank of the VI Corps. A number of attacks were launched but the only successful one did manage to capture four enemy cannon as they drove back the supporting infantry. On Breckinridge’s front his two divisions were both advancing now against the XIX Corps. Gordon’s men struck the flank of the XIX Corps while Wharton’s men attacked them frontally. A charge by Col. George Patton’s Virginians captured four more Federal guns and punched a hole in the center of the Union line southwest of Whittington’s Shop.
At Confederate HQ the mood was ecstatic, “Although it's early in the battle I feel this could be the turning point. We may be able to deal them such a crushing blow in the next few moves that they will be unable to recover. Hoorah for Jeff Davis and the Confederacy!” Colwell wrote to Swanson of his plans for Forrest and Cleburne. “I plan to take Forrest and Cleburne and attack his left flank [of the VI Corps] this coming turn. I plan to then follow up with the second punch the following turn as the other cavalry division under Fitz Lee heads up to engage his right flank. I figure the first assault will have him offset enough that he won't see the second hit coming.”
End of Turn eleven:
Total Strength:
USA: 43,102
CSA: 32,864
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 2,323 (+816)
CSA: 2,408 (+1,206)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 9
CSA: 0
Right: The overhead map of the battlefield. Gordon's men have curved around the XIX Corps right flank.
editor's note:
A crazy turn here! The Confederates are being very aggressive and it is reaping dividends for them. Their assaults are routing a handful of Federal units while also bagging artillery pieces which anchored the Union line. Their momentum seems unstoppable at the moment and I wonder whether the Federals will be able to hold them back. The fight is not over yet though and there is still a chance the Army of West Virginia can arrive to stabilize the situation. But as they arrive so to does the Confederate corps of D.H. Hill from the south. While the Federals have a slight manpower advantage their real advantage was with artillery numbers. The more guns they lose the harder it will be for them to resist the waves of Confederate infantry, many of them crack veteran troops, attacking them.
​
Gordon's men are making great progress but will eventually tire. DH Hill's men need to head to the center to reinforce them or attack directly up the Berryville Pike to join the battle.
Above: The advance of Gordon's Division against the right flank of the XIX Corps. Wharton's Division to the south is only partially engaged. DH Hill is moving up the Berryville Pike at present.
Turn Twelve
9:20 AM, October 17, 1864, Clear Skies (Visibility: 70 Hexes)
Union:
The Federals have stood tall and held their lines as best they could. The XIX Corps has taken up a line at a right angle and is now planning on holding until the Army of West Virginia can arrive to relieve them. In limited moves and counterattacks the Federals have isolated 900 Confederate infantrymen under Colonel Patton within the Union lines. At the start of the next turn they will be isolated and very vulnerable. Whether or not the Federals will be able to hold the through remains to be seen. In the center of the battlefield the cavalrymen of Merritt’s 1st Division have arrived and are rushing into positions to delay and contest the advance of Gordon’s Division before the arrival of infantry in a few turns. The 2nd Division is reinforcing the VI Corps and moving to halt Forrest’s flanking move around their right flank. The 3rd Division of the Cavalry Corps is still coming up but now at the Jones Road.
The Federals seem just as confident as the Rebels do of victory at the moment. Will writing to Ashdoll that, “I’d say this battle is going very well. A few more of our men bolted, but that is to be expected when facing Rebs with A and B quality after a strong melee. I counterattacked and have several Rebel regiments of higher quality encircled. They won’t be isolated till next turn, but I’d like to melee them anyway to keep them disrupted and stop them from charging my cannons during their turn. The Army of West Virginia is fast approaching and can easily hit them hard if they keep pushing in the center. Colwell is charging you like a madman, and sent his cavalry straight in at you. Good luck!”
Confederate:
This was a very aggressive turn for the Rebels. All along the lines from west to east their were strong attacks trying to drive back and rout the Federal forces. On Cheatham’s front there were multiple attacks by both Brown’s and Cleburne’s division reinforced by Forrest’s troopers. In half of these they were successful in driving back the Federals but they lost quite a few men in the process. Brig. Gen. James A. Smith of Cleburne’s Division was wounded in the assaults. The main melee occurred on the Confederate left flank where a combined cavalry and infantry force charged against three Pennsylvania regiments anchoring the Federal right flank. Should this melee succeed it would seemingly throw open the Union flank. Unfortunately for the Rebels the Yankees were able to hold on and repulse their charge.
To the east the men of Breckinridge’s Corps continued battling the XIX Corps southwest of Whittington’s Shop. The isolated Virginia units under Patton tried to extricate themselves but only managed to move one hex rearwards before enemy units blocked their path again. But numerous other Confederate units were on hand and attacking in an attempt to disrupt and rout the Federals to keep them from exploiting their advantage over the isolated Virginians. Numerous melees were launched which managed to throw back a few units. Would it be enough?
End of Turn twelve:
Total Strength:
USA: 43,247
CSA: 30,835
​
Total Casualties (infantry + cavalry):
USA: 3,403 (+1,080)
CSA: 4,437 (+2,029)
​
Artillery Losses:
USA: 12
CSA: 0
Right: The overhead map of the battlefield. Both sides are committing their cavalry to battle across the map. In the center Gordon's men are running out of momentum just as the Army of West Virginia and cavalry support is arriving.
editor's note:
Things have really gotten bloody very fast! I am stunned by how fast the losses have accumulated here. The Confederates have had the momentum but have suffered very heavily from their numerous frontal attacks. I think that they are hoping a massive Union rout will occur which will spread along the entire Union front and cause them to give up substantial portions of the field as they fall back to regroup. Instead, the Federals have held together well and are even counterattacking selectively to cause maximum disruptions to the Confederate plans. The isolated units on the Rebel right are very troubling. The Confederates did nearly as much as they could to extricate these men but they are still precariously exposed and susceptible to capture or heavy losses should they be meleed next turn.
Will the Federals be able to turn the tide next turn? Let’s see.