047 - Hagerstown March
More About This Scenario
Don't you hate those small Antietam regiments? Ever wished you could re-fight that campaign without the decimated ranks of Lee's army being an issue? Now you can. Not only can you refight the campaign, you may actually turn the tables on the Federals in this scenario with commanding advantages in artillery numbers and infantry quality.
On paper, this hardly even looks like a very fair scenario. The Confederates have numerous advantages. But the game records state this scenario is won equally by both sides. What gives?
Let's find out by exploring the numbers and seeing what they can tell us.
Analyzing the Numbers
These numbers are almost all advantageous to the Confederate side. While the Federals have a respectable 3.79 quality, it pales when compared to our 4.68. We also have more brigades and regiments on the field. We have 122 regiments with high quality ratings while the Yankees have just 25. Yes, the Yankees have more infantrymen, but who cares? Their advantage is not so great that it can overcome the qualitative advantage nor the regimental advantage we have.
The Federals do have more cavalrymen in the battle. But their regiments are large and they have just three more regiments than does Stuart with the Confederate cavalry force. Their quality is also very poor when compared to the Rebel cavalry. They rate a full x1.5 points lower than the Confederates in this battle.
The artillery numbers are the most jarring of all. We have 115 sections and the Federals just 32! That is a major advantage. While the Yankees have more ammunition, we still have enough to make their life miserable here. Take advantage of the scenario and appreciate the fact that you finally have the Yankees outgunned.
Did you know?
Brig. Gen. John R. Jones led Jackson's Division at Antietam. Jones' picture in the WDS game is a postwar picture where he shows an advanced age. He was actually just 35 at the Battle of Antietam. He would later be accused of cowardice after both Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
Union Changes
The Federal army is missing both the 9th and 12th Corps from their army in this scenario. They are their two weakest corps in terms of quality and so this actually isn't all that bad for the Federals.
Depleted Leadership
It can be difficult to remember who commands what in this scenario as there are many divisions and brigades under alternate leaders. Heavy losses dating back to the Seven Days Campaign had greatly crippled the command staffs of both armies. At Antietam, for example, Jackson's Wing is missing two of four division commanders, while also having many brigades under replacement leaders.
Partially because of this, the Confederate ratings for Command and Leadership are a bit lower than you might expect. But there are still many quality leaders in this scenario. The foursome of Lee, Longstreet, Jackson, and Stuart usually ensure that you your units will receive at least one or two bonus morale points per turn.
Pass the Ammo
The Confederates have a very large amount of small arms ammunition in this battle. They have far more ammo than the Federals. In an 86-turn battle, that matters. You have 19 Supply Wagons on the field which will give you lots of flexibility as far as where to use and send your wagons.
Did you know?
Brig. Gen. John G. Walker makes his final appearance in the eastern theater in this battle (much like S.D. Lee). He would be sent to the west after the battle and would ably lead an all-Texas division in the Trans-Mississippi Department. He would serve in the west until the end of the war.
The Scenario Setup
The Confederates are somewhat "chopped up" with three of Jackson's four divisions marching on Hagerstown in the far north, while Longstreet's five divisions are moving on Sharpsburg in the south. Jackson's fourth division, under DH Hill, is in the far south near Crampton's Gap. Because of this, DH Hill will more than likely be operating in a detached status for the battle. Stuart's Division is massed in the center of the map between the two forces.
The Federals advance across a broad front with the First and Second corps coming from the southeast and the Fifth and Sixth corps from the northeast. The Federal cavalry is massed ahead of the Sixth Corps in the north moving for Hagerstown.
The objective hexes are next to worthless on the map. Whoever wins this will need to outkill their opponent.
Personal Conclusion
Moderate Rebel Advantage
This scenario is lopsided. There is no other word I can think of. We have a ton of advantages here. Better soldiers, more artillery, more supplies, and a better setup. But the recorded Department of Records results seem to indicate that this scenario is fairer than might be reflected here. I'd partially chalk it up to a small sample size. You either need to be unlucky or facing a very good opponent to be defeated here. And that's okay. I've lost games I should have won before. But this is one scenario you should win - at least on paper.
I would warn players that the scenario will be perceived as harder for the Rebs at the start with Jackson's men. The Federals come at you there with the scary and large 6th Corps. They will also have a lot of cavalry support from Pleasonton. But just hold on with Jackson and trade blows with them - they will break first.
Tactical Tips
1) Artillery Beatdown.
With all your extra guns and units, make the Yankees lives miserable by setting them up everywhere. Create fields of crossfire with your artillery and force the Yankees to skip to your tune. Try to capture or destroy their artillery units to really hurt them. With just 32 batteries on the field, the Yankees cannot easily afford to lose more than a couple before their firepower and offensive capabilities are greatly reduced.
2) Fight One Union Wing or the Other.
Because the Union wings begin the battle widely separated, the opportunity exists to attack them individually. Utilizing your cavalry and some infantry you can delay the two Union halves from uniting while you concentrate on attacking one wing and uniting your own army.
3) DH Hill's Precarious Position.
Because of DH Hill's starting position, he is in a very tight spot on the southern edge of the map. If a Confederate player is going to lose this battle it is likely the result of DH Hill's Division being cut-off and destroyed. The Federals can begin to cut off the roads from his position to the north right at the start if they move quickly enough. You then need to have a plan for DH Hill's Division right away and find a way to get them to safety. Maybe head into the hills and have the Yankees chase you through awful terrain (giving the rest of your army time to defeat the separated wings of theirs)? Just be careful with DH Hill.
Final Thoughts
This is an interesting scenario with some strong imbalances in it. But the setup looks so intriguing that it is often one that is played by both sides enthusiastically. Make sure you know your strengths and weaknesses going into this battle.