"The Boys was whipped, and no mistake!"

This week's game between Phil and me was in GHQ as it will be out of commission for two weeks {acting as a temporary store while our family bathroom is gutted and replaced.} Phil chose 'anything Blackpowder', so it's the ACW and the latest installment from our 'Robinson in the Valley' campaign. The scenario sees the Rebs mounting a surprise attack on the Federals who are spread out thinly in camp with several units off table until Turn 4. As usual a photomontage to hopefully give you a sense of the unfolding catastrophe ~

Supported by the New York Light Artillery the 5th New York advance to block the lone Reb infantry advancing along the road. Phil's command roll dice were at their usual level in Turn 1.

As you see, the North Carolina Brigade and the Georgia brigade have made little headway so far. Encouraged by their tardiness, US Bykleigh is confident his New Yorkers will hold the ridge against a few Virginians and Louisiana boys!

First blood to the 5th New York, a smart volley rips into the Rebs Disordering them.

As more of the North Carolina Brigade move up the 5th look nervously over their shoulder for support. It is coming, but slowly, as the Pennsylvania regiments make slow progress.

The Rebs are trying to turn the Federal right flank so ol' US orders his regulars forward. Somehow in the confusion the orders fail to arrive and the initiative goes over to PJ's boys!

In the centre the 146th New York come under intense fire from advancing Rebs. Casualties mount rapidly and they break and flee to the rear! The gap is filled by the 94th New York rushing forward to block the 18th & 19th Georgia. 

The 5th New York can endure the heat of battle no longer. Their morale collapses and they break! Just in time two Pennsylvanian regiments appear down the road, the first of the expected reinforcements perhaps?

The Federal centre collapsed and the New Yorkers fall back Whipped? The Regulars are putting up fierce resistance and holding off the 3rd Louisiana infantry and the Louisiana Tigers, but their position is untenable with the centre gone. Where are those reinforcements?

Despite the gallant advance of the Pennsylvania regiments and the stirling efforts of the artillery the Rebs are surging forward everywhere. With no sign of the reinforcing regiments the Federal cause is lost.

Everywhere you look men in butternut and gray are surging forward over the fleeing Federals.

Even the Regulars break under sustained losses and with them the army collapses. Victory for the Rebs, and for PJ some consolation in the ongoing campaign. I fear ol' Useless S Bykleigh may be sent out West to fight the Indians!

A splendid game played using Black Powder and some elements from Glory Hallelujah. Over before lunch in just seven turns. The failure of the Federal reserve's to appear allied with a sudden surge of dice joy for Phil took the game decisively to a Reb victory!