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I have always felt that WDS Antietam is one of the best all-around games in the Civil War series. From Bull Run to Antietam, this game covers the first year of the Civil War in northern Virginia and Maryland.

 

CONTENT

34 Total Scenarios Recommended

   10 Rated "Excellent"

9 Scenario Guides to Explore

​

NOTE: ALL NUMBERS HERE REFLECT THE ACTIVE STRENGTHS OF THE ARMIES. THESE NUMBERS DO NOT INCLUDE PERMANENTLY FIXED UNITS.

​

21 Turns

001 - Blackburn's Ford (Historical)

My Rating: Good

9,699

8,958

341

400

16

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

8,585

7,470

690

425

17


Description - (Historical, 21 Turns) General Tyler deploys one of his Union brigades near Blackburn's Ford. The Confederates, having crossed Bull Run Creek, are waiting for the Union attack.

Analysis - This battle can go a few different ways. An observant Union opponent may realize he can just march to the Stone Bridge and Ball's Ford south of it and gather enough objective points to secure a Minor Victory. This would then turn the tables on the Rebels and force them to take the offensive if they want to win the battle. More likely, the Union opponent will attack towards Blackburn's Ford and follow the historical script. With Jones's Brigade FIXED through the battle you will have three brigades against the Union's four. It will be hard for the Federals to force a crossing in front of Bonham so they will likely stick to Blackburn's Ford. If the Union gets up against Blackburn's Ford with artillery and infantry on the high ground, you could be in for a rough afternoon. Maybe try a spoiling attack with Bonham?

 

001 Map.jpg

45 Turns

002 - First Bull Run (Historical)

My Rating: Good

22,461

21,020

341

1,100

44

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

29,820

26,430

2,015

1,375

55


Description - (Historical, 45 Turns) Following the failed attack of the 18th on Blackburn's Ford, General McDowell formed the following plan. 1) Richardson's brigade will make a false attack on Blackburn's Ford. 2) Tyler's division is to move from Centerville towards the stone bridge on the Warrenton turnpike. A feign for the main attack. 3) The divisions of Hunter and Heintzelman will leave camp and diverge from the Warrenton turnpike at the by-road beyond Cub Run and take the road for Sudley Springs. These two divisions will launch the main attack on the Confederate right flank. 4) Miles' division will stay in reserve on the Centerville ridge.

Analysis - This will always be a fun scenario to play because of both its historical significance and its unique setup and battlefield. It is a real thinking man's scenario and one that can play out in numerous ways based on the early moves both players make. Your army at First Bull Run dominates. Don't fear the Yankees at all here and push the bluebellies right out of Virginia. 

 

002 Map.jpg

42 Turns

005 - First Bull Run v.3

 My Rating: Excellent 

27,193

25,577

341

1,275

51

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

29,670

26,430

2,015

1,225

49


Description - (What If, 42 Turns) Eager for a quick victory, both Union and Confederate forces are moving toward each other at a rapid pace.  Both sides are seeking to be the first to cross Bull Run Creek and engage in battle.

Analysis - How aggressive are you? Will your opponent be as equally aggressive and fight it out along the line of the Bull Run at Blackburn's Ford, or will the battle become one of maneuver? My advice is to let the Yanks cross Blackburn's Ford if they want, then battle them while their backs are to the creek.

 

005 Map.jpg

40 Turns

006 - First Bull Run v.4

My Rating: Good

28,791

27,225

341

1,225

49

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

29,320

26,430

2,015

875

35


Description - (What if, 40 Turns) A meeting engagement.  No VP hexes, except two exit hexes for both sides.  

Analysis - A pretty good setup for a meeting engagement. Hunter, Heintzelman, and Runyon arrive from the northern side of the map (from different hexes) while Tyler and Miles arrive along the Warrenton Pike. Beauregard's Army arrives from the south while Johnston's Army comes from the west along the Pike. The only downside is the absence of Beauregard's reserve artillery. But, I suppose, it does make it a little fairer for the Yanks.

