061_New Market May 15th, 1864 - WDS Campaign Shenandoah

(Historical) With Union General Grant's plan to strangle the South into submission, he ordered that the Shenandoah Valley and its rich farm lands be denied to Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his army fighting to defend Richmond and Petersburg. He ordered General Sigel and his army of about 10,000 to occupy the valley area. Defending this area was General John C. Breckinridge, with about 4500 men, including 247 cadets from V.M.I. On May 14th, the Union army was camped just north of the small village of New Market. With information of this Union movement, Breckinridge decided to move forward and attack his enemy on the following day.. In this battle, you must either repulse the Union invader, or drive the rebels further down the valley until all resistance has collapsed. Note that Imboden and the 18th Va had earlier moved off to the Union left flank, and did not engage during the battle. Do not underestimate your opponent, and watch your flanks.