Colonel Frenchs' Coffin

Camp fever had ravaged the Confederate army in there winter quarters outside of Rainton, many men had died including the much respected Colonel French. Determined that his body should be returned to his dear Martha. Major Markgraf and his men loaded the lead-lined coffin aboard a cart and set out to escort it to the rail-head.

News of the movement of Confederate troops and wagons soon reached the Union forces and a detachment under Major Binsack was dispatched to intercept them.

On Thursday evening we played the Escort Duty scenario, with the random allotment, both sides were at 92 points. Seth would play the Confederates and I'd assist, Drew would play the Union assisted by Bruce when he arrived later.

Confederates

• Leader, Status III
• Preacher
• Three groups of 8 Infantry with rifled muskets
• Leader, Status II
• Two groups of 8 Infantry with rifled muskets
• Leader, Status II
• One group of 6 Skirmishers with rifled muskets
• Leader, Status II
• One group of 6 Skirmishers with rifled muskets

Union

• Leader, Status III
• Leader, Status I
• Water cart
• Three groups of 8 Infantry with rifled muskets
• Leader, Status II
• Three groups of 8 Infantry with rifled muskets
• Leader, Status II
• One group of 6 Skirmishers with rifled muskets
• Leader, Status II
• One group of 8 Cavalry with breach loading carbines.

Both sides rolled for Force Morale and both would be starting on an 11.

The Confederates deployed and had one free move which they used to push towards the left hand route across the table. The Union deployed their cavalrymen and shooting their powerful breach-loading carbines from horseback they soon wiped out the Confederate skirmishers nearest to them.

The line of Confederate infantry following up engaged in a desultory firefight with the cavalrymen but little effect was felt by either side.

The main body of Confederate foot including Colonel French's coffin initially made slow progress but soon the pace was quickened and the Union foot rushed across the table to block their shortest route. Major Binsack halted his line and ordered his men to take a careful aim and fire upon the Secessionists, but the volley was ineffective and a pall of powder smoke now obscured his troops.

Major  Markgraf push his troops on, now limping from a sprained ankle he had picked up crossing the small copse of trees. Captain Greene commanding the supporting block of Confederates saw his opportunity, in rushing to block the advance the Union flank was rather exposed. With a Rebel Yell the Confederates were soon among the Union ranks who fell back in great disorder.

However the day was not done. Lieutenant Halphern commanding the Union horse had seen the threat and was already moving to support the Union position. Quickening to a gallop the Union cavalry with sabres drawn crashed into the rear of the victorious Rebels who broke and ran.

With the time getting on and a collapsing Force Morale it was decided that again the Blue Bellies had carried the day. Another instalment next week.

Thanks to Drew for the additional photos, many more images below!