Charge! ACW Magazine

Issue 1

Reviewed by Scott Savory


Published by the Johnny Reb Gaming Society "CHARGE!" is the premier issue of the official newsletter of the Johnny Reb Gaming Society. This quarterly publication is the product of Scott Mingus, whose excellent two-volume "Enduring Valor" scenario books have recently been reviewed in The Herald. As implied above, this magazine is geared towards John Hill's Johnny Reb rules sets, and features scenarios for the system, as well as other related articles of historical interest. Issue #1 is a 20-page, coil-bound magazine, with both black-and-white and color graphics. The major highlights of this issue are its three complete scenarios.

  • "Shepherdstown" depicts the Sept. 20, 1862, action at Boteler's Ford during Lee's retreat after the battle at Antietam. Three brigades of the Union V Corps have established a lodgment on the south bank of the Potomac River. Six brigades of A.P. Hill's "Light Division" attack this advanced Union position. The terrain depicts a bend in the river at Shepherdstown, along with the nearby ford and dam, which are the only two routes across the river. Steep bluffs line both banks, with the Maryland bluffs being higher than those on the Virginia side. Accordingly, Union batteries on the far bank can support the bridgehead's defenders. The scenario lasts from 9 am until noon, for a total of 10 game turns.

  • "Kernstown" portrays the March 23, 1862, action in the Shenandoah Valley, with Stonewall Jackson's three brigades tackling three larger Union brigades near Winchester. The map centers on Prichard's Hill, which is worth 20 victory points. Other terrain features include Sandy Ridge and the stone wall on the Confederate left, as well as the town itself.

  • "Fairfield Road" is the third scenario, and covers the July 1, 1863, afternoon action between Lane's Confederate brigade and Gamble's Union cavalry along Seminary Ridge. The map centers on the southern portion of McPherson's Ridge, and the Fairfield Road bisects the battlefield. With only one brigade per side on a 3'x4' map, this is a good introductory scenario.

    All three scenarios include complete orders of battle, with unit strengths shown both as the number of figures for Johnny Reb, and the actual number of combatants. Aside from the scenarios, the newsletter features several articles, including an excellent piece by Brent Nosworthy on the effectiveness of rifle-muskets during the ACW. An article about the impact of fences on combat in the ACW, with the emphasis of their effect on play in Johnny Reb, and one highlighting the importance of Gen. John Buford's decision to hold the ground west of Gettysburg round out the features. Other tidbits include a Johnny Reb 3 cheat sheet, a trivia contest, a common map key (for the color scenario maps), and an introduction by John Hill. The premier issue is a solid effort for what will hopefully become a ready source of regimental ACW scenarios.

    For more information, visit the Johnny Reb Gaming Society web page at: www.geocities.com/scottmingus/JRGS.

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