Action at Brawner's Farm, August 1862 - Scenario

Stonewall Brigade Lies in Wait near Brawner's Farm

After laying in wait all day for an opportunity to strike the Federals, Jackson got his chance as King's division marched along the Warrenton Turnpike towards Centreville where Pope's army was massing.  Letting King's lead brigade pass by unmolested, Jackson finally ordered his troops to empty the unfinished railroad cut and attack the second of King's brigade as it passed through Brawner's Woods.  That second brigade was Gibbon's soon to be acclaimed Iron Brigade.  This is the Iron Brigade's baptism of fire.

Brawner's Farm Map Looking from South

Although Jackson's forces outnumbered the Federals by almost three to one, Jackson never managed to bring this overwhelming force to bear.  Jackson's troops would attack in piecemeal fashion while Gibbon and Doubleday's brigades would hold onto the field until darkness halted the battle.  This scenario recreates that action in the late afternoon of August 28, 1862.  For an account of the battle, visit The Civil War Trust's website.

Brawner's Farm OB

Rules: Regimental Fire and Fury
Game area: 6' x' 6'
First Player: Confederate
Game Start: 5:15pm beginning with Confederate Turn, Confederate Offensive Fire Phase
Game End:  8:30pm
Twilight at 7:45pm

At 5:15pm, only Baylor's brigade, Alleghany, Danville, and Staunton batteries are present on table for the Confederates.  Union troops in column along Warrenton Turnpike with Gibbon's brigade in the van and Doubleday following up about half mile behind.  4-US-B battery begins along Warrenton Turnpike near Dogan's house.  Other Federal batteries dispersed throughout column.

Key Positions: Brawner's Farm, Dogan's House
Heavy Casualties: Federal = 34; Confederate = 47

Confederate Reinforcements:
6:15pm: Jackson, 26 GA, 60 GA
6:30pm: Maryland, Courtney batteries at railroad cut near Stony Ridge, Rockbridge battery at railroad cut northwest of Brawner Farm.
7:15pm: Ewell, Trimble with brigade at railroad cut near Stony Ridge; Lawton and brigade at railroad cut near copse of trees north of Brawner's Farm.
8:00pm: W.B Taliaferro, A.G. Taliaferro and brigade at woods northwest of Brawner's Farm.

Initial Troop Deployments

While details may change as I playtest the scenario, the above provides enough detail to get the scenario into motion.  Just as Jackson delayed his attacks and missed an opportunity to hit King hard, the Federals fed troops into the fight in a piecemeal fashion as well.  Gibbon only committed regiments to the fight as Jackson threatened to outflank his position in the woods and around Brawner's Farm.  Constraints may have to be added to Federal movements and reactions.  Troops present are only those actively present in the historical fight.  Starke's large brigade of Louisianans are absent but could be added for play balance if needed.