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Issue 20 The Official Newsletter of the Johnny Reb Gaming Society $5.00

Battle of Valverde
Bridgehead Breakout scenario
Rutherford’s Farm
Roanoke Island
And much more!

Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)

 1
Welcome to “CHARGE!”
This is the official newsletter of the Johnny Reb
Gaming Society, an international association of
miniature wargamers who use regimental-level
rules such as the Johnny Reb 3 gaming rules
developed by John Hill. The newsletter will
provide a quarterly forum for exchanging
information regarding the rules, original
wargaming scenarios written with JR in mind,
and historical articles of general interest to the
regimental ACW gamer.
U.S. membership in the society is $20 per year,
which will partially cover the cost of assembling,
printing, and mailing the newsletter. Dues are
payable via money order or personal check,
which must be made out to Deborah Mingus
(society treasurer and secretary). Our mailing
address and e-mail address are as follows:
The Johnny Reb Gaming Society
1383 Sterling Drive
York PA 17404
jrgsnl@comcast.net
We welcome your submissions of articles,
scenarios, advertising, and related information,
as well as letters to the editor. The copyrighted
name Johnny Reb is used by written permission
of John Hill.
Table of Contents
Bridgehead Breakout scenario ………………...2
Minute Biography ……………………………. 4
In Search of Butternut (painting guide) ……….5
Valverde scenario ……………………………..8
Prairie Grove scenario ……………………….12
Rutherford’s Farm scenario ………………….15
The Sutler’s Corner …………………………. 20
Battle Report: Drums at Fort Meigs…………. 21
Fort Defiance (Roanoke Island scenario)……. 24
Coming attractions in CHARGE! #21
Battle of Carthage.
Hidden Movement in JR3.
Scenarios! Product revie ws and more!
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
From the Editor’s Desk
This has been a very busy summer for us,
particularly with all the focus and planning for
our daughter’s wedding in late August. That,
plus a temporary work assignment in Ohio, have
consumed much of our time. We were able to get
away for a weekend trip to the Shenandoah
Valley to explore a couple of the show caverns,
and to tramp a few battlefields such as
Kernstown, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek. We
may work up a scenario for a future issue of
Charge based upon one segment of the fighting
at Cedar Creek, a battle that offers several
opportunities for JR3-type regimental games.
In this issue, we are proud to present a wide
variety of regimental gaming scenarios for your
tabletop miniature wargaming entertainment.
These represent a diverse mix of theaters, types
of engagements, troops, and terrain. There
should be something to please just about every
Civil War regimental gamer in this eclectic
assortment of original wargaming scenarios.
As usual, we are very pleased with the quantity
and quality of articles and scenarios that our
readers continue to submit. There is still much
fertile ground for scores of future scenarios, as so
many ACW battles remain untapped for
regimental gaming. Why not take time to
research your favorite engagement and playtest
it? If it works out, take a crack at writing the
scenario and sharing it with your fellow gamers
through the pages of the next year of Charge?
This issue marks the end of the fifth year of the
non-profit Johnny Reb Gaming Society, an
endeavor that we both really enjoy and plan to
keep going for several more years. It’s a chance
to fan the flames of miniature ACW wargaming
and perhaps expose the hobby to a new
generation of gamers.
As we begin year #6, we again thank everyone
who made the first five years so worthwhile, and
solicit your continued support for the future.
Scott and Debi Mingus
 2
BRIDGEHEAD
BREAKOUT
Autumn, 1862
Western Theatre
By Sgt. Christopher Maes
BACKGROUND
This is a fictional scenario that I have set sometime in
1862 in the Western Theatre, although there is no
reason it could not be set either earlier or later in the
war, or in the Eastern Theatre. Likewise, there is no
real reason that the roles of attacker and defender
could not be switched.
SITUATION
Under pressure from Washington and higher
command, the local Union commander has gone on
the offensive after a period of recruitment and
training. In a bold move, he has chosen to attack the
Confederates across the river and cut their supply
lines in preparation for a wider offensive. In the early
morning darkness, advanced elements of the Federal
army are landed on the far shore as engineers begin
to erect pontoon bridges for the follow-on forces.
The Confederates, however, were not taken
completely by surprise. Early this morning, a
sympathetic local was brought in, claiming to have
been woken from sleep by soldiers wearing Federal
blue. A force was quickly gathered and sent to the
scene, but after an hour of skirmishing, was unable to
through the enemy back across the river. Both sides
have now brought up reinforcements, and a decisive
engagement is about to begin.
DEPLOYMENT
Federal forces are divided into two elements. The
First Brigade, Cooper’s Battery, and one battalion of
cavalry are deployed within the bridgehead, west of
Line A-B. The remaining Federal forces (Second
Brigade, Cavalry Brigade (minus one battalion),
Division HQ, and Hart’s Battery) deploy west of the
river. All may deploy in whatever formation the
commander chooses, within their deployment area.
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
Confederate Forces are deployed as the commander
wishes east of Line C-D in any formation.
TERRAIN
The battle takes place in a river valley dotted with
small farms and settlements. The hills are gentle and
rolling, with only the second contour counting as a
terrain factor for movement (-1 inch of movement).
Woods in the area are ―Open‖, with movement
through them being treated as BROKEN terrain;
visibility within them is 1d6 inches.
The main roads are lined with fences, and there is
also a large cornfield (treat as BROKEN for
movement); units in corn are hidden unless at the
edge or viewed from Level -2 terrain.
The river can only be crossed at the pontoon bridges.
Movement across the bridges is done at the OPEN
rate, and must be in column or disorder.
Buildings block LOS, and movement around/through
them is done at the ROUGH rate, or in disorder.
Woods and buildings are the same height as level -1
hills; there is a 12-inch ―blind zone‖ behind such
terrain when observing from a level -2 hill.
VICTORY CONDITIONS
Union: Push the Confederates east of the hill line, OR
inflict 60% command value (CV) loss.
Confederate: Destroy the Federal bridgehead, OR
inflict 60% CV loss.
ORDER OF BATTLE
Union
Fourth Division – Brig. Gen. Rosentrader, +2
1 st Brigade – Col. Higgenbotham, +1
2 regiments, 16 figures each, RM, Veteran
1 regiment, 12 figures, RM, Veteran
2 nd Brigade – Col. McCartney, +1
2 regiments, 16 figures each, RM, Green
1 regiment, 12 figures, RM, Veteran
2 regiments, 12 figures each, SBM, Green
Cavalry Brigade – Col. Henry, +1
2 battalions, 12 figures each, BLC, Green
1 battalion, 8 figures, BLC, Veteran
 3
Artillery –
Cooper’s Btry – 2 sec, 12# NAP, Vet
Hart’s Btry – 2 sec, 10# PR, Veteran
Confederate
Stern’s Division – Brig. Gen. Stern, +2
Parker’s Brigade – Brig Gen. Parker, +1
1 regiment, 16 figures, SBM, Green
1 regiment, 12 figures, RM, Veteran
1 regiment, 8 figures, RM, Veteran
1 battalion, 4 figures, SSR, Elite*
(*SSR = Sharpshooter’s Rifle*)
Beauchamp’s Brigade – Col. Beauchamp, +1
2 regiments, 16 figures, RM, Green
Bridgehead Breakout
(Play Area 4’ x 6’)
N C
AA
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
1 regiment, 12 figures, SBM, Vet
Ladd’s Cavalry Brigade – Col. Ladd, +1
1 battalion, 12 figures, P/SG, Vet**
(** P/SG = Pistol & Shot Gun**)
1 battalion, 8 figures, RM, Vet
1 battalion, 8 figures, MLC, Green
Artillery –
Martin’s Btry – 2 sec, Mixed Guns, Vet
La Porte’s Btry – 2 sec, Mixed Guns, Vet
Ch ristopher Maes 2008. Th is miniature wargaming
scenario may be photocopied or otherwise reproduced
for personal use only. No person shall reproduce
and/or distribute for profit without written permission
of the author. All rights reserved
.
 4
MINUTE BIOGRAPHY
Porter Alexander and
William Pendleton
By Larry Reber
We might call the title of this biography
the BEST and the WORST of Confederate
artillery commanders.
Edward Porter Alexander was one of
those bold, young officers who made a name
for himself during the war by demonstrating
his skills on the battlefield. The young man
from Georgia graduated third in his 1857 West
Point class, and was recognized by his peers
as a talented engineer and artillerist. On a
more personal note, Alexander was also an
excellent swordsman, spending some time as
a fencing instructor at West Point; and an
excellent shot with both pistol and rifle; and he
traveled out west and developed a reputation
as a skilled hunter.
Because of his engineering and artillery
background, Porter Alexander had a good eye
for terrain and artillery placement. While in his
mid-twenties, Alexander rose through the
ranks to become Longstreet’s Chief of
Artillery. At Gettysburg, Alexander
commanded the cannon bombardment that
preceded the Confederate assault on the third
day. Alexander’s reminiscent account of the
battle provides us with one of the most
detailed and insightful looks into the
Confederate battle plans, thoughts, intentions,
and expectations at Gettysburg.
Just as Porter Alexander demonstrated
the best of military skills, his superior officer,
General William Pendleton arguably
demonstrated the worst as a commander. He
graduated West Point in 1830, but spent most
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
of his military career on sick leave before
resigning to become an Episcopal minister.
When war was declared, a group of young
men from Lexington, Virginia, formed an
artillery battery named the Rockbridge Artillery
and asked Pendleton to instruct and
command them. He accepted, and named the
four battery cannons "Matthew," "Mark,"
"Luke," and "John". (This anecdote from
history was loosely borrowed in the storyline
of John Wayne’s movie, The Horse Soldiers.)
Because of his credentials, Pendleton
was quickly promoted to brigadier general and
named Chief of Artillery for the Army of
Northern Virginia. On the battlefield however,
he was repeatedly incompetent. At the Battle
of Malvern Hill, he only managed to get one of
fourteen batteries into action when they were
badly needed. During a rear guard action after
Antietam, Pendleton misplaced forty-four
guns, thought they had been captured, and
reported such to General Lee. Later it was
discovered a junior officer had removed the
guns to safety. At Gettysburg, after Alexander
began his cannon barrage, Pendleton without
explanation withdrew the ammunition wagons
to the rear, and Alexander had to search
frantically for them at that critical time. Oddly,
General Lee never removed Pendleton,
perhaps out of a sense of loyalty because Lee
had attended Pendleton’s Grace Episcopal
Church in Lexington.
By coincidence, Pendleton bore an
uncanny physical resemblance to General
Lee, as both men had similar grizzled white
hair and beards. Troops sometimes mistook
Pendleton for “Marse Robert” as he passed
by, and would stand, salute and cheer. To
depict Pendleton on the wargame table, we
simply use an extra Lee figure. Player’s note
of caution: Artillery commanded by Pendleton
might inexplicably limber up and move to the
rear at an inopportune time!
Figures are modified 15mm AB from Eureka
 5
IN SEARCH OF
BUTTERNUT
Painting Suggestions by Larry Reber
POSING THE QUESTION: If you ask ten
Civil War buffs what the butternut Rebel uniforms
actually looked like, you will likely get ten different
answers. Each of us has some preconceived idea
about the appearance of the typical Confederate
soldier when we hear the label “butternut”. It is a
catch-all descriptive nickname that has endured
since Union soldiers first observed their
counterparts across the battlefield. Some were
described as “graybacks”, while others were called
“butternuts” because of the brownish appearance
of their uniforms. Webster’s Dictionary even adds
credibility to the name by including “a Confederate
soldier or partisan” among the definitions of the
word butternut.
Here are some results from my own
research, trying to separate fact from myth, and a
few painting suggestions I use for my own
miniature Reb troops.
MY SOURCES: For my sources of
research, I like to view and compare surviving
original uniforms. I also turned to a group I
consider the best experts on Confederate
uniforms available today; the reenactor
community. In a manner of speaking, reenactors
are our cousins in historical enthusiasm. While we
as wargamers are concerned more with troop
strengths and troop positions, reenactors pursue
knowledge about the typical Confederate
soldiers… who wore what, and when and where
did they wear it. Notable names in this field such
as Les Jensen, Charles Childs, Geoff Walden, and
Peter Griffith have diligently studied the actual
appearance of the Rebel soldier. They have
personally examined remaining original uniforms,
compared quartermaster records, recreated dye
recipes and woven fabrics, sewn reproductions
and duplicated the exposure rigors of weather and
time in the field. Their hard detective work has
provided us with a much clearer image of those
original fighting men of the Army of Northern
Virginia and Army of Tennessee.
THE CONFEDERATE UNIFORMS: The
Confederate States established clothing
manufacture depots in Richmond, VA, Nashville,
TN, Athens, Atlanta & Columbus, GA, Tuscaloosa
and Marion, AL, Jackson and Enterprise, MS, and
Shreveport, LA. As the war progressed and
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
Southern cities fell into Union control, these
operations had to be relocated and consolidated
numerous times. Uniforms were also procured in
large numbers from arrangements with local
Ladies Aid Societies, and contracts with
commercial suppliers in Liverpool, England, and
Limerick, Ireland, to be smuggled through Union
naval blockades.
The photos above are samples of original
Confederate uniforms as shown in Time-Life
Books Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of
the Confederacy. The images have been
organized (from left to right) in chronological order
beginning 1861 through 1865. At a glance, it is
interesting to observe that the hues we identify as
butternut are evident in every year of the war. The
experts generally agree that most Confederate
uniforms were actually gray, albeit varying shades,
at they time they were sewn and issued to troops.
As evidence, experts say the true gray color can
be seen in hidden seams and folds on original
garments that have not been exposed to sun, dirt,
and weather.
The photo below (more pictures from
Time-Life, Echoes of Glory) shows examples of
original uniforms that still have more of their gray
color. The commercially manufactured wool such
as the dark, cadet gray uniforms from Peter Tait
Company of Ireland, seem to have retained more
of their original color than homespun fabrics.
The butternut or browning effect upon the
garments was caused by a number of factors.
Due to shortages of wool and dyes, Southern cloth
factories had to improvise with wool jean fabrics
(wool and cotton threads interwoven in a criss-
 6
cross manner, and resulting in a “salt & pepper”
appearance) and dyed with natural ingredients like
butternut (from the walnut family), acorns and
copperas. The wool jean material adhered dirt,
was not very colorfast when it got wet, and was
vulnerable to sun-fading. Reb soldiers out in
weather on the march would see their new gray
uniforms bleed and fade to “butternut” within
months.
One can see from these few samples that
the variety of gray and brown shades is
considerable. If I was asked to describe butternut
in a single word, I would visualize OATMEAL. The
combination blend of grays and browns in this
familiar breakfast cereal is recognizable and
similar to the hues shown in these original uniform
photos.
2) BROWN WASH: The experts said the uniforms
got dirty, contributing to the butternut effect, so I
apply dirt by means of a brown wash over the
entire gray figure. Just as with the gray, any shade
of brown wash will work… I have used burnt
umber, wood brown, raw sienna, burnt sienna,
cinnamon, rifle brown, to name a few.
3) DRYBRUSH FADING: To simulate the effects
of weather and sun, I drybrush highlights like
elbows, knees & uniform folds with a light color.
Again, the choices of color are many… I have
used antique white, warm white, ice cream, tan,
eggshell, khaki, among others.
4) THIN BLACK WASH: To mute the colors
together and enhance the weathered appearance,
I add another very thinned wash of black,
charcoal, or dark gray.