 

Map 006.jpg

010 - First Bull Run v.8

My Rating: Good

35 Turns

22,461

21,020

341

1,100

44

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

24,079

20,889

2,015

1,175

47


Description - (What if, 35 Turns) This variation of the historical scenario will begin later and both opposing sides will be nearly ready to engage for position on the field of battle.  

Analysis - Both armies are deployed and ready for battle in this setup. The Federals have Miles's division FIXED while the Rebels are without the brigades of Ewell, Holmes, and Jones. While these Confederate brigades have a 50% chance to release at 4 PM, they would hardly have enough time to join the battle. Therefore, I subtracted their numbers from the figures above. This is a great setup if you are looking to jump right into a battle. Both sides have some advantages and disadvantages at the start and both will have to compensate in some ways for these. 

 

010 Map.jpg

12 Turns

011- Matthew's Hill

My Rating: Good

6,274

5,608

341

325

13

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

5,106

4,691

190

225

9


Description - (Historical, 12 Turns)  The initial attack after crossing Sudley Ford. The 2nd Rhode Islanders will make first contact against Evans' Confederate brigade.  The battle will slowly escalate.

Analysis - Historically the battle on Matthew's Hill took up a number of crucial hours and set up the success later in the battle on Henry House Hill. In this scenario the Confederates slowly are reinforced against the advancing Federal forces. Watch out for the superior Union artillery. If they are foolish enough to leave their guns open to a quick charge and capture - do it. A fun, short, little scenario. 

 

Map 011.jpg

12 Turns

012 - Henry Hill

My Rating: Good

7,954

7,504

0

450

18

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

12,697

12,137

335

225

9


Description - (Historical, 12 Turns)  McDowell sends Captain Griffin's and Rickett's batteries to Henry Hill.  Jackson stands his ground.  Keyes has been redeployed and is out of the action.  Evans, Bee, and Bartow have been driven back.   Union forces will attempt to take Henry Hill.  (Best play as the Rebels against the Union A/I)

Analysis - For the Confederates, most of our infantry begins the battle largely routed, fatigued, and separated from Jackson's Brigade atop Henry Hill. The Federals will probably be coming quickly once released and it is advisable to reinforce Jackson as quickly as you can. The Union guns are dominant here and there just isn't much you can do about it. Significant Confederate reinforcements do arrive but only near the end of the battle - but they can still influence the result. Keyes's brigade is fixed on the Confederate right flank. While our numbers are commanding on paper, on the battlefield our forces are mostly weakened by previous fighting in the day and/or FIXED for periods of time. You must count on Jackson's Brigade to save the day.

 

Map 012.jpg

12 Turns

013 - Henry Hill v.1

My Rating: Good

10,223

9,773

0

450

18

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

9,769

9,209

335

225

9


Description - (What if, 12 Turns) (This variation has no routed or fixed units) McDowell sends Captain Griffin's and Rickett's batteries to Henry Hill. Jackson stands his ground. Keyes has been redeployed. Evans, Bee, and Bartow have been driven back. Union forces will attempt to take Henry Hill. (Best play as the Rebels against the Union A/I)

Analysis - The lack of routed Confederate units and the unfixed Federal forces make this short scenario a little more eventful and interesting than scenario 012. There are fewer Confederate reinforcements in this battle compared to that scenario, though the immediate availability of Bee's, Bartow's, and Evans's men makes up for that. This is really just a slugging match. Stick in the trees when you can and avoid being hit hard by their artillery. 

 

Map 013.jpg

81 Turns

014 - 2nd Bull Run (Historical)

My Rating: Good

66,915

58,166

5,149

3,600

144

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

50,860

43,224

3,436

4,200

168


Description - (Historical, 81 Turns) The Union army, now commanded by General Pope is moving to attack Jackson's isolated Corps. Unaware that another Confederate Corps, commanded by General Longstreet is fast approaching, Pope launches a series of poorly coordinated attacks. Once in position, Longstreet launches a surprise attack to crush the Union left flank. 

Analysis - This scenario is a fun one to play - sometimes. It lacks the grand element of maneuver that we Confederates usually enjoy and tosses us into a battle right from the start. With little room to maneuver, no inner lines to utilize, and a creek to our backs, this isn't going to be a battle of maneuver but rather one of battering one another until one side simply gives up. 

