TJByrum

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

As soon as the Negro forces came to a stop and prepared to fire, the 50 Mounted Rifles, now dismounted, were ordered to fire into their ranks and make a hasty retreat across the river with their horses. Some would surely fall from the Negroes retaliatory volley, however. Beaufort, meanwhile, led his 142 Partisan Cavalry around the line, due northwest, before turning to push northward against the Natives. His Cavalry were well-trained, as Southern horsemen naturally were, and he hoped to inflict terrible casualties on the Natives before withdrawing, or perhaps even force them to retreat into the woods.

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Rebel artillerists were preparing their own ambitions back at Miller's Farm opposite the Union forces. However, Brigadier General Rumby sent a messenger along - waving a white flag of truce so that the Union might not shoot at him. Assuming he made it to a Union soldier unharmed he would deliver a message:

To the Commanding Federal Officer,

Brigadier General John Rumby requests that you evacuate the town of Harrisburg of all non-combatants before morning, before the inevitable battle commences. Your only other option would be to withdraw, but the honor of a soldier would never permit such course.

During the downtime Confederate artillerists set up their four howitzers southwest of the town. These long-range cannons, while inaccurate, were meant to bombard the town, destroy fortifications, and demoralize the Union troops. Before Rumby gave any order to fire, however, he would await the Federal response to his message. Just north of their location were 4 horse artillery crews, out of range from the town but within sufficient range to bombard any Union force which may attempt to move against the howitzers. The Infantry, Marines, Cavalry, and others were encamped behind the artillery placements. Though currently resting, the rebel forces were ready to deploy at Rumby's notice.

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

Captain Beaufort and his men were believed to see the river crossing up ahead. The few scouts who straggled behind rightfully abandoned their duties to catch up with the main body, having successfully spied the approaching Coloured Division. "There it is boys, let's get on over and meet back up with Rumby." The cavalry began to make their approach right when the Union's Native Americans sprang from the forest.

First Beaufort had spied flashes of firearms, but the smoke expelled from the barrels and cacophony of the weapons confirmed their presence. Also in this barrage were flaming arrows. The attack may have been quite deadly and catastrophic for Beaufort's party, but the mounted force had moved swiftly down the river's edge and they would have outpaced the infantry force considerably. Only the rear of the column would be affected, and of the 150 men 8 men were hit.

"Ride, ride hard," Beaufort commanded at the head of his column. "Mounted riflemen, dismount at the crossing in loose formation, Partisan Cavalry on me!" He pointed to a ranking officer, "make for Rumby's position and tell him what's happening!" One of the cavalrymen nodded and darted to the crossing and passed over unmolested. He would inform Rumby of the impending disaster.

The mounted force would outrun the Natives and Negroes. The 50 Mounted Rifles dismounted and formed a loose battle line, ready to fire on the Negroes and get the first shot as soon as they were within range. Meanwhile, Beaufort positioned his Partisan Cavalry, of which there were 142, formed behind this thin line.

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

Captain Beaufort in the West
Beaufort's cavalry, consisting of 100 Partisan Cavalry and 50 Mounted Rifles, would continue their southerly retreat in the face of the numerically superior British Cuirassiers and Negroes. They were currently unaware of the Native Americans. They offered no threat or desire to battle, but maintained surveillance to ensure they were well ahead of the enemy. Beaufort kept his 50 Mounted Rifles in the rear and his 100 Partisan Cavalry at the front. Perhaps if the British volunteers galloped ahead on their own steeds the rebels might offer battle, but for the moment they'd make way for the southern river crossing.

Brigadier General Rumby at Miller's Farm
The rebels set up camp around Miller's Farm, establishing lookouts and pickets all around. John Rumby began to devise a plan to seize Harrisburg, which the Yankees were certainly fortifying at the moment. His plan started to take form but he decided he would allow his soldiers time to rest. A few Grey-clad scouts would be spotted on the outskirts of the town as the rebels attempted to survey the goings-on of the Union force.

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

Rumby, seeing the Yanks retreat, was relieved. A battle would not occur here at the bridge. With the knowledge that their advance would be unrestricted here, Rumby began to issue orders to his men to cross the bridge. A warning shot from the negroes was met with a few hateful insults, but overall no damage was done to either side. First the cannons crossed, then the cavalry, then the camp followers, the infantry, sharpshooters, howitzers, and the marines last. However, Rumby approached one of his cavalry commanders, Alexander Beaufort, at the end of the maneuver.

"Beaufort. Take the 1st Horse and half of the 1st Mounted Rifles with you and harass the enemy on this side. The rest of the army will make for Miller's Farm nearby for much-needed supplies. No doubt the Yanks are making for Harrisburg. Have faith, we'll get'em out."

