I asked Blake to store a Chickamauga scenario I have been working on for about a year. It is available at the Custom Scenario center. It went through three design and playtesting sequences with Walt Dortch, Wallace Welder and Dave Danner. Using David Powell's trilogy as the main reference as well as other background information available in Peter Cozzens single volume history of Rosecrans' campaign, it is an alternate history of the situation at 2:00 in the afternoon of September 18, 1863.
Rosecrans knew that Bragg was being reinforced from throughout the Confederacy. He also received advance warning of Longstreet's arrival, although he remained cautiously skeptical. Thomas advised to concentrate at Chattanooga. Meanwhile Minty was developing information that Longstreet was near or had arrived. Even Rosecrans' own spy and scout network was providing similar information. Historically he dismissed the intelligence and proceeded with his plan for attacking Bragg at Lafayette.
Given the information available to him, why did he not act differently? Hubris? He had bested Bragg the whole campaign. Or did he think he could defeat Bragg before Longstreet arrived? The historians can only surmise. This scenario assumes a more cautious Rosecrans.
Play balance is always a consideration. As I stated, this is an alternate history, not a hypothetical battle. It is the same actors on the same stage with a different script.
Give it a look if interested.
_________________ MG Robert Frost
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