Wolfe Tone
26 Oct 03, 14:22
‘THE STORMS BREAKS’
Well here it is, the first three months of actual warfare as seen from the Union side in my game with Daniel Michelson.
The scenario is the one designed by ‘Chuck’ so a big thanks to him for all the work he put in. Not forgetting of course the ‘backroom boys’: Kerry, ‘Easily Confused’ and ‘Rhino Bones’.
So far I have enjoyed this scenario immensely. There is always plenty to think about and do. With the campaigns spread over such a huge area the War quickly develops into a number of mini campaigns each with its own peculiarities and problems. That’s what makes it so interesting. It also has, very so much in fact, a large degree of unpredictability due to the way reinforcements come into play. Enemy units have a tendency to turn up ‘out of the blue’ so that your operational plans have to be constantly updated to match new developments.
At least at the start anyway the number of units in play is relatively small so that each move has to be carefully considered, as to lose a major combat unit could really spell disaster with no backup quickly to hand. Later in the game perhaps this will not be such a crucial factor.
The way I have put this “Civil War Diary’ together was nearly always to write up the weeks’ events straight after I had completed my turn. This allowed a certain ‘freshness’ to be retained in my reporting and also meant that any speculation I engaged in was not clouded by hindsight, which might well have been the case otherwise. One or two comments I have deleted from this posting that are in my original Diary, as they relate to ongoing operations. Don’t want compromise Security!
So far I think I have done pretty well. At no stage have the States loyal to the Union been under serious threat of invasion by rebel forces. If anything it is the Union Armies that are forcing the pace, with the enemy being pushed back in a number of different areas. New Madrid and Island Number 10 are in our hands. Northern Kentucky is now a swarm with our soldiers and the enemy’s position there is precarious indeed. One Confederate division has had to surrender after being surrounded north of the Ohio and of course Washington D.C. is secure. The Border States are being brought back into the fold and will be made ready as bases for further operations. Once that is done the heartland of the rebellion can be entered and the War brought to a decisive end.
With the Army of the Republic due grow rapidly in the months ahead it should be possible to push into the South rapidly later in the year. No doubt the road ahead will be long and hard but Victory is assured.
No map with this but I think the majority of readers will know roughly the whereabouts of most of the locations. One way or the other I hope this will help to raise an interest in a Scenario that I think is one of the best to come along in quite some time.
The Diary starts some turns into the game as both sides have the option when to declare War. My opponent decided not to wait too long and opened hostilities on game turn 5, IIRC.
PS I hope my American friends will not take too seriously my ‘spin’ as to ‘Rebels’, ‘the enemy’ etc. Just for ‘Chrome’ purposes only!
CIVIL WAR DIARY
29 April 1861.
CSA declares War. In response US declares Blockade of Southern Ports.
General Meade crosses the Potomac to secure Alexandria, which is fortified by the Engineers. They are left in garrison while Meade with one division advances on and occupy Manassas. US Cavalry land at Annapolis from Philadelphia and start to secure rail links to Penn. Border.
General Hooker with one division advances to near Penn/Maryland border from Harrisburg. He will probably be used to reinforce the fort at Harpers Ferry, as CS forces are adjacent to that town.
At Cincinatti General Grant is in command with an Eng. Unit + Fort. Across the Ohio one Rebel division has occupied Covington. This could be just a covering move by the Rebels or perhaps the start of an attempt to seize the city.
Further West General Thomas crosses the river to seize Louisburg, Kentucky with one division of troops. Hope to develop this further to secure that part of northern Kentucky for the Union.
Illinois Militia refuse to cross State lines and seize Paducah so I have dispatched a Gunboat flotilla to hold the place until main line troops arrive.
General Sherman with one division by rail is moved from St. Louis to Ironton, Missouri, where they will disembark and advance south to take the Rebel supply depot of Greenville. From there it should be possible to develop a line of advance towards New Madrid and Island No. 10. If possible will also use this base to secure as much of southern Missouri for the Union as possible.
Further west again Creek raiding parties are spreading fear and apprehension amongst the Rebel populace of southern Missouri and western Arkansas. Hopefully this will divert Confederate forces to this backwater that might be more usefully deployed elsewhere.
6 May 1861
In Virginia Meade is attacked at Manassas by rebel militia but beats them off. Cavalry fan out across Maryland to secure roads leading to Penn. Hooker advances into Maryland to outskirts of Baltimore. Will enter the city next turn and oust the ‘Baltimore Mob’.
Harpers Ferry is attacked by Conf. Troops but holds out. Will send Hooker there once Baltimore is taken.
Cincinnati, as I expected, is attacked but Grant more than a match for them. However dispatch one Ohio Militia unit to buttress the defenses anyway.
At Louisville Thomas remains but US Cavalry spreading out to secure local area. The town of La Grange is about to fall where the locals are known to favour the Union cause.