Beaufort would take 100 of the Partisan Cavalry and 50 of the Mounted Rifles with him, and start moving back south a few paces. Rumby took the remaining forces and made for Miller's Farm, just to the east, where he would set up camp and allow his men rest.

Rumby's final act at this position was to use his guns to blow the bridge, negating the Yanks a chance to pursue his army here.

If the Union was sending anyone to Harrisburg by train, they would arrive there shortly. It was a moderately-sized town, having grown with the introduction of the railroad. There was a central courthouse on the main road, surrounded by other one to two or even three story buildings. There were no walls around the town. Large expansive fields expanded all around the town.

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

It seemed the first battle would occur at the southernmost bridge of Cullen's River about midday. Wadee, commander of the rebel Cherokee Mounted Rifles, had spotted the advance of General Smith's Coloured Division, along with the British Cuirassiers. The Cherokee officer wasted no time reporting back to his superiors, and avoided any conflict whatsoever.

"They got the niggers comin' at us?" barked Charles, upon hearing Wadee's report. He spat on the ground in disgust. "Round'em up and send'em back in chains," he taunted. The man may have been a fine infantry commander, but he was also an absolute racist and a supporter of slavery. A man had many reasons for fighting, but Charles was practically fighting for his family's right to keep slaves.

"Easy, Charles," Wadee tried to calm his ally down, "we should exercise caution in this. Rumby, sir, what are our orders?"

Rumby rubbed his beard in thought. After a moment he'd begin to issue his commands.

"Charles, draw the infantry into line formation between the river and the forest, ahead of the bridge - but do not engage the negroes. Have the Marines behind in reserve. Pull up the howitzers in the rear. Set the Appalachian sharpshooters on the western flank. All cavalry and horse artillery fall under my command from this point on. Our howitzers ought to have the range, so bombard whoever's closest - but if you see artillery then target it first."

The Confederate army began its advance and deployed as ordered. They would form up in their defensive posture, with the howitzers pulled up in the rear ready to fire on whoever was in range.

i.imgur.com/q1UFE09.jpg

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

John Rumby closed his eyes and offered his God a prayer, reopening them just a short moment later. He folded the letter in thirds, then sealed it with a stamp and pushed it to the end of the table. "Stop for no one," he'd say to the negro standing nearby.

"Yessir," replied the servant, "as you wish, sir." The coloured man nodded at his master and turned to exit the tent.

Brigadier General Rumby rubbed the tiredness out of his eyes. He was nearing thirty-four but he felt like he was closer to sixty. Maybe the war with the Mexicans threw him forward a few years. He hoped this war would end soon, but he wasn't optimistic. At times he considered sending his resignation to Confederate command, but digressed. He had a duty. South Carolina started this war, and as a proud resident of that fine state he was obligated to fight for it. If not the his state, then for the South - and if not the South then for his family. The Rumby's had lived in South Carolina ever since they ran the Cherokee out of the Upstate, just after the American Revolution. Cotton grew by their servants ensured a healthy income, but the Rumby's were West Point graduates and proud American soldiers.

Everything John did was to keep the Federals out of South Carolina. If not for him, he thought, then the Yankees might burn down his town, and worse - his home. It bothered him to imagine his mother and sisters without a home.

One of the tent flaps swung open and Wadee poked his head in. "Men are waitin'. You should come."

Wadee was a Cherokee native living on the western stretch of the Appalachian Mountains. Although he had a history of raiding plantations, he was an excellent candidate to lead Rumby's Cherokee riflemen - a mounted corp under John's command. Wadee wasn't his real name, of course, but it's what the men called him for whatever reason.

"Alright, alright," the Brigadier General said, heaving himself up. "Let's go."

John would follow the Cherokee man to the strategy tent just a short distance away. Some minor officers sat nearby, nodding at their superior as he passed by. When they finally arrived at their destination Wadee pulled a seat up for Rumby.

Charles, one of John's highest ranking officers, spoke first - as usual. "The Yankees set up camp north of here, on the other side of the forest."

Wadee nodded, "reports say they're entrenched behind Cull's Creek."

John nodded and examined the map laid out over the table. It would be fruitless to move an army through the forest. It was to thick and to dangerous for any common soldier to march through. If a battle erupted within it would be a chaotic mess that would only devolve into a massacre on both sides.

A road did run along the southeast edge of the woods, wrapping around towards the Union camp. Alternatively it cut off eastward, crossing a river and heading for Miller's farm and then Harrisburg. He ran the possibilities through his head. The Federals might make for the bridge too, if not to secure the passage to Harrisburg then to check the advance of the rebels. They could also make for the north train station, which might allow them to reach Harrisburg before the Confederates.

Honestly, he wasn't sure how to proceed at this moment.

"Wadee, take the Mounted Rifles northeast as the vanguard; waste no time and do not wait for us. Charles, you'll advance in column with the infantry and artillery. Put those Appalachian sharpshooters on the west flank, hugging the woods. The rest of the cavalry will remain under my command, split evenly on either flank. Our immediate task is to secure the bridge. Get to it."