PAINTING BUTTERNUT: So how do we apply

this knowledge about butternut to our painted
miniature figures? My butternut painting
technique consists of four quick & easy steps. The
best part about this method is it works with about
any shade of gray and brown paint you have on
hand, and is almost mistake-proof. As you can see
from the sample photos of original uniforms, a
wide variety of color shades is possible and valid,
so it’s hard to get it wrong!

1) PAINT GRAY
2) BROWN WASH
3) DRYBRUSH FADING
4) THIN BLACK WASH
1) PAINT GRAY: The experts said the uniforms
were originally gray, so I began by painting the
entire figure with gray (jacket and trousers). Any
shade of gray will do the job OK. I have used light
gray, medium gray, neutral gray, battleship gray,
apple barrel gray, stone gray, slate gray, it doesn’t
matter, and any shade will work fine!
After I have achieved the “butternut” look
on the uniforms, I complete the figures by painting
faces, leather straps, rifles, equipment and other
details. Painting butternut can be fun, as you try
different combinations of colors. Eventually, you
will find one combination that you particularly like
the best.
THE DEBATE CONTINUES: The information from
these experts suggests that the average
Confederate soldier was better dressed and more

Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)

 7
consistently uniformed than we previously thought
with the popular image of the “Ragged Reb”.
Quartermaster records indicate that uniforms were
usually dispensed in bulk to an entire regiment
together, so the troops could to be expected to
Scenarios
look somewhat alike at least for a brief time and Articles Needed!
following a uniform reissue.
Please feel free send us your regimental-level Ci vil War
This contradicts many period eyewitness
gami ng scenarios. Send all submissions to the Johnny
accounts, which specifically remark about the Reb Gami ng Society at jrgsnl@comcast.net Articles will
ragged, barefoot, lack of uniform appearance of be used based upon space and availability per issue, and
the Reb troops. For my own painted troops, I may be edited by the staff. Keep „em comi ng, sol dier!
accept both schools of thought, and will paint
some regiments in consistent butternut, and
others as a hodge-podge mixture of ragged grays,
civilian attire and captured Union trousers. This
helps to distinguish units on the gaming table.
The experts also caution that we should
not be overly confident about these original
surviving uniform colors and shades as they
appear today. They remind us that these old
garments have had an additional 140-something
years to fade and discolor, and might not look
exactly the same as the last day the Reb soldiers
actually wore them. But lacking any better
sources, I am comfortable using these original
uniforms as my painting guide.
www.battlefieldterrain.com

The one stop for all your Civil War

wargaming terrain needs!

JR3 Rules Questions?

Gamers, if you have
questions involving rules interpretation, send them to
Debi M ingus at jrgsnl@comcast.net
Questions will be collected
and forwarded to John Hill
for the
“Ask John Hill” column.

Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)

 8
VALVERD E
21st February, 1862
By Paul Stevenson
“…myself and a number of others who had minie guns
fired upon them with sufficient rapidity to very well
reply to their fire… they began to pay dearly for getting
so close to us. Not a man shot without taking sight, for
Texas boys are accustomed to the use of arms and
never shoot away their ammunition for nothing.”
- Sergeant A.B. Peticolas, 4th Texas Mounted
Volunteers
BACKGROUND
Confederate ambitions in the far west led to a mounted
column 2,590 strong under General Henry H. Sibley
being dispatched from Fort Bliss in Texas into the New
Mexico Territory. Finding his way blocked by the
Union garrison (3,800) under Colonel Edward R.S.
Canby at Fort Craig, Sibley sought to bypass the fort by
crossing the Rio Grande on the east bank and taking the
fords north of the fort. Sibley also hoped to draw out
the Union garrison into the open field as he had no
effective artillery he could deploy against the adobe-
walled fort.
Canby’s forces had been in contact with the Texas
forces for several days, and when Sibley’s intent
became clear, Canby moved to intercept him at the
Valverde ford.
SCENARIO NOTES
The only unit deployed on table at the start of the game
is Pyron’s Battalion, which is in the grove near the
upper ford. The Texans are watering their horses and
are deployed disordered. Duncan’s cavalry command
moves onto the table using the entry point road from
Fort Craig in the first turn. Henceforth, Duncan’s units
must test on their BMP to Move/Charge.
The units of both sides were fed into the battle
piecemeal. As they arrived, they were formed into ad-
hoc commands which can be difficult to represent as
viable wargaming units. For example, one company of
the 1st U.S. Cavalry was with Duncan, whilst Canby
retained the other. Also some independent actions
occurred. At one point the Colorado Volunteers
(Dodd’s Company) formed square when it was charged
by Lang’s company of lancers – with seventy men
involved on both sides, the action is difficult to portray
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
effectively and some compromises and amalgamations
have been made in the order of battle.
Similarly, the sections of the various batteries were
brought into action independently on both sides. Also
some companies of New Mexico troops served
alongside the regulars or in independent mounted
infantry battalions. I have followed historical precedent
as far as possible, but in a real sense the battle should
take its own shape as only the start points need to be
adhered to, with reinforcements arriving roughly
around the time they actually did.
The battle began with the first fighting between Pyron
and Duncan at 8:00 a.m. when the latter crossed the
river. It concluded at 5:00 p.m., which makes for an
exceeding long game for the small amount of forces
involved. There were, however, several lulls in the
fighting as both sides readjusted their positions and
called up reinforcements. To simulate this, instead of
the usual 20-minute time allowance, a game turn has
been stretched to 30 minutes without affecting the rules
in any way – this means a game allowance of 18 turns.
VICTORY CONDITIONS
Essentially both sides are attempting to cross the Rio
Grande – the Union to prevent the Confederate passage
of the fords by intercepting their troop movements
down to the river. The winner is the side that controls
the highest number of contiguous fords at the end of the
game. To control a ford a unit must be unshaken,
within one hundred and fifty yards (3‖) of the ford and
have no unshaken enemy unit closer to it.
TERRAIN DESCRIPTION
Obviously the Rio Grande is the main feature of the
battlefield and this should be 3‖ wide. Fords can be
crossed by march-columns or in disorder as broken
terrain. Spare a thought for your miniature infantrymen
as they wade across because in reality the freezing cold
water was three-feet deep! Units can only cross the
river at the fords.
Vegetation is mainly bosque, and this counts as broken
terrain offering light woods advantages and penalties.
The dry river bed was excellent cover for the
Confederates and counts as hasty or light works.
The Mesa del Contadera is considered rough terrain
with impassable steep bluffs. The high ground over
which the Confederate reinforcements must pass is
broken terrain.
 9
DEPLOYMENT
Deploy only Pyron’s Battalion on the table near the
upper ford in disorder. Duncan’s cavalry move onto the
table in the first turn. Union reinforcements arrive via
the road to Fort Craig. Confederate reinforcements
arrive within 6‖ of the arrow marked high ground.
Reinforcements will arrive on the turn indicated
needing a roll of 4 for their first attempt, a 3 on the
second, and then a 2 in subsequent turns.
TIME SCHEDULE
Turn 1 – Pyron with his battalion plus the scouts of 2nd
Texas are on the table. Duncan’s Union command
moves on from Fort Craig road.
Turn 2 – Sibley and Scurry with Raguet’s battalion, 4th
Texas, and Reilly’s Battery all move onto the table.
Turn 3 – Scurry’s battalion, 4th Texas and Teel’s
Battery arrive. Roberts with his command arrives.
Turn 4 – Seldon’s command arrives. Green with
Lockridge’s battalion, 5th Texas arrives.
Turn 5 – Kit Carson arrives with 1st New Mexico.
Turn 6 – Jordan’s battalion, 7th Texas arrives.
Turn 8 – McNeill’s battalion, 5th Texas arrives.
Turn 9 – Canby arrives with his command.
Turn 10 – 2nd New Mexico arrives.
Turn 18 – Game ends.
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
After some initial skirmishing, Duncan attacked Pyron
across the river with support from the Union artillery,
Pyron was forced back, and Seldon made a strong
advance with his regulars on the Texans behind the
sand dunes. Reinforcements arrived for both sides. The
Confederates were fighting dismounted, and their
mounts suffered terribly from the Union fire. Carson
was sent up river with the intention of taking the upper
fords but was recalled to the centre when Canby
arrived. Before a concerted effort could be organised,
two lancer companies were ordered to charge the far
left of the Union line. When it was realised the troops
there were Coloradans and not New Mexicans, the
charge was cancelled but only one company heard the
order. Forming square, the 70 Coloradans fired two
volleys into the charging Confederates; only three
galloped back to their lines.
Canby ordered Roberts and Duncan to roll up the
Confederate left, which they began to do successfully.
He meanwhile moved McRae’s now complete battery
forward to threaten the Texan centre with close range
canister. As they came into battery, some of the
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
gunners were picked off by sharpshooters. With his left
crumbling, Green decided to launch a charge on the
battery which would either save the day or complete the
disaster befalling his army. The inexperienced gunners
were unable to deliver an effective fire and their
supports, consisting of regulars and New Mexico
volunteers, broke for the riverbank. This was the
turning point of the battle. Roberts was recalled, and
the whole Union army withdrew across the fords.
Canby reported 68 killed, 160 wounded and 35
missing. Sibley reported 36 killed, 150 wounded and 1
missing. Actual losses for both sides were probably
higher.
Canby knew that the Texans were not strong enough to
take the fort, even though they now had some bigger
guns, and he angrily refused their demand to surrender.
With enemy forces on his lines of communication,
Sibley decided to continue northwards – to oblivion, as
fate would have it.
ORDER OF BATTLE
UNION FORCES
The Army of New Mexico: Col. E.R.S. Canby +1
Advance Guard: Lt. Col. B.S. Roberts
Duncan‟s command:
3rd U.S. Cavalry: 210 V BLC (7 figures)
3rd New Mexico Infantry (mounted): 334 G MLC
(plus) Chacon’s Company, 1st New Mexico (mounted):
70 G MLC (13)
Roberts‟ command:
McRae’s Battery: V 3x 12-pdr H & 12-pdr MH
Hall’s Battery: V 2x 24-pdr H
Brotherton’s battalion (2 U.S. & 2 NM companies):
289 G MM (10)
Main Force:
Seldon‟s command: Capt. H. Seldon
Wingate’s (5th U.S.) battalion: 239 V RM (8)
Plympton’s (7th & 10th U.S.) battalion: 280 V MM
(plus) Dodd’s Colorado Company: 71 V MM (12)
Carson‟s command: Col. C. ―Kit‖ Carson +1
1st New Mexico Volunteers: 460 G SB (15)
2nd New Mexico Volunteers: 590 G SB (20)
 10
Canby‟s command:
1st US Cavalry & escort: 153 V BLC (5)
Section of MacRae’s Battery: V 2x 6-pdr SB
CONFEDERATE FORCES
The Army of New Mexico:
Brig. Gen. H.H. Sibley
Col. T. Green (of 5th Texas Volunteers) +1
2nd Texas Mounted Rifles:
Maj. C. Pyron +1
Pyron’s battalion: 256 V BLC (9)
Scouts (Spy, Ranger & Brigand Companies): 120
V BLC & SG (4)
Teel’s Battery (2nd Texas): G 4x 6-pdr SB
4th Texas Mounted Volunteers:
Col. W. Scurry +1
Raguet’s battalion: 310 G MM (10)
Scurry’s battalion: 540 G MM (18)
Reilly’s Battery (4th Texas): G 4x 12-pdr MH
5th Texas Mounted Volunteers:
Col. T. Green +1
McNeill’s battalion: 228 G SG & Lance (8)
Lockridge’s battalion: 421 G SG, Lance (14)
Wood’s Battery (5th Texas): G 4x 12-pdr MH
7th Texas Mounted Volunteers:
Lt. Col. J. Sutton +1
Jordan’s battalion (+ F/5th): 354 G SG (12)
Denman’s battalion (+ C/5th): 249 G SG (8)
FURTHER NOTES
General Sibley played no part in the battle. Claiming
illness (probably pneumonia) he looked to his close
friend ―John Barleycorn‖ and laid himself up in an
ambulance. He handed the command to Colonel Tom
Green of the 5th Texas. During the Officer Casualty
phase, roll for Sibley as if he was engaged in melee i.e.
1d6 on 5+ and whatever the result he is removed from
play.
I have listed commander personalities in the order of
battle by name only for those that might influence
events in the wargame. The Confederates had
reasonable leadership, and all their named regimental
commanders are average (+1 BMP). On the Union side,
only the renowned Indian fighter ―Kit‖ Carson is
average; all the other commanders are below average (0
BMP).
Apart from Pyron’s battalion which was part of
Baylor’s regiment, the majority of the troops on both
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
sides were raw recruits. Most of the Texans had been
organised in the previous October, were well-officered
and had many men who were used to horses, firearms
and frontier life. The Texans all carry two pistols in
addition to their other arms. This gives them a distinct
edge in close quarter fighting (+1 DRM) and has much
to do with why they charged the Federals several times.
Texas troops have a variety of firearms. Some
companies were armed with Minié rifles for
sharpshooting; these were mostly Mississippi rifles
classed here as MM. The 5th Regiment had at least two
companies armed with lances. The Texans have a +1
DRM when shooting. They also have a greater number
of good leaders to improve their morale and shooting.
The Texans wore Confederate uniforms – mostly
frockcoats and slouch hats from contemporary
sketches. There would be a lot of Union equipment and
uniform items worn too from the time of General
Twigg’s surrender. The scouts would be dressed in
civilian attire. Lancers were armed with a nine-foot
lance with a one-foot blade which was decorated with a
crimson pennon carrying a white star. The lancers not
only charged on horseback but also on foot. If not
charging, lancers can use their pistols and shotguns.
The United States regulars were mostly inexperienced
troops, but were better drilled and armed than the
volunteers. Regular troops are therefore classed as
veterans to allow this distinction. Dodd’s Company was
apparently a gritty lot of frontiersmen and has been
classed as veteran too. The Union gunners were either
hastily trained cavalrymen or infantrymen. They
apparently could shoot only at half the rate well-trained
gunners and therefore shoot their guns with a -1 DRM.
The New Mexico soldiers had only a few weeks
training and mostly as independent companies. New
Mexico Volunteers are green troops in every way. They
are armed with smoothbore muskets, but mounted
troops carry Mississippi rifles noted here as MLC. They
wore Union regulation uniform. Photographs suggest
frock coats.
There were also about a thousand New Mexican militia
left at the fort. To give an idea as to how effective they
were, after the battle more than 200 of them tried to bar
the progress of the Texans. When the Texan artillery
fired a couple of rounds at them, they immediately
surrendered and were sent packing to their homes. As a
scenario option, a battalion with the following profile
can arrive with Canby: New Mexico Militia: 250 M
SB.
 11

Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)

 12
Prai rie Grov e
A Regimental Fire & Fury™ scenario
By Roxanne Patton
HDQRS. 2D AND 3D DIVISIONS,
ARMY OF THE FRONTIER.
Camp Prairie Grove, December 9, 1862.
Brig. Gen. E. B. BROWN, Springfield, Mo.:
―…Colonel Richardson and his command will be sent
back to Cassville, as you request. Please inform the
Springfield "secesh" that we have given Hindman &
Co. a damned sound thrashing, and that they have
indefinitely postponed their Missouri trip.‖
F. J. HERRON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding
In the late autumn of 1862, with the
commander of the Federal Army of the Frontier, Maj.
Gen. John T. Schofield, back in St Louis, Brig. Gen.
James G. Blunt took his 1st Division on a campaign
into northwestern Arkansas to pursue an opportunity he
saw to disrupt the forming of the I Corps of the Trans-
Mississippi by Confederate Brig. Gen. Thomas
Hindman. Blunt’s aggressiveness led him deep into
Arkansas before he realized he was without support.
Early in December, Hindman moved his
makeshift corps north to trap Blunt against the Boston
Mountains and destroy his Union division. Though the
weather was relatively mild, Hindman’s infantry
conscripts could hardly move because of a want of
rations and decrepit wagons and like equipment. So, he
sent Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke’s division of crack
cavalry to pin Blunt’s forces at Cane Hill. A daylong
running battle developed between Marmaduke and
Blunt, resulting in the Federals being able to hold off
destruction by giving ground.
Blunt send an urgent message to Brig. Gen.
Francis J. Herron to hurry south from Springfield,
Missouri, with the remaining two divisions. In an
astonishing daylight forced march, Herron’s forces
were able to cover the 65 miles in two and one-half
days, arriving at Fayetteville, Arkansas, on the evening
of December 6. Herron took the cavalry from the two
divisions and formed a mounted brigade under Colonel
Wickersham, sending them ahead to Blunt. Herron then
led what remained, six infantry regiments and four
batteries of artillery, south along the Cane Hill-
Fayetteville Road.
Hindman had no idea that Federal
reinforcements were so close until he was informed on
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
the evening of the sixth at a council of his officers that
Herron’s forces were some miles north at Fayetteville.
He hadn’t the ammunition or stores to fight two
opponents combined. So, rather than pursuing Blunt
and exposing his rear to Herron, Hindman headed north
to intercept Herron with ―Jo‖ Shelby’s cavalry in the
fore. Shelby’s crack troops routed a Federal mounted
force of 2nd Division cavalry on the morning of the
seventh and sent them careening north toward
Fayetteville with his men in hot pursuit. Only the sight
of formed Federal infantry turned Shelby’s troopers
around.
Meanwhile, Gen. Francis A. Shoup’s
Confederate division had reached the crest of a ridge
just south of the Illinois Creek by way of the Cane Hill-
Fayetteville Road. Seeing that this was good ground,
Shoup deployed his regiments eastward from the road
behind the top of the crest. When Hindman reached the
position, he found it to be sound. ―I found the position
taken by General Shoup an exceedingly strong one. It
was upon the edge of a hill, densely wooded,
descending abruptly to Crawford's Prairie, half a mile
in width, which encircled all its northern half.‖ ―The
line of battle determined on was nearly in the form of a
horseshoe, conforming to the shape of the hill. Only
Shoup's division and Shelby's brigade, of Marmaduke's
division (the latter dismounted), were at first placed
upon that line, filling the center and right opposite the
line taken by Herron, which was upon the farther side
of Crawford's Prairie, on a bluff that rose up steeply
behind a stream flowing into Illinois River.‖
Herron brought his forces up under cover of
dense brush and woods. He then began his assault. ―At
10 o'clock all was ready, and Murphy opened. The
other batteries crossed [the Illinois Creek] under cover
of Murphy's fire, getting into shape and opening up
magnificently, so that I had in ten minutes eighteen
pieces hard at work; or, as they afterward styled it, six
full batteries. This brought out the fire of all their guns,
twenty-two in number, and for the next eight hours it
was hot work. About half an hour after the firing
commenced, they threw a heavy body of infantry on
my left and endeavored to force it back, but I ordered
the Nineteenth Iowa and Twentieth Wisconsin to
charge them, which they did in gallant style, pushing on
for 1,000 yards and capturing a battery of four pieces,
but such a mass of the enemy came upon them they
were compelled to leave it. The infantry fighting was
continuous from 11 until 5 o'clock.‖
Hindman later wrote of the battle; ―At 1 p.m.,
aided by a tremendous artillery fire, the infantry of
Herron's command advanced against the position held
by Shoup and Marmaduke. It was permitted to
approach within 60 yards, and then, as it charged,
making gallantly past one of our batteries, and having it
 13
a moment in possession, Fagan's Arkansas brigade, part Hard marching and short on rations left Hindman’s
of McRae's brigade, and the Missourians, under Shelby, troops fatigued. Accordingly, the Maneuver die roll
delivered a terrific fire from their shot-guns, rifles, and modifiers for infantry regiments’ Unit
muskets, and charged the enemy furiously. Hawthorn's Effectiveness are modified to the following: Fresh:
regiment of Arkansians retook the battery. The Federals +1, Worn: 0, and Spent: -3.
broke and fled. Our men pursued them far into the
prairie. The slaughter was great, the earth in many Terrain
places strewn with Federal wounded and dead. Very
soon the attack was renewed, a little farther to my right, The elevation levels 1160, 1180, and 1200 between the
with great vigor and determination. I ordered Shaver's eastern edge of the Borden Orchard and the western
Arkansas brigade, of Frost's division, to the support of table edge are steep and therefore impassable to
General Shoup. The enemy was again repulsed with artillery except for movement along the Cane Hill-
heavy loss, and retired in confusion.‖ Fayetteville Road.
Blunt joined the battle around 3:00 p.m. but his
infantry was also repulsed. The regiments of Daniel M. Woods - All areas marked as woods are considered to
Frost’s Confederate brigade attempted to pursue the be rough terrain.
retiring Federal but were cut down by Federal artillery.
The battle ended with considerable loss on both The Gully - The depressed area midway between the
sides but little change in the position of either side’s Cane Hill-Fayetteville Road and the Borden Orchard
forces. After a truce to gather the wounded, Hindman provides an additional –1 to Musketry and Cannonade
withdrew his army very early the next morning, leaving fire at units with the gully.
the Federals in possession of the field.
Order of Battle
Scenario Rules Confederate

