Battle at Salem Church, May 3, 1863

Historical Situation: Southwest of Fredericksburg, May 3, 1863, late afternoon

As part of Hooker's grand plan at Chancellorsville, General John Sedgewick was to advance the VI Corps down from Fredericksburg and attack Lee's army in the rear. After driving the Confederates from Marye's Heights, Sedgwick's three divisions moved south towards Salem Church and Chancellorsville. By late afternoon, at Salem Chruch, Wilcox's Confederate brigade, which had been fighting a delaying action, was joined by reserves from McLaw's division and the Rebels became determined to hold.

After a cautious advance, the lead Federal division, Brooks, deploying from march column, attacked with two brigades but was driven back by Wilcox and Semmes. The rebels having been reinforced by additional brigades from McLaws's and Anderson's divisions, counterattacked across the valley but were themselves checked by the arrival of fresh Union troops. At this point, the battle ended with neither side desiring to commit additional forces. The next day, having received the news of Hooker's defeat at Chancellorsville, Sedgewick ordered the VI Corps to fall back to the Rappahannock River.

This scenario, however, assumes that the Federals were more aggressive, advanced quicker, and were willing to fully commit the lead division of IV Corps – under General W.T.H. Brooks – in an attempt to push the Confederates off Salem Church ridge before the Rebels could bring up additional troops. The next day, however, little would have changed, as the growing Confederate strength facing VI Corps would have still forced Sedgwick to backpedal to safety.

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Confederate Order of Battle, Elements Anderson's and McLaw's Divisions

CSA COMMAND LEVELS

No CSA divisional command levels. Brigade levels as so:

If Wilcox's brigade losses 4 elements it must withdraw.
If Semmes or Mahone lose 3 elements they must withdraw.
If per the above rules any Confederate brigade is forced to withdraw, the Confederates have lost the scenario.
All CSA officers are
Level Two leaders

B'Gn'l C. Wilcox