All of the staff officers nodded in agreement and stood up, pacing off to prepare the troop movements.

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

Brigadier General John "Johnny" Rumby

[Biography]

Command

752 Infantry: Confederate line infantry drawn from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. These men are meant to hold their positions in the face of enemy infantry and cavalry. Their choice weapon is the 1853 Enfield. Some of these men saw action at First Manassas, while the newer recruits have been seasoned at Second Manassas.

150 Confederate Marines: Elite, well-trained, and well-equipped infantry. Formerly serving as United states Marines, these Southerners decided to join their home states during secession and now fight for the Confederacy.

100 Skirmishers: Those men living in the Appalachian Mountains are a special breed; their predecessors were paramount to the British rout at the Battle of Cowpens. Equipped with Whitworth Rifles, these light infantrymen can out-range and harass enemy positions, and are usually assigned to picket duty.

8 Horse Artillery Guns, 32 Engineers: Rumby's brigade has 8 guns, each with 4 engineers and drawn by four horses. These guns are lighter than most other cannons, allowing them to be limbered and unlimbered, and transported quickly - essentially 'flying artillery'. Brigadier General Rumby took the idea from John Pelham, one of JEB Stuart's most trusted artillerists.

4 Howitzers, 16 Engineers: These long-range howitzers fire long-range explosive shells at enemy positions. They require 4 engineers for efficient use, and each has 4 horses for transport. They're inaccurate, but can bombard enemy positions from afar and inflict terrible casualties when they make a hit.

100 Mounted Rifles: Otherwise known as 'mounted infantry', these light cavalrymen are armed with carbines, pistols, and cavalry sabres. The Mounted Rifles can fire from horseback or dismount and fire on foot. While they can charge and engage in melee, this is not their intended purpose and they will be outdone by enemy cavalry. These men saw action on the western frontier, attempting to tame the Native Americans.

50 Cherokee Mounted Rifles: Similar in function to standard Confederate mounted rifle units, although this group is composed of strictly Cherokee natives. These men are armed with carbines, pistols, and war axes native to the Cherokee tribes.

300 Partisan Cavalry: Men drawn from wealthy families across the American South, from Virginia to Texas. Most of these men attended West Point, and a number of them served in the Mexican-American War. These men wield sabres and cavalry revolvers, and are meant for close-quarters combat, flanking, pursuing fleeing enemies, and scouting.

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

The Blue and the Gray

Harrison's Valley

A historical-fiction role play between myself and @andreyich.

Fall, 1862. General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate army, encouraged by their victory at the Battle of Second Manassas, prepare to invade the North. Opposing Lee will be Union General George B. McClellan. The Battle of Antietam would be fought on September 17th, and would become the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.

Before this encounter, however, another battle brews in eastern Virginia. A Confederate officer leads a force of 1,500 rebels into Harrison's Valley, hoping to secure much-needed resources for the upcoming campaign, and to assist in Lee's advance. Opposing him is a Union officer, fielding 2,000 Federal soldiers, who has been tasked with holding the valley. Blood will be shed, countrymen will become enemies, but at the end of the day heroes will be born. This is the Blue and the Gray.

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Harrison's Valley

Hider

The Union camp is located to the northwest, straddling the northwestern bank of Cull's Creek. The area is highly defensible. The Confederate camp is located to the southwest, situated atop a hill just north of Clearwater Lake.

Between both camps is a vast, heavily forested and hilly region which presents no proper battleground. A single road winds through the forest, essentially connecting both camps via road.

Cullen's River runs from northeast to the southern portion. The central region is mostly flat, with a few hills and farmhouses. To the north and also to the east are train stations, and a track connects both. The eastern station sits in the middle of Harrisburg.

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Unit Reference

Infantry

The backbone of any army, infantry can hold their own against other infantry and can withstand direct cavalry charges. Infantry-on-infantry conflict usually boils down to troop quantity and terrain. If targeted by artillery they must give ground or risk high casualties. Successful flanking maneuvers can also break infantry formations.

Specialized types of infantry, like skirmishers and heavy infantry, may have separate functions.

Cavalry

Mounted troops usually used for reconnaissance or flanking maneuvers. Cavalry should avoid direct charges into enemy formations, and should approach artillery positions with care. Cavalry fight best when engaging other cavalry or attacking the enemy's flanks.

Some cavalry may be lighter equipped to move faster, or act as mounted rifles, etc.

Artillery

Artillery supports the infantry and cavalry. Although usually inaccurate, sustained artillery fire can force enemy infantry to abandon their positions.

Battle of the Maw

Thanks for the comments @remaint

Battle of the Maw

Hope nobody was affected by Irma or Harvey.