Enemy militia attacks Sherman at Ironton as his troops are disembarking but their attack fails. He pursues them and they are readily defeated. Our own Militia secures the railhead at Ironton as he advances south. Greenville (39,51) should fall next turn, cutting main West-East axis across southern Missouri.
Our Creeks continue their raids of southern Missouri and western Arkansas as Confederate agents incite renegade Creeks to attack Fort Smith without success.
Fort Sumter falls, about the rebels’ only success!
13 May 1861
Harpers Ferry falls to the Rebels, as does Fort Smith in Indian Terr.
Sherman takes Greenville, Missouri. Looks like the enemy Militia around here has now been broken.
Thomas takes La Grange, Kentucky, but wins Phyric victory over enemy Militia outside the town. He loses two of his three Cav. Units in actions around here. However La Grange should see a Union garrison next turn. Just one brigade left to garrison Louisburg.
Hooker takes Baltimore as rebels flee the city. Will dispatch at least one brigade of this force to back up Harpers Ferry garrison, which has retreated to the north bank of the Potomac.
Meade defeats enemy cavalry outside Alexandria with a mixed force of Cav/Inf/Art, but only one brigade now posted at Manassas.
Creeks infiltrate deeper into Arkansas by sticking to mountainy and wooded routes. Might consider a raid on Little Rock if feasible!
20 May 1861
Union Blockade of the South now hurting Northern Industry.
Rebels cross the Potomac at Harpers Ferry and attack my troops who retreated from there. I have dispatched Hooker with an Infantry Brigade + Cavalry regiment from Baltimore to stitch some sort of a front together.
At Baltimore 10th Cavalry Division lands and is sent on the road to HF. One Infantry brigade pursues remnants of the Baltimore Mob into the coastal swamps where they will be hunted down.
Around Alexandria Rebels are pushed back further and situation now appears stable, but that could change rapidly!
Thomas still at Louisburg with one Infantry Brigade in the town while the other has returned from La Grange and is covering the eastern approaches against Confederate Cavalry, Union Militia unit now in control of La Grange. There is also one Union Cavalry unit here licking its wounds.
Rebel unit in front of Cincinnati has retreated south. This has allowed me to slip a couple of gunboats towards Cynthiana (97,38) where I hope to see a pro Union Militia unit very soon. The town of Covington is now in Union hands.
In Missouri Sherman continues his march through Missouri in the general direction of New Madrid and Island No. 10., taking the towns of Poplar Bluff and Bloomfield.
Creeks have further success in southern Missouri and western Arkansas, taking Gainesville and Yellville.
27 May 1861 (Turn 9)
General Halleck now at the port of New Jersey with one division, boarding ships bound for Baltimore.
Outside Baltimore the remnants of the city mob give my troops the slip but are further mauled in the process.
Rebel horsemen fan out from HF area into Maryland but are soon dealt with.
Leesburg, Virginia, (149,24) is taken by our troops. Stuart is outside the town with the last of his cavalry.
Another Regular Confederate division is noted outside Manassas. Attacks there repulsed once again. I have just one brigade there right now. This could get serious. I will fall back on Alexandria if needs be.
However my opponent has made the error of spreading his attack along two lines of advance, one around HF and the other at Manassas. This plays to my advantage.
Grant occupies the town of Falmouth, south of Covington. Our gunboats have reached Cynthiana, so there should be a Union militia there next turn all going well.
A Cavalry unit is now adjacent to Frankfort on the Kentucky River, approaching from the west. If this falls the road is open to Lexington, which would be a prize worth seizing.
Sherman, with one brigade, advances to within two hexes of New Madrid. The other Brigade at Bloomfield will join him for the final advance and hopefully that objective along with Island No.10 can be stormed within two or three weeks.
Creek raiding parties continue their raids across southern Missouri and western Arkansas.
3 June 1861
London unhappy with blockade of South’s cotton ports.
Around Manassas Rebel cavalry cut the road back to Alexandria. US forces from Alexandria counter attack and the enemy is driven back in some disorder. I now have a force of around 3,000 cavalry guarding Leesburg just in case Stuart tries anything, though he is in all probability pretty weak right now.
Halleck with one division lands at Annapolis and starts to march inland. I had hoped to entrain his troops to Manassas area but the rail line north of Washington is still not fully repaired.
Around Frederick the HF men along with one of Hooker’s Brigades and some cavalry seemed to have deterred the Confederates from trying their luck any further.
At Baltimore citizens loyal to the Government are being organized allowing the Artillery of II Corps to move out along the road to Hooker’s HQ. The Baltimore Mob has finally been broken up so Hooker’s other Infantry Brigade is marching on Frederick forthwith. Once these are all up it might be possible to storm the rebel lines and retake HF by the end of June.