 

SBR.jpg

81 Turns

019 - 2nd Bull Run v.5

My Rating: Good

66,915

58,166

5,149

3,600

144

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

50,860

43,224

3,436

4,200

168


Description - (What if, 81 Turns) The Union army, now commanded by General Pope is moving to attack Jackson's isolated Corps. Unaware that another Confederate Corps, commanded by General Longstreet is fast approaching, Pope launches a series of poorly coordinated attacks. Once in position, Longstreet launches a surprise attack to crush the Union left flank. The 1st Division of the 1st Corps of the Army of Virginia has been repositioned to the Northeast. Hood's Confederate Division has been redeployed north of Jackson's Corps.

Analysis - I really like this setup as it allows the focus of the battle to be more evenly divided across the board. Moving Hood to the Confederate left aides Jackson quite a bit as he has ready support for Hill's men against any Federal attack in that area. On the Confederate right it does take a bit longer for Longstreet's men to arrive (as Hood was first in line and is now absent) and Early and Hays must work together to combat the Pennsylvania Reserves until the arrival of Longstreet in a few hours. 

 

Map 019.jpg

81 Turns

020 - 2nd Bull Run v.6

 My Rating: Excellent 

66,915

58,166

5,149

3,600

144

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

50,860

43,224

3,436

4,200

168


Description - (What if, 81 Turns) The Union army, now commanded by General Pope is moving to attack Jackson's isolated Corps. Unaware that another Confederate Corps, commanded by General Longstreet is fast approaching, Pope launches a series of poorly coordinated attacks. Once in position, Longstreet launches a surprise attack to crush the Union left flank. Pa Res Division repositioned to the Northeast. Hood's Confederate Division has been redeployed to the north of Jackson's Corps. 

Analysis - This is probably the best of the alternative 2nd Bull Run scenarios. The absence of Reynolds significantly lessens the pressure on Early and Hays to keep the road cleared for Longstreet's arrival. Schenck's division is still opposing them, but they are a weaker division than Reynolds. 

 

Map 019.jpg

10 Turns

023 - Battle of Groveton (Historic)

My Rating: Good

7,161

6,861

0

300

12

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

7,497

7,172

0

325

13


Description - (Historical, 10 Turns) After attacking Bristoe Station and the Union supply depot at Manassas Junction, Stonewall Jackson moves onto Bull Run Creek. The site of the 1861 Manassas battlefield. Union General John Pope marches his army toward Centreville. There he hopes to surprise Jackson. Jackson also has plans to attack Pope's Army before it can merge with McClellan's Army of the Potomac. Along the way, Jackson spots King's division heading for Centreville. Jackson lurks in the woods, ready to attack. But Rufus King is not present due to an unexpected epileptic seizure.

Analysis - This is a short little skirmish preceding the Battle of Second Bull Run. With a limited number of men on both sides it is a quick play and usually a bloody one as the two sides collide in the fields around the Brawner Farm. I included Sullivan's FIXED Union brigade in the numbers here as it is unlikely you will play this without triggering his release at some point. 

 

023.jpg

10 Turns

026 - Battle of Groveton v.3

My Rating: Good

7,161

6,861

0

300

12

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

7,497

7,172

0

325

13


Description - (What if, 10 Turns) This variant unfixes Hatch for the Union, also Starke and Taliaferro for the Confederates.

Analysis - This battle, basically, starts with more unfixed units to move. This will likely lead to more action and a more dynamic skirmish. 

 

Map 026.jpg

12 Turns

030 - Battle of Groveton v.7

 My Rating: Excellent 

7,313

6,863

0

450

18

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

11,530

10,553

552

425

17


Description - (What if, 12 Turns) This variant has Patrick deployed early.  Also, all Confederates will start unfixed and must cutoff King's Division and exit as many pts as possible at (40,35), (34,50), or (12, 50). Game starts two turns earlier.

Analysis - A great scenario! A short battle with a ton of options and possible maneuvers. Play this one if you are looking for a fast scenario with a different twist to it. 

