A Gleam of Bayonets: The Battle of Antietam (1983)

Overview

"EVERY STALK OF CORN IN THE NORTHERN AND GREATER PART OF THE FIELD WAS CUT AS CLOSELY AS COULD HAVE BEEN DONE WITH A KNIFE, AND THE SLAIN LAY IN ROWS PRECISELY AS THEY HAD STOOD IN THEIR RANKS A FEW MOMENTS BEFORE." General Hooker commenting on the cannister fire of six Union batteries

The summer of 1862 was a time of peril for the Union. The Army of the Potomac and its generals had failed the test of battle again and again. In September, Robert E. Lee invaded the North. One more victory might have turned the war in favor of the Confederacy.

In desperation, Lincoln placed George B. Mc-Clellan in command. The pursuing Union army caught up to the Confederates at Antietam Creek. With the Confederates outnumbered 2 to 1, and on Union soil, McClellan had the chance to end the war in a single day. It was the bloodiest day in the history of America. In A GLEAM OF BAYONETS, the map illustrates the orchards, corn and wheat fields, as well as the ‘Bloody Lane’, which were bitterly fought over. Colorful counters represent the actual units — the infantry regiments, artillery batteries, supply wagons and historical commanders. Additional counters represent the strength and status of the units. Simple probability charts determine each exciting confrontation’s outcome.

Detailed, regimental-level recreation of the Battle of Antietam/Sharpsburg. Each hex covers 120 yards, while each strength point is the equivilent of 50 men or 1 artillery gun. Each game turn represents 20 minutes of time.

This is Volume 7 of the original SPI / TSR Great Battles of the American Civil War series.

COMPONENTS

(2) 22"x34" maps (2) rules booklets (2) six sided dice (2) plastic counter trays 1600 counters

(from the back of the box and user's description)