Dixie!!

...proving, again, that Ross Mac's 'A Rattle of Dice' rules are just the thing for the solo, ageing wargamer...

After their initial high dice throws, the Confederates began to throw low, and, worse, the Union artillery battery was on target far too often.

Firing from just outside the tree line, the noise awakened an Old World fellow, who, somehow, had found his way on to the table. Fortunately, the smell of Australian wine distracted him...

Conscious of the need to take hold all of the railroad by the end of move eight, the Union line put in a spirited attack. The New York Zouaves suffered badly, having to cross the front of an entrenched Confederate regiment, who were being poorly engaged by the fresh U S Zouave regiment.

Centres clash, and the Union prevail, although the Rebels would rally next move. In the far distance the Union right flank assault has seen off the infantry company protecting the rebel artillery.

The partial collapse of the Confederate centre (center?) left Old Gray Beard and his ADC fighting hand to hand with the remnants of the New York Zouaves ... and the Gray heroes saw them off!! Just goes to show what the Mexican War, the Old Testament, whisky, and a beard can do for a man.

The Confederate gunners eventually succumbed, but they took plenty of blue bellies with them.

And it was the end of move eight. Endstate. Heavy losses on both sides.

But the Confederates had held on, and the railroad, though threatened, was still under the Stars and Bars.

And, before I go:

God Save our new Prince !