Confederate Raid!!!

A rousing game of Rebels & Patriots, as a Confederate force conducted a surprise, two-pronged attack on a Union headquarters camp!

The camp, set behind a gurgling stream, was manned by several groups of pickets, and two recovering cavalry units. Headquarters was a small farm building where the General was safely ensconced. On the other side of a stream, Union forces had quickly organized to fend off an impending Confederate attack.

As the Union began its first activation, the Union HQ player discovered to his dismay that the dismounted recovering cavalry were, in fact, Confederate raiders sent forward by Nathan Bedford Forrest in Union uniforms to infiltrate the camp. They rushed the farmhouse and, within two turns, had captured the unsuspecting general.

The main division of Union forces valiantly worked to blunt the Confederate advance. Through close order actions and volley fire, they were able to hold the line. And, despite a morale check required by word buzzing through the regiments the general had been captured, were able to maintain cohesion and continue to block the Rebels.

Meanwhile, back at the camp…. More cavalry arrived from the roads and woods in support! It was left to the small picket units to gallantly stave off disaster. Despite being small, they packed a punch - one cavalry unit was completely routed upon exiting the forest, to their Major’s absolute disgust and dismay. Those brave Federals have been transferred to the 1st United States Sharpshooters, a reward for their incredible marksmanship!

Union cavalry were able to break away from the main engagement and pursue Johnny Reb who had ‘escorted’ the Union Army general into a nearby cornfield, clearly intending to take him straightaway back to Andersonville. While fending off the remaining Confederate cavalry, the Union dragoons and the aforementioned marksman picket unit were finally, in the nick of time, able to free the General from impending imprisonment.

A great game, full of cinematic encounters and played (as typical) on a museum diorama-worthy playing surface created by Rick Schuldt!