8.00pm 12 Sept 1862 – turn 37

There has been little in the way of combat over the last few turns other than some long range artillery fire. I am attempting to move my army northwest to prevent the Rebels at Williamsport from joining up with their main body to the south. However, progress is frustratingly slow and I am concerned that my forces are being spread too thin – in true McClellan style I feel that I need at least one more army corps!

The general situation shortly before dusk (turn 33) showing that both armies are gradually moving northwest.

Turn 37 is the first of the night moves for the night of 12-13 September. Visibility is reduced to just one hex and turns now represent one hour (rather than 20 minutes) troops that move suffer quite heavy fatigue that reduces their combat effectiveness. As a result I’ve decided to halt all movement until dawn on the 13th as I doubt that Dave will risk any major movements either.

 The VP chart at the end of turn 37.

The current VP score stands slightly in my favour but Dave has managed to slowly whittle this away since the drubbing of his cavalry on the Smoketown Road. Although I have an advantage in numbers the quality of the Confederate troops means that they still pose a very serious threat and trying to keep my troops concentrated remains a priority.

5.00pm 12 Sept 1862 – turn 28

The Rebels are forcing the ford at Williamsport but they appear to be in no more than divisional strength and Pleasonton’s horse artillery are harassing them as they cross the river. Dave’s original plan may have been to press on to Hagerstown but I think now he is more likely to try and send this isolated force south to rejoin Lee.

The Rebels are crossing the ford at Williamsport but they must be way behind schedule due to Pleasonton's delaying action!

This seems likely because the Confederates around the area of Jones Crossroads are disengaging and attempting to shift to the northwest. To counter this I have ordered Hookers corps west with Burnside following him to attempt to stop the enemy passing by our right flank.

Dave's Confederates are disengaging and moving northwest, it almost looks like a rout from this perspective!

Meanwhile Sumner, Franklin and Mansfield are reforming their divisions to the east of Tilghmanton. Their various regiments and brigades have become somewhat muddled up during the pursuit of the Rebels from Sharpsburg and I will need them properly organised ready for action in the morning.

The general situation in the area of Jones Crossroads at 5.00pm.

With dusk fast approaching I don’t expect there to be much in the way of serious fighting until tomorrow.