HCR #1: September 13th-16th
September 13th is a supply check turn. Except for Sumner's corps which is in Frederick West County, the AoP is in supply while almost all of the Confederate units are out of supply (a few draw supply from the Frederick and Hagerstown depots). The VI corps crosses the Monocracy and attacks the Rebel Sub entrenched in Frederick Junction (DR/1fa result). The turn ends abruptly on a double-1 initiative roll so the Federals are unable to exploit their initial breakthrough. After foraging, all units for both sides except for Anderson's division and the routed Sub for the Confederates are in supply.
Lee dodges another bullet here. The early turn end allows his divisions to forage at fatigue level 0. However, Jackson is stuck in Washington county and is needed at the front.
On the 14th, Jackson's men leave early in the morning and make it to the South Mountain passes by mid-day. McClellan continues to bring units across the Monocracy in front of Frederick. On the southern end of the line, Porter mauls DH Hill's division (ratio 32:9, +2[ratio] +1[assault] +1[arty] +3[flank] = +7/+10 5DR*/a)! Again, double-1s for the initiative rolls ends the day.
Without Jackson and two of his divisions, the southern end of the Rebel line was difficult to defend and Porter was able to overlap and flank it. DH Hill's division is wrecked and the Reb VP situation takes a big hit. Thankfully (for Lee), the day ended early again.
The Union win the first initiative on the 15th and Sumner moves into flanking position on Lawton who occupies the extreme right of the Confederate line. The Confederates take the next two initiatives allowing Lee and Longstreet to set-up a flank attack by McLaws against Sumner (+5 attack/+6 3DR/a result). Jackson's troops (AP Hill and Jones) move slowly but finally arrive on the scene via the National Road. The XII makes a direct assault on Lawton and drive him back (+3 attack/+5 2DR/1Ea result). The Confederates form a line running SW of Frederick with AP Hill on the extreme right and Evan's brigade anchored on the Monocracy on the left. McClellan begins to move up divisions to assault this line but the turn ends on a double-1.
The early turn endings are really hurting the Yanks. Due to the gradual commitment (i.e., releasing) of Union units, many of the Union divisions are still in Montgomery county. Early turn endings means these units don't move up for the turn. In addition, the Union has been unable to follow-up some successful attacks. Lee has to run out the clock to win and the dice are helping him so far.
The Battle of Frederick continues on the 16th. McLaws pulls out of line and reinforces the Rebel left (Evans' position). McClellan attacks Evans' position but fails the Grand Assault roll reducing the attack from +3 to +0. The assault continues, ending is disaster (-2 f/3D result). Hooker then assaults Anderson's division (also on the Reb left) and drives him from the field (+1 attack/+3 1Dr/1Fa result). Lee pulls McLaws and Evans back to Frederick and counterattacks against Couch's lone division. Poor assault and grand assault rolls leave two divisions out of the attack and it fails (+3 attack/-1 F/2D result). McClellan surrounds Frederick with the I corps.
With Frederick in trouble, Lee again orders a counterattack. AP Hill is to move forward in the Union left hopefully forcing a retreat of the Union units south of Frederick. After Hill's first move, the Union take two initiatives and Porter is able to set-up a low-odds flanking attack (+1/+5 3DR Ea; see below) that routs AP Hill. Porter and Morell follow-up with an assault that routs Anderson's weakened division (+3/+4 1DR/1fa result). Jackson and Lawton attempt to stem the Union tide but are repulsed when assaulting Morell's division (+2/-1 F/1D result).
With most of the Confederate units at F4, the Union is able to continue attacking without concern for much Rebel reaction. Mansfield attacks Hood twice, driving him back in the second assault. With Lee completely surrounded in Frederick, Hooker launches an assault at 18:33, -1ratio +1assault -1tac -3arty +4flank = +0/+0 1D/1D result. Reno then takes a crack at Frederick but poor assault and grand assault rolls result in a poor -2 attack. Reno's boys fight hard though and nearly break the Confederate line (+1 1D/1D result). The day then ends on a double-1 initiative.
For this playout, the 16th results in the bulk of the fighting. The Confederate line disintegrates against overwhelming Union forces. The failure of the Rebels to reunite, reorganize and reset their defense before the Union army made contact is really hurting them. Lee is forced to try to hold Frederick as long as possible since it is now worth 4 VP a turn.