Grant is still at Falmouth, digging in with his Engineers. The town of Cynthiana has gone over to the Union, thanks to the benefits of ‘Gunboat Diplomacy’!
However outside Frankfort the Rebels have attacked my cavalry with a superior force than my own and also raised a Militia unit within the town thus putting an end for the moment to my plans here.
No change around Louisburg as both sides sit it out.
A brigade of US cavalry has arrived by train at Cairo. They will be sent into Kentucky to occupy Mayfield (55,55).
Sherman in a brilliant move advances on New Madrid with just one Brigade and ousts the rebel garrison. He was supported by two US gunboats in this important Victory. This makes Island No. 10 an untenable position for the enemy and it should fall no problem next turn. This will open up the Mississippi all the way down to Fort Pillow.
Creek raiding parties continue their raids across southern Missouri and western Arkansas.
10 June 1861.
Confederates capture Manassas.
Halleck’s Division sent forward as backup. Cavalry from around Leesburg probe west searching for Stuart. They find him and as expected he is pretty weak. Around Manassas I will let my army supplies build up. This is on the basis that if the enemy attacks he should be in a weaker position to mine re supplies and manpower. Therefore he will hurt more, perhaps enough so that I can resume the offensive when his strength is exhausted.
Enemy opposite Hooker probes forward but seeing the strength of our position, thinks better of whatever he had in mind and withdraws. I follow this up by sending forward a Cavalry brigade to observe them. Hooker’s Artillery and second Infantry Brigade are finally up with him so situation around here not so bad now.
Grant is still at Falmouth, faced by one enemy division with neither side it seems having enough manpower on hand to launch an attack.
In the Louisville area I have moved the easternmost brigade of Thomas’s force back adjacent to the town as their supply situation was giving me grounds for concern. Looks like the confederates will attack here soon so things could get rough. The Militia at La Grange are now on their own, as my Cavalry unit heading for Frankfort was defeated and scattered. Enemy irregulars and cavalry are menacing La Grange.
Sherman has failed to take Island No.10. Some casualties too, plus a gunboat lost. Bit of a setback really. The garrison there is obviously made of tougher metal than their comrades were at New Madrid! Sherman’s supply situation looks a little dicey but overall I think one more assault on the Island will see it fall.
US cavalry brigade from Cairo is now approaching Mayfield.
Southern irregulars occupy Gainesville, Missouri. I have some Creeks outside the town keeping an eye on the situation.
Trying to get some of my Indian raiders to vicinity of Little Rock. Making their way there by staying well away from the main roads. If the city is garrisoned they will conduct raids in the general vicinity.
17+24 June 1861.
No great change around Washington as both sides square off against one another. Once I have enough strength around here I will resume the march on Richmond. More than likely though my opponent will have a plan or two up his sleeve to try and stop me in my tracks!
A Virginia militia unit has reinforced Stuart so their left flank is obviously a source of worry to them. There is now a spare cavalry brigade outside Annapolis, which is in Reserve in case any emergency crops up. This is the first time I can afford such a luxury. Its on a rail line too so can be shipped West if needs be.
Don Carlos Buell with one division has disembarked just south of Covington and in conjunction with Grant will advance and defeat the Confederate division encamped outside Falmouth.
It looks like Thomas at Louisville is about to be attacked by a mixture of enemy units. I don’t think they can pull it off but just to be on the safe side I have moved an Indiana Militia unit by train to guard the bridge over the Ohio in case Thomas has to withdraw to the north bank.
A big surprise at Mayfield as my cavalry advancing on that town are attacked by J.E.Johnstone’s division and driven back in some confusion. A quick exploitation by the enemy follows and he sweeps through Paducah and on into Illinois. However in a major error of judgment Johnstone stayed behind at Paducah with his staff while his men pressed on alone. My opponent’s error at Paducah allows my forces to counter attack, drive out Johnstone and ‘shut the door’, so to speak, on his Infantry, who are now stranded on the ‘wrong’ side of the Ohio River.
Island No.10 is now in Union hands.
The Union flotilla has gone down the Mississippi all the way to Fort Pillow where as expected a weak rebel garrison blocks the way South.
Union and confederate raiders still active in the badlands of Missouri and Arkansas but no major developments, my plan for a major raid on Little Rock continues apace.
1 July 1861
Around Manassas no great change, the same for situation at Frederick.
At Falmouth Grant and Buell advance only to discover that the enemy has split his force leaving just one regiment to oppose them. This is quickly dealt with and starts to flee south. Our gunboats NW of Cynthiana report the two other regiments of the rebel army are located there, intentions unknown.
At Louisville the two brigades of Thomas’s force are now reunited under one Command and things here look OK right now, as the enemy just does not have enough men (two militia units and some engineers) up to attempt an assault.
