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Disclaimer
This is a fictitious battle. All information about the location, forces, and immediate background for the scenario, except where specifically noted, are completely concocted.
Time
It is late June, 1862. The battle starts at 1:00 PM. Assume nightfall is at 8:00 PM.
Place
The upper navigable reaches of the Tennessee River in northern Alabama, about twenty five miles west northwest of Decatur, Alabama.
General Background (Real)
Union General Don Carlos Buell is advancing along the Memphis & Charleston Railroad to the south of the Tennessee River. His Army of the Ohio is attempting to sever Tennessee and Kentucky from the rest of the Confederacy.
To continue his advance, he must receive supplies either from forces along the Mississippi River via the railroad, or from Union bases in Western Kentucky, down the Tennessee River. The river is the preferred method for supply, since it is controlled by the Union Navy.
Meanwhile, Confederate General Braxton Bragg is shifting his army from northern Mississippi to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Bragg's general objective is to harass Buell and slow his advance as much as possible, while gaining strength to eventually defeat the Union force.
Immediate Background
To try to slow Buell's already tortoise-like advance, General Bragg has sent a modest force along the north side of the Tennessee River. It's objective is to block the river, so that Buell will not receive supplies as he enters the eastern part of northern Alabama.
Buell, in response, has shifted a portion of this army across the Tennessee, and ordered it to clear the rebel force from the river.
Terrain
Marsh. Treat this as Rough terrain. Mounted cavalry, artillery, and supply columns may only enter a marsh on a road or trail.
Plowed Field. Treat this as Broken terrain for infantry and cavalry. Treat it as Rough terrain for artillery and supply columns.
Unplowed Field. Threat this as Open for infantry and cavalry. Treat it as Road for artillery and supply columns.
Cemetery. Treat this as Open for infantry and cavalry. Treat it as Broken for artillery and supply columns.
River Bank. The river is approximately 1/2 level below the surrounding countryside. The bank affords a low area wide enough for a column of infantry or cavalry to pass down it. Troops fighting from behind the bank are under cover. To enter or leave the bank, treat the edge as 1" of Broken terrain. There is no river bank where the marshes touch the river.
Willowbie Creek.
The creek is approximately 1/2 level below the surrounding countryside. Treat the creek and its banks as Rough terrain. Troops fighting from inside the creek (must be at one edge) are under cover and in light woods. A ford is treated as Broken terrain and may only be crossed by one stand at a time.
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