BACKROUND:
By December 29, 1862, Rosecran' s Army of the Cumberland had drawn close to the Confederate position northwest of Murfreesboro. On that day, Bragg formed his Army of Tennessee into line of battle. The division of John C. Breckinridge, part of Hardee's Corps, was placed east of Stone's River in order to counter any Union advance on the town from the north. About half a mile in advance of Breckinridge's left most unit (the Orphan Brigade), was an eminence whose slopes extended down to the river. This position enfiladed the right flank of Polk's Corps on the west side and also dominated much of the ground in front of that commander's position. Thus, Breckinridge ordered Hanson to seize the hill, which he did with three regiments and a battery.
In the afternoon, Union units of Maj. General Crittenden's command moved into position opposite the Confederates west of the river. Curious as to whether the Confederates were deployed to the east, the brigade of Hascall, in Thomas J. Wood's division, was sent across the river in the fading light. As they ascended the hill, they ran into Confederate pickets and a skirmish developed. Some of the Federals reached the crest, but ran into the now aware regiments of the Orphan Brigade. As it turned dark, the Union soldiers fell back across the river, having ascertained the Confederate's whereabouts.
Apparently, the Union commanders did not realize at this time how important the hill was, dominating as it did the Confederate position. But what if the Federals had started their attack sooner and pressed it more vigorously?
THE SCENARIO
VICTORY CONDITIONS: The scenario lasts 6 turns. The Federals win by seizing Whayne's Hill. If they are not the sole occupiers of the high ground at the end of the allotted time, they will withdraw (it turns dark). The Confederates win by avoiding the Union victory conditions.
THE TERRAIN: All woods and slopes are treated as broken ground. Stone's River is fordable as rough ground. The woods between Whayne's Hill and the height to the east are tall enough to block vision from one to the other.
DEPLOYMENT: The regiments and batteries of both sides should be placed on the table in the locations shown on the map. They can be in any formation desired. The Confederate player is restricted as to what units he can place at each location, as shown. The Union player has no such restrictions.
SPECIAL RULE: Due to the fact that they were resting and took time to form, all Confederate units except the regiment and battery directly on the hill must be given a Conditional Hold order on turn 1.
ORDERS OF BATTLE
UNION 1st Brigade Brig. Genl. Milo S. Hascall (+1)
- 100th Illinois Average Rifled Muskets
58th Indiana Average Rifled Muskets
3rd Kentucky Average Rifled Muskets
26th Ohio Average Rifled Muskets
8th Indiana Battery Average four 6 pdr. Smoothbores
CONFEDERATE
ORPHAN BRIGADE - Brig. Gen. Roger W. Hanson
- 2nd Kentucky Elite Rifled Muskets
4th Kentucky Elite Rifled Muskets
6th Kentucky Elite Rifled Muskets
9th Kentucky Elite Rifled Muskets
41st Alabama Average Rifled Muskets
Cobb's Kentucky Battery Elite 4 12pd Howitzers
Total Infantry Strength = 1,713 men. If exact regimental strengths are wanted, see Orphan Brigade article.
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