The following is a summary of the action most recently fought sent from General Lee to President Davis.
Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia near Culpepper, Virginia, August 25th, 1862
Mr. President,
My letter of yesterday indicated that it was likely we would soon be engaged against General Pope’s army. I can confirm that we have this day been so engaged.
Our deployment was frustrated by Culpepper Run that meandered across the battlefield. As a result Generals Jackson and Longstreet were instructed to act relatively independently. Further, with General Hood’s Division not yet deployed General Longstreet was ordered to conduct a holding action. In contrast I instructed General Jackson to attack with vigour the Union left, driving it from the field.
Unfortunately General Jackson has advised me that his attack has been repulsed with great loss. In particular I am informed that the attack by General Ewell’s Division drove the first line of enemy back but was unable to drive the second line from its position.
Above, Jackson’s Corps advances with Ewell’s Division in the foreground and extended by the divisions of Taliaferro & Hill. Below, the attack by General Ewell on the woods near Widow Pointer’s farm.
Below, another view of Jackson’s right encompassing the cornfields and extending back to Ewell’s Division, near the woods in the distance, who have now advanced from the woods and are engaged against the second Union line.
The fighting around the Bell cornfields was particular fierce. Eventually the divisions here were driven back with great loss. General Jackson informs me that the brigades of Garrett, Taliaferro and Field suffered particular heavy casualties, a testament to their determination for our cause.
Meanwhile in the centre, and against our left, General Pope unleashed a determined attack with unprecedented force which was executed with great precision. His attack against our centre began with a heavy bombardment for which we unable to counter.
Below, Anderson’s Division deployed to halt the Union threat to front. Ewell’s Division is just visible on the right advancing.
Our extreme left was further compromised by a flanking movement by three Union divisions. Below, John’s Division reoriented to await the Union flanking movement. Note the corner of the Confederate line anchored on the buildings of Culpepper.
Concerned by this movement by the enemy I ordered a series of counterattacks by both Anderson’s and John’s Divisions. Executed with great elan our brigades pressed the enemy with great courage and unprecedented resolve.
Below, the initial attacks executed by General Longstreet against the Union right.
During these attacks the brigades of Armistead, Wright, Dayton and Johns suffered crippling casualties. Further, the remaining brigades of the divisions, that is Mahone, Wilcox and Toombs, suffered heavy casualties. Despite our fervent encouragements to retire the Union line generally withstood our attacks.
Towards the end of the day General Hood’s Division arrived on the rear of the Union right caused much consternation to our enemy.
Below, the arrival of General Hood’s Division, visible on the left behind the Union forces.
However, rather than needless loss I now ordered a retrograde movement to be covered by General Hood. This was executed as planned and without significant interference.
As to tomorrow, I shall accept battle if the enemy offers it, whether I wish to or not, and as the result is in the hands of the Sovereign Ruler of the universe and known to him only, I deem it prudent to make every arrangement in our power to meet any emergency that may arrive.
I hope your Excellency will understand that I am not in the least discouraged or that my faith in the protection of an All merciful Providence, or in the fortitude of this army is at all shaken.
I am most respectfully your obedient servant, R. E. Lee, General
The engagement was of course fictional developed using the Road to Glory scenario system. It involved six players. The Union commanders were Andrew, Robin & Alastair, while the Confederates were commanded by Richard, Barrie and myself. As to the miniatures the Union forces are from Andrew’s collection while the Confederate are from my own.All are from Heroics & Ros.
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