063-640430-[A}Jenkins' Ferry.20 - WDS Forgotten Campaigns

(Alternative 20 minute turns) As an arm of the Union forces involved in the Red River Campaign, troops from the Department of Arkansas, under Br Gen Fred Steele, had advanced toward Shreveport, Louisiana, toward a planned junction with Maj Gen N P Banks' Dept of the Gulf. Hearing of Banks' defeat near Mansfield La, and fearing he was the next target, Steele decided to retreat to Camden, Arkansas. Probably in error, Confederate Lt Gen Kirby Smith pulled most of his troops from in front of Banks and marched hard to overtake Steele. He caught up with the Yankees at the Saline River and saw the opportunity to overwhelm them as they crossed the river. The result was this savage little battle in the mud of the Saline River valley. Due to the saturated ground, it was impossible for either side to dig trenches. Makeshift breastworks from fallen trees were all that could be accomplished. Watch out! This alternative scn may see reb cav showing up on the Yanks' escape route. Exiting wagons can get the Yankees lots of victory points, but they must first repair the bridge at Jenkins Ferry. Recommended house rule: Any Union troops and supplies remaining on the eastern side of the Saline River at the end of the scenario count as prisoners of the Rebels, and points should be subtracted from the Union total. Reference: "The Battle of Jenkins Ferry" by Joe Walker