Table size is 4x6 feet for Johnny Reb III, 15mm scale. Adjust as needed for other ground scales or rules sets.
This scenario begins at 9:00am and lasts until noon (10 game turns for JR3).
All units get a +2 opening volley Die Roll Modifier, including the Federal artillery.
A. P. Hill's men were carrying the old "Stars and Bars" national flag, not the newly adopted "Dixie" battle flag. Many of the Rebels had Union uniforms and armament captured at Harpers Ferry.
General Gregg may use his +1 Die Roll Modifier for any regiment in the CSA first assault line. General Archer may do the same for any regiment in the second line. Units must be within 1" of the officer figure to receive this benefit.
Any Federal unit that routs must move toward the dam or ford in an attempt to cross to Federal lines. Once safely across the Potomac, the routed unit gets an additional +2 Die Roll Modifier for morale recovery rolls (in addition to any other DRMs the unit may be entitled to receive).
This scenario assumes a much more aggressive defense by Morell as Hill arrived. Instead of withdrawing, his men are ordered to stand and fight.

DEPLOYMENT

Set up is as per the map with no reinforcements for either side.

TERRAIN

All woods were light in density. Roll for combat visibility in full inches. Woods serve as cover for morale and rally die rolls. Use the BROKEN rate for the woods. Do not use the woods movement rate.

All other terrain is considered as open except for cornfields as designated on the battle map, which are broken terrain. Subtract 1" movement for each stream or fence that a unit crosses in open terrain. Fences may be destroyed by expending 3" of movement

Cornfields were high in mid-September. Use the broken movement rate in corn fields. Units in a cornfield must be spotted (visibility roll required as with light woods rules) else it is considered to be area fire using one less die. Every time that a unit takes a casualty in a cornfield, add one inch to the next visibility die roll (corn is being cut down by fire).

The recently harvested wheatfield was covered with wheat stacks. These provide no cover nor do they block line of sight.

The Potomac River may only be crossed at the ford or at the plank- covered dam (in column or in disorder).

The CHesapeake and Ohio canal was dry -- it may be used as medium earthworks. Warren's Brigade formed in the canal after recrossing the ford and exchanged fire with Rebels on the opposite bluff while Barnes retired. The previous day, the Ist US Sharpshooters used the canal for cover to fire at Pendleton's Reserve Artillery batteries.

Each normal hill slope line requires a +V movement penalty to ascend for any unit.

The bluffs are handled differently than the hills. It takes one full turn to move up or down these heights (except via the road or ravines), and the unit does this move in disorder. The ravines may be used at the rough terrain movement rate, using column or disorder movement only. Bluffs on the Maryland side are higher than on the Virginia side, giving the artillery a field of fire past the crest towards the wheatfield and cornfield area. The only exception is the high bluff to the immediate right of the map - the artillery may only use blind fire past the crest. Direct fire is only allowed if a Rebel unit appears at the edge of this particular bluff.

Smaller regiments may be combined within the same brigade only. In some cases, they have already been amalgamated.

VICTORY CONDITIONS

Union - Hold the star point for a minor victory, Hold this and inflict 40% casualties on the Rebels for a major victory.

CSA - Stonewall Jackson's orders to A. P. Hill were to drive the Federals from the Virginia side of the river.

Battle of Shepherdstown Saturday, Sept. 20, 1862

Historical Setting
Wargame Notes
Orders of Battle
Map (slow: 162K)