 

Map 030.jpg

40 Turns

031 - Antietam (Historical)

My Rating: Good

82,173

68,770

7,303

6,100

244

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

36,319

29,773

1,521

5,025

201


Description - (Historical, 40 Turns) Following the battles for the gaps of South Mountain, General Robert E Lee, gathers his men near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Union General George McClellan is moving toward him. Though cautious, he continues to advance, but fears Lee will strike first. Lee's back is against the Potomac River, but McClellan's army waits for the attack order. 

Analysis - Antietam can be an awful scenario, or a fantastic scenario, based on a few rolls of the die. The battle is intense from start to finish and you will be constantly shifting men and guns around to face the latest Union threat against you. Remember that your biggest ally is the sun. The Yankees have to break you and gain the victory points they need before sundown. This may cause them to rush forward towards the end of the scenario in desperate attempts to break your line - beware. Keep your army compact, fighting hard, and shift men to where they are most needed. Don't get too comfortable in any one position either. Stay mobile. Good luck!

 

Map 031.jpg

40 Turns

034 - Antietam v.3

 My Rating: Excellent 

82,173

68,770

7,303

6,100

244

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

36,319

29,773

1,521

5,025

201


Description - (Historical, 40 Turns) This variant of the historical scenario starts with no fixed Confederate units.

AnalysisThis is the Antietam battle you should prefer. It allows full Confederate movement from the very start. You can use your forces more freely to march and block the VI Corps or to ride around Hooker's flank with cavalry. This scenario really opens up the playbook for the CSA player. 

 

Map 031.jpg

40 Turns

039 - Antietam v.8

My Rating: Good

82,323

68,770

7,303

6,250

250

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

36,501

29,780

1,521

5,200

208


Description - (What if, 40 Turns) This variant of the historical scenario places A.P. Hill's division in a fixed position north of Sharpsburg.

Analysis - This scenario adds AP Hill's Division to the map at Nicodemus Heights on Jackson's left flank. Hill's division is reinforced by Thomas's Brigade (378 men) for the battle. The setup allows the Confederates the option of attacking the I and XII Corps in the morning if they choose to take the initiative. The scenario also adds Hampton's Cavalry Brigade to the map at the start on Nicodemus Heights. 

 

Map 039.jpg

16 Turns

043 - North Woods (Historical)

 My Rating: Excellent 

18,315

16,815

0

1,500

60

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

16,968

13,462

1,156

2,350

94


Description - (Historical, 16 Turns) Following the battles for the gaps of South Mountain, General Robert E Lee, gathers his men near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Union General George McClellan is moving toward him. Though cautious, he continues to advance, but fears Lee will strike first. Lee's back is against the Potomac River, but McClellan's army waits for the attack order. Here the Attack will begin. Hooker's 1st Corps and Mansfield's 12th Corps will be the first to engage the Confederates north of Sharpsburg.

Analysis - For a short scenario, this thing rocks! It favors the Confederates but can be won by either side depending on how skilled the players are and how prepared they are for the scenario. The Union artillery is badly outnumbered but will do incredible damage to the Confederates if their large batteries are massed together and brought forward to engage the Rebels at close range. The Confederate infantry is very good here and you needn't worry about any mass routs or issues controlling your infantry. Hold on, make the Federals pay for each hex they advance, and don't get caught out in the open against the Federal guns. 

 

043.jpg

16 Turns

045 - South Sharpsburg (Historical)

My Rating: Good

18,315

16,815

0

1,500

60

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

16,968

13,462

1,156

2,350

94


Description - (Historical, 20 Turns) Although the morning had seen bloody combat north of Sharpsburg, the southern end of the field was now ready for it's own eruption of fighting. To start things off, the 9th New York regiment was about take the lead of not only it's own brigade, but also that of Harland's untried brigade. Will the Confederates be waiting and ready to meet this new threat?

Analysis - This one is a lot more fun than it may appear at first glance. You have higher quality Confederates battling lower quality larger Union numbers throughout. The Confederates also have much more flexibility with their artillery to help hold the line. This small battlefield also forces both sides into combat from the start insuring lots of action throughout the entire 20 turn game. And although the Federals have 10,243 infantrymen, the last 1,629 arrive so late that they cannot really get into the battle before the scenario ends. Not to mention that four Union batteries are FIXED and nearly useless east of Antietam Creek. Give this one a shot if you are looking for something different.

