Where are there? Confederate Dilemma at Romney - Day 2

So far in THE WINTER WAR simulation, both sides have effectively used cavalry to screen and scout. Probes have consistently run into enemy outposts or picket lines. The first day and a half of campaigning established a defacto line parallel to and just east of the South Branch of the Potomac. Confederates have now brought up their infantry and may be making an effort to dive the Federals out of Romney and back across the South Branch. (We cannot be sure of Jackson's intentions at this point.)

Romney on the afternoon of Day 2 picks up where the Skirmish at Kern's Farm left off the previous day. Federal cavalry (presumably the same cavalry that drove off Jackson's horsemen on Day 1) occupy the Northwest Turnpike at Kern. Elements of the Valley District are approaching on the turnpike from the East (Frenchburg). At least two brigades, a four-gun battery, and some ordnance wagons are clearly visible to the Federal picket line. The lead brigade has deployed into battle line.

To state the obvious, there is no way a battalion or small regiment of cavalry is going to be able to stand up against two brigades of infantry and a battery. It will either have to fall back or fight a light delaying action to slow any Confederate advance. (If the Confederates decide to advance.) There are no other Federal forces visible east of Romney.

Although the Confederates can take the junction at Kern at their leisure, they do still have a challenge. The Federal picket line has seen them and reported their approach and strength (contact report). But the engagement has been declared a battle. By the simulation rules, this means that there are at least 3,500 Federals somewhere around Romney (in the area represented by the Romney locality map).

Before the engagement was declared, units could only be ordered to towns or households along roads. Wherever the Federals are, they will not be hiding in the woods nearby. There could potentially be Federals at the Bedeley Farm, south of Kern. Any units deployed at Taylor, Malone, or Rinker would be visible to the approaching Confederates and would have been shown in the contact report.  So where are the Federals? How will Jackson's men move forward? They could be facing a large brigade, or Lander's entire division.   Both commanders will be determining their response to this military problem during this week.