Firing at hidden units

[HobbesACW]

Hi folks, I just started the Saratoga scenario (looks wonderful - thanks for this one). There are a lot of farms that I suspect may contain hidden enemy units.
On the hills I have artillery and would love to send a few cannon balls into the farms to see if anything moves or at least cause a few casualties.
Something that you can't do in this game but it would be realistic if you could and add to the game. Not just the Saratoga scenario.
I suppose it would be an extra layer of complexity for the AI to cope with if this were possible but it would be a nice addition to the game.

Quite a few games I have played avoid giving a player this option - even WWII games where it must have been a regular tactic.
I assume it's too big an advantage to a human player over the AI if allowed?

Cheers,
Chris

[rbodleyscott]

Not sure it was really a tactic at this date. A cannon ball isn't like a shell.

[HobbesACW]

No probably not. I assume a few cannon balls were fired at targets like that but I suppose it wouldn't have a huge effect on the game.

[OliversArmy]

Also perhaps the slow rate of fire in those days means a missed chance to target an actual seen enemy. Also increases ammunition consumption especially powder which commanders may want to conserve for confirmed targets.