On Saturday the local HMGS-South group played an American Civil War game at the Dogs of War shop. The rules were Black Powder and the scenario (modified from Johnny Reb) was based on the action at Salem Church during the battle of Chancellorsville.
The 15mm figures used were generously donated to several Florida HMGS groups.
Initial positions with the Union on the right on Toll House ridge and Confederates on the left split between the Salem Church ridge and the valley below. The entire valley floor is scrub providing light cover.
Union troops around the Toll House.
Brown’s Brigade has advanced rapidly to the Confederate skirmish lines, forcing them back. Bartlett’s Brigade moves slower on the Union left. Artillery advances down the turnpike. Confederate reinforcements (Semmes’ Brigade, to be followed by Mahoone’s) are slowed by the congestion on the turnpike.
Confederate fire from Wilcox and Semmes, and a flank threat by skirmishing dismounted cavalry have halted Brown’s Brigade, but Bartlett continues to sweep forward through the woods on the Union left.
After several turns of sitting idle on Toll House ridge, Russell’s Brigade rushes across the valley to extend the Union right. This ends the threat to Brown by Semmes’ Brigade and forces the enfilading Confederate battery to retreat. Bartlett has reached Salem Church ridge on the Union left. Mahone’s Brigade has arrived and is deploying on the Confederate left.
Tactically, the action ends with a stalemate at nightfall like the historic action, but for the overall battle that is all the Confederates needed. The Union VI Corps will not be able to move on Chancellorsville.
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