Game Length: The game begins with the Federal 12:00 Second Division: B. Gen. F. Shoup
p.m. turn and ends at the completion of the Confederate First Brigade: B. Gen. J. Fagan
4:00 p.m. turn. (16 turns) Hawthorne’s Arkansas Regt
T 7-6-4 SM
Initial Setup: 22nd Arkansas Regt
Both sides place all units on the table as indicated on T 10-8-6 RM
the scenario map. 29th Arkansas Regt
T 8-7-5 RM
Victory Conditions: 34th Arkansas Regt
Federal - Have two non-spent regiments on or past T 10-8-6 SM
the Victory Line by the conclus ion of the Chew’s Arkansas Bn
Confederates’ 1600 turn. T 3-*-2 SM
Blocher’s Battery
Confederate - Prevent any Federal regiment from 6lb SB section, 12lb Howitzer section
remaining on or passing the Victory Line at the
conclusion of the Confederate 1600 turn. Second Brigade: B. Gen. D. McRae
26th Arkansas Regt
Reinforcements and Movement Restriction: V 10-8-5 RM
F/1st MO Light Artillery, 26th IA and A/2nd IL 28th Arkansas Regt
Light Artillery are off table at Point A as indicated T 12-10-7 RM
on the scenario map. One section of F/1st MO, 30th Arkansas Regt
A/2nd IL and the 26th IA may enter on to table T 8-7-5 RM
anywhere within the Entry Area beginning with the 32nd Arkansas Regt
Federal portion of Game Turn 3. T 9-8-5 SM
Marshall’s Battery
Confederate regiments may not move north of the 6lb Section, 14lb James Rifle section
1200 ft. Level until a Federal regiment crosses the Fourth Division: B. Gen. J. S. Marmaduke
1200 ft. Level first. Second Brigade: Col. J. O. Shelby
Confederate Unit Effectiveness Rating: 4th MO Regt/Elliot’s Bn
V 8-6-4 c SH

Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)

 14

1/5th Missouri Regt V 4/3/2 c SH 20th Iowa Regt V 7-5-4 RM

2/5th Missouri Regt V 4-3-2 c SH 37th Illinois Regt V 10-8-5 RM
6th Missouri Regt V 8-6-4 c SH F/ 1st MO (Murphy)
Bledsoe’s Battery 6lb SB section Two 3lb Rifle sections, 10lb James Rifle section
Third Brigade: Col. E. MacDonald
MacDonald’s MO Bn V 5-4-3 c MC Third Division: B. Gen. F. J. Herron
First Brigade: Lt. Col. H. Bertram
Federal 20th Wisconsin Regt V 10-8-5 RM
L/ 1st MO (Backoff) Two 10lb
Second Division: Col. D. Huston, Jr. James Rifle sections, 12lb Howitzer section
First Brigade: Col. J. J. Clark
26th Indiana Regt V 11-8-6 RM Second Brigade: Col. W. W. Orne
A/ 2nd IL (Borris) 6lb SB section, 12lb 19th Iowa Regt V 13-10-7 RM
Howitzer section 94th Illinois Regt V 15-11-8 RM
E/ 1st MO (Faust)
Second Brigade: Col. W. McE. Dye Two 10lb Rifle sections, 3lb Rifle section

Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)

