Great Campaigns of the American Civil War -Atlanta is Ours Vignette:

Hovey and other elements of the Army of Ohio had been moving towards the North of Dalton along with McCooks cavalry Corp.

However Hovey had proceeded ahead of General Sheffield forces. the 23rd [XXIII] Corp was stretched out and assessing how to manage the advance when dusk abruptly fell and the day was done. Hovey had secured a foot hold in the redoubts North of Dalton, and was sending urgent messages for reinforcement so they could secure them selves, take the town and possibly cut off the Rebs. Note that the turn ended early due to a double 1 roll for initiative, and given that many of the Union forces had not finished moving but a significant number of Confederates had, the Rebels elected to end the turn.

 

Such was not to be. Early the next morning Johnston had requested that Hardee and Wheeler along with other units halt and reverse course. He smelled an opportunity.

The weather was fine that morning of the 8th of May,  Hardees men rather than retreat had edged into the woods surrounding Hovey. While Wheeler and Kelly’s men raced back and presented a significant surprise to Hoveys Division.

Caught flat footed, and with no reinforcement insight, Hovey had no choice but to fight it out.

Combat Detail:

Stewart [underneath Johnston ] has 13 steps of men for a 1:1 assault.

They receive the following bonus’s to their die roll. 

+1 for Assault [we looked at conducting a Grand Assault but were happy with just a standard one]

+2 for Tactical prowess Stewart versus Hovey

+2 for Flank benefit. [Hardee is in the woods, so this does not help us to get to +4].

For a net +5.

Union rolls a 3, the Rebs roll a 6 +5 is 11.

The net die roll is 8.

Results: The Union suffer 3 step losses, a Disorganized [flip the counter] and a Rout with a star….meaning that they are moved to Demoralized level 2. Note that Hovey has to retreat 1 more hex than he has  [4-6 on a R* result], so he will cross the river.