[H] Gordon's Flank Attack, May 6, 1864 [+AI] (126-640506) - WDS Campaign Overland
0 - 0 - 0
Rating: | 0 (0) |
Games Played: | 0 |
SM: | 1 |
Turns: | 12 |
Type: | Custom |
First Side: | CSA |
Second Side: | Union |
The right flank of the Union Army in the Wilderness was "in the air" which meant that it was not supported by reserves or anchored on any natural obstacle. A year earlier that very same situation was exploited to the utmost by Stonewall Jackson. Now his corps had the same opportunity, but its commander was long gone, replaced by LtGen Richard Ewell. Brigadier John B Gordon detected the vulnerability, but his superior, MajGen Jubal Early demurred in attacking, and Ewell deferred to Early. The story goes that Lee, upon hearing of the opportunity, ordered that an attack be made. Whether or not the story is true, the slashing surprise attack earned Gordon a promotion and Lee went to great lengths to wangle a division for him. On the Union side, three brigades of untried infantry, one under the command of the loser of the Battle of Olustee, Florida, Truman Seymour, lounge in their trenches, far away from the epic battle on the plank road, waiting for the North to win so they can get "On to Richmond." Some will get there sooner than they expect--as prisoners of war. Revised. This scenario includes Marshall's Bde, 9th Corps, which according to J M Priest was present on the north flank. NPS maps show the bde south of Orange Pike.