 

Map 045.jpg

86 Turns

047 - Hagerstown March

My Rating: Good

73,128

62,554

6,674

3,900

156

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

65,778

56,444

4,284

5,050

202


Description - (What If, 86 Turns) Both armies are approaching each other with great rapidity.  The target is Hagerstown. 

Analysis - This is a comically imbalanced scenario which looks extremely fair when you look at it without all the numbers broken down. With large advantages in infantry quality and artillery pieces, you should fight the Yankees hard and wear them down over time. Don't fear their "larger" army in this scenario as your men are more than a match for the bluebellies here.

 

Map 047.jpg

40 Turns

049 - Meeting at the Center

My Rating: Good

55,576

51,610

416

3,550

142

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

42,585

33,739

1,521

7,325

293


Description - (What if, 40 Turns) This scenario is a hypothetical meeting engagement. Longstreet's Corps is waiting near Hagerstown and Jackson's Corps is approaching from Harper's ferry. Most of McClellan's army is marching west from Frederick, Buckeystown, and Licksville, west of the Monocracy River. Lee's must defend the gaps that lead through South Mountain. McClellan is under great pressure from Washington and must engage and destroy Lee's army. Once achieved, the war can be concluded with a minimal loss of life. Failure will prolong the war and suffering. On the other hand, Lee wants to equally engage and defeat McClellan's army, force Lincoln to recognize the Confederacy and end the war and suffering. Only one side can be victorious. In this battle, several major components of McClellan's army are still lagging behind and will not arrive in time. The Confederates will be heavily outnumbered when all incoming troops have arrived, so the Union VP level will be high. (Best played as the Confederates against a Union A/I)

Analysis - This is an amusing one-day meeting engagement scenario. Although the Rebels have a massive advantage in total artillery numbers, most of it will arrive too late to get in on much of the action. Strike the Yankees from both sides as they advance east over the South Mountains. 

 

Map 049.jpg

15 Turns

050 - Chantilly (Historical)

My Rating: Good

21,353

20,285

418

650

26

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

20,085

17,269

2,292

525

21


Description - (Historical, 15 Turns) Though defeated, Pope's Army of Virginia was not destroyed. Lee ordered Jackson's tired troops to finish the job. Take the north road to Germantown and cut off Pope's retreat. Most of Pope's army is sitting near and west of Centreville.

Analysis - A fun little medium sized skirmish at Chantilly. Both sides are fairly even and the limited number of turns insure it will be a scrappy fight all the way. The biggest question is whether you will attack up and over Ox Hill Road to hit the Yankees as they move for Germantown, if they move that way, or will you attack directly for Germantown? With the FIXED Union units east of Germantown (Ricketts), you can attack the artillery and the heights and possibly do some damage before their possible release time at 5:20 PM. Just be careful not to unfix more Union units than you can handle in the attack eastward. 

 

050.jpg

55 Turns

051 - Chantilly v.1

My Rating: Good

46,826

41,285

3,041

2,500

100

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

46,166

39,569

3,197

3,400

136


Description - (What If, 55 Turns)  Lee sends Longstreet to support Jackson's attempt to cut off a large portion or Pope's defeated Army of Virginia. Pope's army continues it massive retreat back to Washington D.C.

Analysis - Martha and the Vandellas "Nowhere to Run" should be your background music to this one! Over 90,000 men converging on nearby roads on a small map with no space to maneuver - only to kill. This is a bloodbath of a scenario! Not for those that like elbow room. While the Rebels have more artillery, neither side has much artillery ammo. Fix bayonets!

 

Map 051.jpg

21 Turns

053 - Cedar Mountain

My Rating: Good

13,593

10,267

2,126

1,200

48

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

13,699

12,823

110

775

31


Description - (Historical, 21 Turns) Union forces under General Banks attack and surprise Confederate brigades commanded by Generals Winder and Taliaferro.

Analysis - A fun and challenging little battle around Cedar Mountain. The Yanks have superior defensive ground but inferior troops. Also, the scenario starts them with a Defeat status! You can literally do nothing and end the game with a victory. Don't make it easy for them by attacking straight into their artillery. You need a better strategy to win this offensively if you decide to bring the fight to the Yankees. Avoid the center of the map and use the edges of the board.