 15
Rutherford’s Fa rm
th
20 July, 1864
By Tom Ballou
“I’ve been told that right where we were, was the
hottest five minutes of the war.”
- Brady Steece, Company H, 91 st Ohio
BACKGROUND
Lt. Gen. Jubal Early’s drive on Washington had been
turned back at the very gates of the city; the Army of
the Valley District retired in good order back to the
Shenandoah Valley with a long supply train of looted
goods. The mission had been to force General U.S.
Grant to divert troops from the siege of Richmond to
defend Washington. Though Early had caused a great
deal of consternation, Grant knew this was just a move
of a piece in the endgame of the Confederacy, and thus
refused to be drawn in.
The Union Army, however, was full of recriminations
as terrified politicians felt the threat of Confederate
guns. The scapegoat was Maj. Gen. David Hunter, who
was effectively removed as commander of the Army of
West Virginia. His failed Lynchburg Campaign at the
southern end of the valley had not kept Early’s army on
the defensive and away from Washington. Brig. Gen.
George Crook was given command of the majority of
the Army of West Virginia as it was transferred by train
from West Virginia to a defensive position between
Washington and Early’s Army.
Hunter remained in Harper’s Ferry as nominal
commander of the Army of West Virginia, but in
reality, he only commanded remnants left behind to
defend the line of the Potomac River and the Baltimore
and Ohio railroad.
Once in command, Crook began a leisurely pursuit of
Early’s army with the assistance of Maj. Gen. Horatio
Wright’s 6th Corps and 19th Corps. Crook’s force
followed Early slowly and allowed him to slip back
into the Shenandoah Valley and across the Shenandoah
River. In doing so, he broke contact with Crook’s
pursuit, leaving Crook ignorant of his actual location in
the valley.
Crook blindly tried to force crossings of the defended
Shenandoah, triggering the battles of Castleman’s
Ferry, Berry’s Ferry, and Snicker’s Ferry. These were
all repulsed, but they forced Early to spread his troops
along the length of the Shenandoah River.
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
As the battles raged along the length of the
Shenandoah, Hunter released some of his forces to push
up the Shenandoah Valley along the Confederates’
flank.
Col. Rutherford B. Hayes slowly pushed his infantry
brigade down the west side of the Shenandoah River
from Harper’s Ferry. His forces were within the sound
of the guns as the Union attempted to cross
Castleman’s Ferry, but he did not rush to turn the flank
of the Confederate position. He can hardly be blamed,
as he did not have direct contact with Crook, did not
know where Crook was trying to force the crossing,
and had no idea where Early’s army was located. With
bad luck, his brigade could have stumbled into the
combined forces of the Army of the Valley District.
Meanwhile, further west, Brig. Gen. William Averell’s
cavalry division, consisting of two brigades, departed
Martinsburg, West Virginia , spread out, and probed
southward to try to determine where Early’s forces
were. He was joined by Col. Isaac Hardin Duval’s
brigade of infantry.
Early, now feeling the pressure of Union forces to his
east, north and west, decided to slip away south further
up the Valley. However, Winchester, Virginia, was a
critical supply and rally point for his army, and
Averell’s force was sweeping slowly towards it. All
Early needed was to buy some time to allow his forces
to withdraw in good order from the town. Early did not
feel badly pressed; any slowing of Averell’s force
would suffice.
He assigned Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Ramseur’s division
to hold the works on the northern side of Winchester to
keep the Union forces at bay. Ramseur’s division had
seen little action during the drive on Washington, and
had not been involved in the Shenandoah defensive
battles. With orders in hand, Ramseur’s division
marched south and west, moving towards Winchester
during the evening and night, stopping just north of the
town in the early morning hours, as the bulk of the
Army of the Valley District slipped away south in the
night.
Ramseur himself was a bit of a wildcard: he was
aggressive and there were concerns about his wisdom
in combat. Only a few months before, he had recklessly
charged the Union artillery at the Battle of
Totopotomoy Creek, burning out Lilly’s brigade.
Lilly’s troops were still bitter and referred to the action
as a ―murder for ambition’s sake‖.
 16
In addition to his division, Ramseur also had two
brigades of cavalry to assist him in the delaying action.
But neither of these brigades had shown any great
effectiveness, and Brig. Gen. John C. Vaughn’s men
had been evaluated as little better than a ―band of
marauders‖. The majority of Vaughn’s troops were, in
fact, merely mounted infantry and were not trained to
scout or to screen.
The battle of Rutherford’s Farm may have occurred due
to the failure of Vaughn’s scouting to fully assess the
size of the force Ramseur was facing. Ramseur claimed
that he had received reports from Vaughn stating the
Union troops were in small force. This was later denied
by Vaughn, saying his troops reported a Union
division.
In spite of being scapegoated for Hunter’s failures in
the Lynchburg campaign, Averell had a reputation as
an effective commander with an excellent record in
independent commands.
Col. Isaac Hardin Duval was recognized as a solid
leader. One of his West Virginian troops wrote of him,
―The cool courage and soldierly bearing of this officer
… are the theme of universal commendation‖.
The battle of Rutherford’s Farm was a battle that could
have been avoided if both sides had done what was
expected of them.
Ramseur had been ordered to hold the works north of
Winchester, but he choose to be aggressive (with
visions of crushing the small Union force that Vaughn
had reported) and had mustered his troops (after little
sleep) to advance that morning north along the Valley
Turnpike to make contact with Averell’s forces. Had he
held his assigned position, Averell would have
contacted him and stopped as Early had expected.
Averell was ready and expecting a fight, he wrote
Hunter, ―Indications are that [the] enemy must attack
me in the morning…. The probabilities are that I shall
attack him‖.
Moving south, Averell had broken up his second
brigade of cavalry into scouting elements to try to make
contact with Early’s and Crooks forces. The 14th
Pennsylvania was broken into two scouting
detachments, riding east and west to screen Averell’s
force and keep it from being surprised and gobbled up
by Early’s much larger force.
With the 1st and 3rd West Virginia cavalry skirmishing
forward of the core of Averell’s division, they pushed
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
the Confederate cavalry screens back. Averell’s force
was a small compact mass, moving across open
undulating terrain.
Vaughn’s cavalry finally made a stand at a wood lot
just south of Rutherford’s farm, bringing up Milledge’s
Georgia Artillery and stalling the Union cavalry on the
hill at Rutherford’s Farm. With the Rebels finally
making a stand, Averell brought up his guns to shake
them loose.
Averell’s main body was located at Carter’s farm, and
Ramseur’s force was marching up the Valley Turnpike
from Winchester. The battle that both sides were
looking for was on.
VICTORY CONDITIONS
Both sides want to drive the other from the field. A
victory would be to exit off the opponent’s edge and
destroy his force.
TERRAIN DESCRIPTION
The contours are very small, only really high enough to
break line of sight, so troops behind the contours can
not be seen unless a force is on a higher contour.
The streams are mostly dry and represent 1‖ of broken
terrain and provide cover.
The woods are light woods, and there are a couple of
orchards scattered around, the most famous one being
inside the wooden fence of Rutherford’s Farm.
The ponds are not crossable.
Feel free to add additional fences as you see fit, I have
little information on any fences outside of the one
around Rutherford’s farm. There may have been a
fence between Carter’s and Rutherford’s farms, and a
fence on the edge of the wood lot.
DEPLOYMENT
The Union 1st and 3rd WV Cavalry are dismounted and
deployed in and around Rutherford’s Farm. The Union
artillery is 12‖ north of Rutherford’s Farm on the
Valley Turnpike.
The remaining Union troops (excluding the 14th PA)
are deployed within 12‖ of Carter’s Farm. All Union
units not in LOS of the Vaughn’s troops may have
dummy markers.
 17
Vaughn’s Brigade starts dismounted on the wood line
on either side of the Valley Turnpike (12th , 16th & 1st
[Carter’s]). Tennessee Cavalry may remain mounted
and off the line if the Confederate player chooses, but
must be within 12‖ of the rest of the brigade.
The Amherst (Virginia) Artillery starts deployed
behind the pond on the west side of the Turnpike.
TIME SCHEDULE
Start turn is 11:00 AM.
Ramseur’s division starts in march column coming up
the Valley Turnpike from Winchester. They start
arriving on the 11:20 AM turn. They enter in the
following order:
Lewis’ Brigade
Johnston’s Brigade
Lilly’s Brigade
Amherst (Virginia) Artillery
Jackson’s Brigade
All Confederate Units (excluding Vaughn’s Cavalry on
the edge of the wood line, and Milledge’s Georgia
Artillery) start hidden and may have dummy units.
Each dummy unit must take a full regiment of road
distance, and they cause the delay of actual units as
they enter the table.
Roll 1d6 +3; the 14th PA Cavalry arrive on the road
entering the western edge of the table on that turn.
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
Vaughn’s troops beat back the Union cavalry with the
aid of Milledge’s Artillery. They in turn were beaten
back as the Union guns came on line, and fell back into
the woods, and a single regiment moved west to cover
the western flank of the Confederate deployment.
Ramseur’s force marched up the road, sending Lewis’s
brigade western side of the pike and Johnston’s brigade
to the eastern side.
Lilly’s brigade was deployed in reserve with the
majority of Vaughn’s force.
Jackson deployed further east of Johnston’s brigade to
cover his flank. The Amherst Artillery joined
Milledge’s guns.
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
Averell had Duval deploy his brigade in line and they
advanced towards Rutherford’s farm. The 1st and 2nd
WV cavalry remounted and withdrew out of sight
behind the hill.
Out of sight of the Rebels, the 2nd West Virginia
cavalry, joined by the 3rd West Virginia cavalry, moved
west and entered the woods to the west of Rutherford’s
Farm.
Though the Confederates’ position looked strong, the
angle of the woods caused Lewis’s brigade to deploy en
echelon towards the Union line.
As the Union infantry closed on the Rebels, the contact
was uneven with the 14th West Virginia, making
contact first with the 57th North Carolina of Lewis’
brigade at the extreme western end of the Confederate
line. At the same time, the two West Virginia cavalry
squadrons were pressing the regiment of Vaughn’s
Tennessee mounted infantry regiment screening the
western flank.
The 1st West Virginia Cavalry was deployed to cover
the eastern flank of Duval’s brigade. They attempted to
pressure Johnston’s eastern flank, were driven back by
Jackson’s brigade, and retired to a defensive position,
covering Duval.
Averell recognized that it was critical to break the
Confederate flank, and pressured the 2nd and 3rd West
Virginia to keep attacking. Finally, Vaughn’s
Tennesseans cracked and fell back, exposing the flank
of the 57th North Carolina. The 14th West Virginia,
seeing the 57th North Carolina waver, charged and
broke them.
A cascade rout started as Johnston’s brigade crumbled.
Lilly attempted to stop the Union breakthrough, but
was shot down as he tried to rally the troops.
At this point, Ramseur tried to stabilize the front by
relocating his guns, just as the 91st Ohio on the eastern
end of the line charged and overran the limbering
artillery.
With the guns gone and their flank exposed, Lewis’s
brigade began to crumble as well and fell back. Soon
the entire front collapsed, screened by Jackson’s troops.
Averell’s troops were too badly beat up to pursue
aggressively, and allowed the Rebels to retire to the
works of Winchester, harassed by the sudden
appearance in their rear of the detachment of the 14th
PA Cavalry riding to the sound of the guns.
 18
Though history records Averell as the commander of
this victory, he gave full credit to Duval: ―Colonel, this
is your fight; I have never seen such heroism and
bravery displayed‖.
Ramseur is remembered with somewhat less
distinction. The battle has many official names:
―Carter’s Farm‖, ―Rutherford’s Farm‖ and
―Stephenson’s Depot‖. The Rebel soldiers had their
own name for it: ―Ramseur’s Butt‖.
UNION FORCES
Elements of the Army of West Virginia (Kanawha)
2 nd Cavalry Division:
Brig. Gen. William Woods Averell +2
2 nd Cavalry Brigade :
Col. William H. Powell +1
1st West Virginia Cavalry 350 G BC (12)
2nd West Virginia Cavalry 300 G BC (10)
3rd West Virginia Cavalry 350 G BC (12)
Element of 1 st Cavalry Brigade:
Scouting detachment 14th PA Cav 200 G BC (7)
2 nd Brig. (attached from Crook’s 2 nd Div.):
Col. Isaac Hardin Duval +3
14th West Virginia Regt.: 300 E RM (10)
9th West Virginia Regt.: 300 V RM (10)
91st Ohio Regiment: 420 E RM (14)
34th Ohio Regiment: 300 V RM (10)
Artillery:
1st West Virginia Light Artillery Battery F: V 6x 3‖
Ordnance Rifles
1st Ohio Independent Light Artillery:
V 6x 10# Parrots
CONFEDERATE FORCES
Elements of the Army of the Valley District
Ramseur’s Division:
Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Ramseur
Lewis‟ Brigade :
Brig. Gen. Robert D. Lewis +1
6th North Carolina Regt. 180 G RM (6)
21st North Carolina Regt. 180 G RM (6)
54th North Carolina Regt. 210 G RM (7)
57th North Carolina Regt. 180 V RM (6)
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
Johnston‟s Brigade :
Brig. Gen. Robert D. Johnston +1
5th North Carolina Regt. 200 G RM (7)
12th North Carolina Regt. 180 G RM (6)
20th North Carolina Regt. 180 G RM (6)
23rd North Carolina Regt. 180 G RM (6)
Lilly‟s Brigade :
Brig. Gen. Robert Lilly +1
Remnants of 13th , 31st & 49th Virginia Regts: 270 V
RM (9)
Remnants of 52nd & 58th Virginia Regts: 210 V RM
(7)
Nelson‟s Battalion (-):
Milledge’s Georgia Artillery:
V 2x 2 Gun Mixed (2 3‖ Ordnance Rifle, 1 10# Parrot
Rifle)
Amherst (Virginia) Artillery:
V 2x 12-pdr SB, 1x 2 Gun Mixed (2 12-pdr Nap, 1 3’
Ordnance Rifle.)
Vaughn‟s Cavalry Brigade :
Brig. Gen. John C. Vaughn
12th , 16th & 1st (Carter’s) Tennessee Cavalry: 210 M P
(7)
39th , 43rd & 59th Tennessee Mounted Infantry: 230 M
RM (7)
3rd , 60th , 61st , & 62nd Tennessee Mounted Infantry:
180 M RM (6)
Jackson‟s Cavalry Brigade :
Col. William L. ―Mudwall‖ Jackson
2nd Maryland, 19th & 20th Virginia Cavalry: 300 G P
(10)
46th & 47th Virginia Cavalry: 350 G P (12)
FURTHER NOTES
Vaughn’s Mounted Infantry was not equipped to fight
as mounted cavalry, so it should suffer a +2 impact
while mounted. This does not apply to the 12th , 16th &
1st (Carter’s) Tennessee regiment.
The Confederate Infantry should not suffer a green fire
modifier. (The Green morale reflects back-to-back
marches and tired infantry; they would be normally
rated as Veteran.)
Special Union spotting, Carter’s Barn. Due to the low
height of the hills and the size of Carter’s barn, Averell
stood on the roof of the barn and directed the battle. So
if the LOS does not cross the Rutherford’s orchard or
buildings, a figure on the barn may see the southern
 19
woodlot’s edge, but may not see the low ground where
the ponds are located.

