South Mountain

[mike1984]

This will be between me and Robbie. He might join in here with a few thoughts, but I anticipate this AAR will be mostly me. Enjoy.

[mike1984]

Kanawha Division Headquarters
Fox's Gap, South Mountain, Maryland
September 14, 1862

8:40 a.m.
Scammon's First Brigade advances northwest towards Fox's Gap. The Brigade comes into view of Garland's Brigade of DH Hill's CSA Division, supported by one battery of Artillery. Scammon deploys the Brigade in column of regiments, and uses the woods to cover some of the movements. Gilmore's Cavalry Company screens the left flank against any possible Enemy attack.

The Enemy moves some reinforcements south into the Fox's Gap, but move out of view before a final destination can be determined.

[mike1984]

Kanawha Division Headquarters
Fox's Gap, South Mountain, Maryland
September 14, 1862

9:20 a.m.
After the First Brigade lightly engages Enemy units on the northeast face of Fox's Gap, Crook's Second Brigade is brought up to support a stronger push on the Enemy positions in the Gap. The First Brigade regroups in the woods along the road, while the Second Brigade marches into the clearing below the hill. Enemy fire from Garland's Brigade and the supporting Artillery drives the 28th Ohio back. The Ohioans were to be the Brigade's left flank, and relieve the disabled Kentucky Light Battery at the base of the clearing.

[mike1984]

IX Corps Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Jesse Reno
Fox's Gap, South Mountain, Maryland
September 14, 1862

9:40 a.m.
The First and Second Brigades advance in one movement into the Fox's Gap. There they meet Garland's and Colquitt's Brigades forming a line along the north-south road in the Gap. The Enemy has two supporting Batteries, totalling six guns. More reinforcements are spotted moving south into the area. Enemy forces are fewer in number than our own, but occupy a quite formidable defensive position upon the hill and in the Gap.

[mike1984]

IX Corps Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Jesse Reno
Fox's Gap, South Mountain, Maryland
September 14, 1862

10:00 a.m.
The Division has been driven back with little to show for its effort. Two of Crook's three Regiments were routed before even reaching the Enemy lines. Scammon's Brigade could not stand alone without Crook's support on the left, and with Enemy forces moving in from the north.

The Division will re form at the base of Fox's Gap and await reinforcements. Sturgis is reportedly a few miles away; his Division should be on the field within the morning. Until then, The Kanawha Division will prepare defenses, should the Enemy counterattack down the hill, however unlikely.

[mike1984]

IX Corps Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Jesse Reno
Fox's Gap, South Mountain, Maryland
September 14, 1862

10:20 a.m.
The reports on Sturgis' Division were incorrect; it is Wilcox's Division that will arrive shortly. However, couriers say that he is moving slowly to the battlefield, and might arrive with only one of his Brigades.

The Kanawha Division is in severe disarray following the failed assault upon Fox's Gap. The entire Division is withdrawn from in front of Enemy positions, while the Kentucky Light Battery is still disabled, awaiting help. The 28th Ohio, previously routed from the hill, has reorganized and will lend assistance to the stranded Battery. The first assault was a miserable failure.

[mike1984]

IX Corps Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Jesse Reno
Fox's Gap, South Mountain, Maryland
September 14, 1862

10:40 a.m.
Awaiting Wilcox's Division, the Kanawha Division pulls back to the base of Fox's Gap; a defensive line is formed. Two of Crook's Regiments head forward to rescue the Kentucky Light Battery in the orchard.

Enemy forces storm down the hillside towards Crook's exposed Regiments. The Enemy number nearly 2,000 men, parts of Garland's, Colquitt's, and Anderson's Brigades. The 11th Ohio is thrown back in mass confusion, while Gilmore's Cavalry Company evaporates. The 28th Ohio, personally led by Crook, holds its positions, even though it's in column formation.

[mike1984]

IX Corps Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Jesse Reno
Fox's Gap, South Mountain, Maryland
September 14, 1862

11:00 a.m.
Scammon's First Brigade advances along the road, in an attempt to out-flank the Enemy attack force. Crook, the 28th Ohio and the Kentucky Battery remain trapped in the orchard.

The Enemy reveals a sizeable force, which slams into Scammon's right flank, forcing the 23rd Ohio back in panic. General [sic] Garland is caught up in a panicked Rebel center, as it becomes significantly disorganized by Scammon's flank attack.

[mike1984]

Part two...

[mike1984]

11:20 a.m.

General Cox personally leads the charge of the 30th Ohio towards the Enemy center, which is considerably distraught. Scammon holds on the right wing, faced with two Regiments of Anderson's CSA Brigade.

However, before any relief could reach Crook, all USA forces are captured in the orchard by a large Enemy push. Six guns of the Kentucky Light Battery, and more than 650 men from the 28th Ohio are lost in the last hour.