 

053.jpg

21 Turns

054 - Cedar Mountain v.1

 My Rating: Excellent 

13,593

10,267

2,126

1,200

48

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

16,550

15,674

110

775

31


Description - (What If, 21 Turns) This variant brings on additional Confederate brigades that were historically too late to participate in the battle.  The VPs will be adjusted to reflect a larger Confederate force.

Analysis - This is a quality scenario. It should be a Confederate victory at the end, but a good Union commander, utilizing terrain modifiers and solid defensive tactics, may inflict heavy enough losses on the Rebels to gain a victory and win the day. Give this scenario a play for a greater challenge than scenario 053.

 

Map 054.jpg

21 Turns

059 - Cedar Mountain v.6

 My Rating: Excellent 

13,593

10,267

2,126

1,200

48

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

16,550

15,674

110

775

31


Description - (What If, 21 Turns) This variant of Cedar Mountain V.1 is a meeting engagement.

Analysis - Who doesn't love a good meeting engagement?! In this setup the Yanks will reach the high ground first but the Rebs will have a few more men. Sounds fair enough.

 

Map 059.jpg

40 Turns

064 - South Mountain (Historical)

My Rating: Good

34,246

31,284

1,012

1,950

78

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

16,211

14,646

465

1,100

44


Description - (Historical, 40 Turns) General McClellan attempts to overwhelm the Confederate defenders guarding the gaps through South Mountain. If successful, McClellan hopes to divide and destroy the Confederates one Corps at a time. (Best played as Confederate)

Analysis - It's not easy, but it is fun. This battle features a very challenging geographical map and a Confederate army that is heavily outnumbered. The challenge is simply trying to survive and hold back the Federal army utilizing every modifier you can from the high ground. A good game to test your skills. 

 

Map 064.jpg

85 Turns

065 - South Mountain v.1

My Rating: Good

34,214

31,284

980

1,950

78

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

39,934

32,613

1,521

5,800

232


Description - (What if, 85 Turns) This variant of the historical scenario is a two-day battle with the full force of both armies coming into play. (Best played as Confederate)

Analysis - This battle is a laugher. The Federals have no real chance. To win this they would need to break the will of the Confederate player to continue by dominating for the first 12 hours of gametime. But if the Confederate player can just do an average job of fighting, falling back, and dragging the battle out, they can whip the Yankees on day two. Massive Confederate reinforcements arrive overnight and the next morning - along with a ridiculous number of artillery pieces. The Confederates have 133 sections of artillery on the field compared to just 16 for the Federals! Your Yankee opponent won't likely know what they are up against here when you begin the scenario. By day two they may begin to figure out they have kicked a hornet's nest. Have fun. 

 

Map 065.jpg

86 Turns

068 - Gaps to Manassas

 My Rating: Excellent 

48,814

39,477

5,837

3,500

140

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

48,302

41,698

2,604

4,000

160


Description - (What If, 86 Turns)  By late August, General Pope was still needing a victory to ensure his position in Virginia and in Washington.  For this purpose, he will personally lead the advance elements of his Army of Virginia through the gaps to Manassas and will seek battle with Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Lee wants to take the war north and out of Virginia.  To do this, he must force a major battle with Pope and defeat his army in detail. Any mistake by either side will surely meet with severe consequences.

Analysis - What a hidden gem of a scenario! This is, basically, Pope vs. Lee but without any interference from McClellan's veterans arriving from the Peninsula. The result is a battle with two numerically matched armies. Both sides have a steady buildup throughout the first day which will allow lots of time to maneuver and still fight a major battle. As an oddity Starke's Brigade appears TWICE in the scenario. It serves in AP Hill's Division and then also in Jackson's. I will take it! The more high-quality men I can command the better I like it. My advice would be to attack the Union's I Corps, isolated as it comes in from the north, before help can arrive for them from the east. The I Corps contains the fewest men of the three Union corps and has the fewest artillery pieces (9,024 men and 20 cannons). 

 

Map 068.jpg