Hidden movement is critical to this game; there are lots

of ridges to hide troops and to move without being
detected by the enemy. I recommend if you have a GM,
use map movements and allow unit that break LOS to
return to hidden status and place two hidden markers.

Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)

 20

The SUTler’S Corner

New FlexRivers!
Wargamer’s Terrain is a Massachusetts-based
company run by veteran gamer Joe Linares. His
products were first reviewed by the Johnny Reb
Gaming Society in the February issue of Charge!
Joe recently wrote, ―Since last year my products
have sold well, especially the sale I had in April
on TMP (The Miniatures Page) that went much
better than expected. I've also added a new
Wargamers’ Terrain box to house the FlexRivers
and FlexRoads, and have received good
comments on that new product also.
FLAGS FROM THE OLD
In the not too distant past, I came up with a new
process for these two products that avoids the GUNNY
issue of 'stickiness' all together [the older version
of FlexRoads and FlexRivers tended to stick to Tim Harrop (the ―Old Gunny‖) is back with an
each other upon prolonged storage, as well as expanded line of miniature paper flags for your
sticking to the game mat if left there for weeks as wargaming armies! He has recently added a
I did]. complete line of New York flags, bringing the
total in his ever-growing family of products to
Also, I am experimenting with a new version of more than 300 now. He has a meeting planned
FlexRivers. This new product, which I am close with the Museum of the Confederacy to obtain
to completing the tests, will be 3-dimensional!! the rights to reproduce their extensive collection
Meaning, you will have the usual length and of Rebel flags and banners as a line of
width, and you will also have the depth part! miniatures, and he is also working with the
Meaning you will be able to see, for example, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room to get
stones in the water, greenish water, brown, sand, them on board with this program of making
algae, ripples in the water, sunken logs, etc. miniature replicas of their collection.
(sorry no fish...yet!) The 'water' part will NOT
be blue or any other color; instead it will be clear A portion of the proceeds from Tim’s sales
and reflect the bottom of the river, as most rivers revenues goes back to the organizations to help
do. It took me a year to figure this out, but I with the expensive process of restoring,
believe I am close enough now where I would preserving, and maintaining their collections of
like an opinion. I do have a local gamer that I vintage Civil War flags. Contact Tim today to
met via The Miniatures page that is looking at pick up an electronic copy of his most recent
them and wants some ASAP, he says they are the catalogue.
best.‖

Editor’s note: For more information on Joe’s

line of products, feel free to contact him at
matancero@comcast.net, or visit his website at
www.wargamersterrain.com.

Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)

 21
Battle Report
Drums at Fort Meigs
May 17, 2008
Do ug Ro g e rs
View from west of the North Woods; the initial Union
disposition
At HMGS-Great Lakes’ convention “Drums at
Fort Meigs” in Perrysburg, Ohio (near Toledo), a
group of gamers played a scenario entitled “The
Battle for West Woods at Antietam” using the
recently published Civil War Commander rules.
This scenario represented the fighting on
September 17, 1862, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.,
depicting the opening engagement of “Fighting
Joe” Hooker’s I Corps attack from the North
Woods and the East Woods toward Miller’s
cornfield and against the West Woods shielding
Stonewall Jackson’s force. The wargaming battle
was fought in 12 turns (15 minutes / turn) using
15mm figures.
Hooker’s Corps consisted of three divisions—
Doubleday, Meade, and Ricketts (70 bases total);
this force was represented by three players. The
Yankees would be up against Jackson’s units (40
bases total) of J. R. Jones, Lawton, Hood, and
Stuart’s dismounted cavalry, supported by
Early’s Brigade (all represented by four players).
The Union was ordered to clear Miller’s
cornfield of enemy troops and then occupy West
Woods by 9 a.m. to establish a foothold for
Mansfield’s XII Corps, which was coming to its
support. Ideally, the advancing Yankees were to
have been in the West Woods by 7:15 a.m.
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
The Union deployed Doubleday on the right in
the North Woods. Meade converged on the
center between the North Woods and the East
Woods, and Ricketts assembled on the left,
occupying the East Woods with Seymour’s
Brigade forward. Most of the Confederate forces
were concealed in the cornfields, low ground,
and various woods in the area.
At 6 a.m., all three Union divisions advanced in
the general direction of Miller’s Cornfield and
the West Woods, but, immediately on the Union
right, Doubleday encountered steady fire from
Stuart’s Horse Artillery positioned on
Nicodemus Hill. This caused Doubleday to
reconsider his advance on the West Woods and
instead wheel his brigades to attack this present
threat. Counterbattery fire developed as
Doubleday wheeled and attempted to advance
his units toward the high hill.
Pushing defenders from the Miller Cornfield
Meade’s Division proceeded to the Miller
cornfield, with one of Ricketts’ brigades
supporting his left. A small Rebel brigade
concealed itself in the cornfield and react-fired
at Ricketts’ advancing units when they became
visible. The ensuing intense firefight lasted until
one of Meade’s brigades flanked the Confederate
units, which caused the Secesh to rout from the
cornfield. With the cornfield now clear, both
Meade and Ricketts quickly pressed forward and
reached half-way to the West Woods by 7 a.m.
Meanwhile, on the Union right, Doubleday
advanced toward two small cornfields at the
base of Nicodemus Hill. Suddenly, J.E.B.
Stuart’s dismounted cavalrymen rose from the
corn and fired a devastating volley into the
advancing Yanks at 300 feet (3”), stopping their
advance until support was brought up. All this
 22
time the Yankee artillery, a battery of 20-
pounder Parrott Rifles, was having a telling
effect on Stuart’s guns, knocking most off the hill
by 7:30 a.m. Now without artillery support, the
dismounted Rebel cavalry routed. Doubleday
then continued his advance toward the hill and
started to wheel toward the northern edge of the
West Woods, but his men soon met heavy
resistance from Early’s Brigade concealed in the
wood line. Their initial success thwarted,
Doubleday’s men cautiously pushed toward
Early, hotly engaging them in an intense
firefight.
Assaulting Nicodemus Hill
As Meade and Ricketts advanced from the East
Woods and Miller’s cornfield, Lawton and
Hood’s men arrived from the low ground and
poured volley after volley into the approaching
Yankees. Scores of men on both sides were hit at
close range, and a general firefight broke out
with Meade’s and Ricketts’ divisions pitted
against Lawton and Hood. As Ricketts’ units
advanced over a slight rise in the ground, a
hidden Confederate battery awaited them. As the
Union troops crested the rise, these Southern
guns hit them with blasts of canister.
General Lawton attached himself to a unit to
help boost morale, but during the intense
firefight with Ricketts, he was hit by Yankee fire
and removed from the field for the remainder of
the battle. It was not a pretty sight. Hood’s men,
backed by Colquitt’s Brigade rushed up from the
sunken road, slowed Ricketts’ advance to a
snail’s pace. Ricketts’ progress was now
significantly hampered, but his supporting
batteries poured devastating artillery fire into
the Rebel ranks and caused numerous
casualties, forcing them to slowly move back.
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
However, the embattled Southerners’ morale
held steady again and again, preventing a major
Union breakthrough into the West Woods near
the Dunker Church.
Meanwhile, Meade was making good progress
toward the West Woods, and by 8:15 a.m. his
men were astride the fence line on the
Hagerstown Pike within 600 feet of the wood
line after pushing back the Rebel force in his
front. Now, with two of his brigades still in good
order, Meade attempted to wheel to face the
fence and subsequently enter the West Woods.
However, a concealed enemy brigade (under J.R.
Jones) fired suddenly from the West Woods. The
unexpected volley caused one of Meade’s
brigades to fail in morale, and these Federals
skedaddled from the fight. Subsequently, both
sides desperately struggled over the fence line,
firing back and forth in a discordant harmony
that was only soothing to the devil’s ears.
Meanwhile, Doubleday continued his persistent
advance on Early’s position in the West Woods,
and, though Doubleday had the largest division
in the I Corps, his ranks were thinned by
persistent small arms fire he received while
attempting to take Stuart’s position on
Nicodemus Hill.
Commanders on both sides looked at their
timepieces—it was now 9 a.m. Word spread that
Joe Hooker had been shot in the foot and was
bleeding profusely. He could not force the Rebs
from their stronghold in the West Woods.
However, by now Mansfield’s XII Corps had
arrived, and General Mansfield was personally
leading his forward units into battle to inspire
them. The old warrior had waited all his life for a
field command, and he had received the
assignment just two days ago. Eager for success,
he has until noon to break through to
Sharpsburg! … but this is a fight for another day.
At this stage, a lull developed in the fighting as
Hooker’s Corps pulled back. This allowed
General Jackson to forward General Stuart
(player was Martin) a glorious award of honor
(the game’s MVP prize) for exemplary action for
aggressively engaging Doubleday’s Division and
drawing his forces toward the hidden units,
preventing him from supporting and
coordinating attacks with Meade and Ricketts on
the West Woods.
[The next scheduled Antietam game using the
Civil War Commander rules is at Historicon
2008 on Friday at 7 p.m.] Will Mansfield break
 23
through to Sharpsburg? He should, because
Stonewall Jackson’s remaining units are now
spent.
Jim Kopchak, NOWS / Doug Rogers, NCHWS
Don’t forget to frequent the
official blog of the
Johnny Reb Gaming Society!
http://scottmingus.wordpress.com/
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
Johnny Con II
Curt Daniels’ 15mm game of the 1862
Battle of Richmond, Kentucky.
Photo courtesy of Rich Wright.
The second Johnny Con miniature wargaming
convention was held in June 2008, this time in
the Jameson Inn in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dozens
of Johnny Reb players from across the country
assembled to enjoy a weekend of miniature
wargaming, fellowship, shopping, and food /
pizza.
Norris Darrall and his team of helpers are to be
commended for their efforts in organizing,
publicizing, and pulling off this event, one that is
sure to continue to gain popularity and
attendance in future years, assuming he plans
Johnny Con 3 and beyond (let’s hope so, so that
the JRGS / Charge! editorial staff can make an
appearance at a future con!).
Among the many highlights were rules author
John Hill’s personal appearance at the event (and
his poor die-rolling!), a presentation on the
Battle of Pea Ridge by Norris Darrall, several JR
games from the Civil War and other historical
periods, a few side games from other genres, a
dealer’s area for spending money on more
gaming goodies, and some spectacular terrain,
including a 5x24- foot (yes 24- foot!) cavalry
layout.
Watch the jriii Yahoo Group for any
announcements for Johnny Con 3 in 2009!
 24
“Fort Defiance”
(Roanoke Isl and)
Saturday, February 8, 1862
Dare County, North Carolina
By Scott Mingus
“…we were all very much impeded by the
underbrush and water…”
- Col. John F. Hartranft, 51st PA
BACKGROUND
During the mid-winter of 1862, Union Brig. Gen.
Ambrose Burnside made plans to seize Confederate-
held Roanoke Island, located in the Outer Banks of
North Carolina. He launched an amphibious assault,
with the intent of seizing three forts and destroying
the island’s garrisons.
On February 7, Burnside landed 7,500 men on the
southwestern side of Roanoke Island in an
amphibious operation launched from the Union
stronghold at Fort Monroe in Virginia. The next
morning, supported by gunboats, the Federals
assaulted the Confederate forts on the narrow waist
of the island, driving back and out-maneuvering Brig.
Gen. Henry A. Wise’s outnumbered command. They
flanked a key earthwork fortification by slowing
advancing through swamps that Rebel engineers had
declared to be unpassable. After losing less than 100
men, the Confederate commander on the field, Col.
Henry M. Shaw, surrendered a total of 2,500 soldiers
and 32 guns from various outposts and forts.
Burnside had secured an important outpost on the
Atlantic Coast, tightening the blockade.
Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)
THE WARGAME
Begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 2:40 p.m. The table is
3’x5’ for JR3; adjust as needed for other rules or
scales. This scenario only covers the Union seizure of
one particular fort; a larger campaign game could be
used to depict the entire action in capturing the
island’s other garrisons.
DEPLOYMENT
All CSA troops are on the table. The guns are behind
a medium earthwork known as ―Fort Defiance.‖ The
two frontline regiments are protected (as is the fort)
by a line of abatis. The 8th NC enters at B on Turn 12.
Union troops enter at A in march column beginning
on Turn 1 in this order: Foster, 25 MA, 1 NY Marine
Artillery (dragged by hand), 23 MA, 27 MA, 10 CT,
Reno, 21 MA, 51 NY, 9 NJ, 51 PA, Parke, 4 RI, 9
NY. It will take several turns to get them all on the
table.
TERRAIN
Much of the area is open and swampy (cuts
movement in half). The woods are cypress trees with
dense underbrush; movement and visibility is at the
woods rate. In the areas with both trees and swampy
ground, the terrain is rough for movement. The dirt
road is muddy from the rain—movement is at 2/3
normal speed. The Yankees may use hidden
movement and dummy markers per the JR3 rules.
GOALS
CSA – Hold the road and prevent Union access to the
northern edge of the table.
USA – Exit as many men as possible from the
northern edge of the table to the west of the inlet.
 25
ORDER OF BATTLE Many thanks to Mitchell Land and his friends Karl
Rushing and Charlie Kidwell for playtesting and
critiquing this scenario, as well as to Sgt.
Union
Christopher Maes for his useful comments and
suggestions.
Roanoke Expedition – MG Ambrose Burnside +2

1 st Brigade – BG John G. Foster +1 Here is a period map showing the general context of this
10th CT – 500 men, RM, green wargaming scenario. This shows the location of Roanoke
23rd MA – 500 men RM, green Island versus the mainland (the North Carolina shoreline is
25th MA – 500 men, RM, green to the left), and the routes of the Federal fleet as Burnside’s
27th MA – 500 men, RM, green troops prepared to carry out their expedition against the
waiting Confederates. Former governor-turned-general
2 nd Brigade – BG Jesse L. Reno +2 Henry Wise would be widely criticized for not more
21st MA – 500 men, RM, green aggressively defending the island.
9th NJ – 500 men, RM, green
51st NY – 500 men, RM, green
51st PA – 500 men, RM, green

3 rd Brigade – BG John G. Parke +1

8th CT – detached, guarding landing area
9th NY ―Hawkins Zouaves‖ – 500 men, RM, green
4th RI – 500 men, RM, green
1st Btn., 5 RI – detached, guarding flank

Artillery
1 NY Marine Artillery – 4 sec. 12# Nap., V

Confederate

Fort Defiance troops – Col Henry M. Shaw +1

2nd Battalion, NC – 250 men, SB, green
8th NC - 568 men, SB, green Henry Alexander Wise (1806-1876) was a lawyer,
31st NC – 456 men, SB, V Congressman, diplomat, Governor of Virginia , and
46th VA – 225 men, SB, V then a Confederate general. He was born in
59th VA (Wise Legion) – 225 men, SB, V Drummondtown, Virginia. After graduating from
Artillery – 3 guns, mixed types, V (one 24# college, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in
howitzer, one 18# SB, one 6# SB), no limbers 1828. Married three times, Wise served in the U.S.
House of Representatives from 1833 until 1844, first
as a Jacksonian Democrat, and later as a Whig. He
Key: was the U.S. Minister to Brazil, and was Governor of
V = Veteran RM = Rifled muskets
Virginia from 1856 until 1860 (Wise County,
Virginia, is named for him). He signed the death
Notes: Enticed by the promise of a ration of whiskey, warrant for abolitionist John Brown following the
the 51st NY and 51st PA in September of that same failed Harper’s Ferry insurrection.
year would gain fame as the two regiments that
stormed and carried Burnside’s Bridge at Antietam.
Jesse Reno would be killed just days before Antietam
at South Mountain. The 2nd Battalion NC Infantry,
after being exchanged, served in the Army of
Northern Virginia in Junius Daniel’s brigade, losing
64% of its strength at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863.

Regimental strengths for the Confederates are from

the Official Records.

Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)

 26

B Blogs I Like

http://volunteersinparks.blogs
reserve pot.com/
s46 / 59 VA
 http://toysoldiersforever.blogs
  8 NC pot.com/
  art.  
31  http://lordashramshouseofwar.
NC   blogspot.com/
   
 
  http://macpheesminiaturemen.
  
 swamp  blogspot.com/
   
swam  
  http://olicanalad.blogspot.com
p   /
 
 http://scottmingus.wordpress.
 
   com/

    I apologize if I missed any

   blogs maintained by members


  of the Johnny Reb Gaming

swampy with  Society. Please feel free to
 send me an e- mail at
dense underbrush  field
 scottmingus@yahoo.com to
 share your link!
   

A
Hobby Shop Report - Gettysburg Miniature Soldiers

During the July 2008 Battle of Gettysburg 145 th

GETTYSBURGMINATURES.COM
Anniversary celebrations, I had a chance to stop by John
Zabawa’s fine little toy soldier / miniature wargaming shop.
It is located on the south side of Gettysburg (at the
intersection of Taneytown Road and Steinwehr Avenue, by
the Gettysburg Tour Center). John’s store is crammed full
of all kinds of goodies for the wargamer and Civil War toy
soldier collector. This marks his tenth year in business, and
his inventory is always of interest. From 15mm ACW
figures to south-central Pennsylvania’s largest selection o f
54mm plastic figures, John has a little something for
everyone. And, it’s far from being just another Civil War
tourist store – John’s stock includes figures, playsets, and
accessories from a wide multitude of historical periods from
ancients to modern warriors. Why not visit his shop during
the annual Fall- In convention in November?

Steven Hofner (Order #35311104)