North of Paducah the enemy realizes what a predicament he is in and turns tail to fight his way back across the Ohio. He attacks and defeats my force but at the cost of slowing down his retreat. I have a small gunboat flotilla in Paducah but whether this is enough to stop him regaining the south bank only time will tell.
Sherman is back at Bloomfield, where he will encamp and build back up his supply status, while keeping an eye out for enemy raiders.
My Creeks set off for LR but ran straight into a mounted militia unit, obviously alerted to their presence. They will skidaddle if they get the chance.
Down in the Gulf the Union garrison at Dauphin Island (56,126) is under assault by the Arkansas militia. They cannot hold out for long I’m afraid.
8/15 July 1861
Again no great change around Frederick or Manassas as a military equilibrium now appears to exist between the two opposing armies.
I have however dispatched my reserve Cavalry Brigade from near the Patuxent River, Maryland, to clear Hagerstown and Sharpsburg of any Rebel forces and secure this line of approach into Pennsylvania.
General Burnside with one division reaches Portsmouth, Ohio by rail and crosses the river into Kentucky. He marches direct on the town of Ashland, where the populace is friendly to the Union.
One cavalry brigade reaches this general area by train and disembarks just south of Falmouth, Kentucky, on the Licking River.
Grant and Buell reach Cynthiana, only to find the enemy gone. They advance south cautiously but there is no sign of them. The newly arrived horsemen push cavalry patrols out west and south but they draw a blank. A flotilla is dispatched to search for the enemy and they are eventually located at Frankfort on the Kentucky River. It looks like they are moving west to back up the investment of Louisville.
However the Cavalry have sent in one important piece of information: Lexington is empty of enemy troops! Now in War it is always best not to sit around awaiting developments so Grant and Buell advance and take the town, an important objective for the Union.
In this position and with Burnside’s troops bound to join them fairly soon the Union will have a powerful force in north central Kentucky, which should be able to advance south with a fair degree of success. Obviously the next step is to advance on Frankfort and if the Confederate Commander decides to offer battle we will attack and drive him out. But we shall see.
North of Paducah Johnstone’s division was surrounded and attacked by the Illinois militia and our cavalry, ably backed by our gunboats at Paducah. After minor casualties to both sides they capitulated and 5,000 rebel soldiers + 24 guns were captured. This is our first big success of the War against an army in the field and has raised the morale of the Union Armies no end!
West of the Mississippi Sherman moves from Bloomfield to Greenville where he will guard the bridge there against any enemy raiders.
My projected raid on LR is off, as my Creek War party retreated north to avoid the enemy’s mounted patrols.
22 July 1861
In northern Virginia some movement is noticed behind enemy lines, possibly indicating a shift of forces to counter my cavalry having moved on Sharpsburg on the north bank of the Potomac. I don’t think the enemy poses much of threat around there right now re a serious crossing of the river. I presume it is just a precautionary step by him to cover his own bank of the waterway.
Further west General Burnside has moved his division to the vicinity of Cynthiana as Grant and Buell close with their forces on Frankfort. It would appear the enemy is prepared to fight to stop us crossing the river there. For the moment though I will hold off on a full-scale attack, as Burnside should be up within a fortnight and I believe his extra strength should clinch it in the event I have to order an all out assault.
Confederate militia are noticed lurking outside La Grange once again. I think they are just reconnaissance party, as they don’t appear to have enough strength to take the town.
General Thomas is still secure at Louisburg but the garrison at Fort Duffield, Kentucky (81,42) reports that the Confederate 21st Infantry division has just passed through the nearby town of Brandenburg, marching NE on the road to Louisburg. It will be a race against time perhaps between the US forces taking Frankfort and advancing to the relief of Thomas and the enemy’s attempt to drive him across the Ohio. I think though that my threatening Frankfort might just be enough to distract him from pushing his effort on Louisburg and draining his strength in the process.
Just to further mislead him I have dispatched one cavalry unit SE from Lexington to ford the Kentucky River upstream to the east of Richmond, Kentucky. Hopefully an advance by this unit on the south bank of the river will harry his eastern flank around Richmond, Lancaster and Perryville enough to give him grounds for concern re this area.
A rebel cavalry brigade briefly seizes Paducah but departs, possibly heading for a descent on Cairo. Just to cover that eventuality I have put General Rosecreans freshly raised division (now just assembled at Sandoval) on cars and sent them south to occupy this important river port.
Not much change east of the Mississippi. One of the local militia units, who are now badly worn out and need to rest, have just hunted down the last remnants of the Confederate garrison from New Madrid hiding out along the riverbank. I will probably send them back to St.Louis for recuperation.
Confederate raiders are reported operating in the far west of Missouri but I think they are just nuisance raids. I have sent some Creeks to check it out though.
More assaults on the garrisons of Norfolk, Virginia, and Pensacola, Florida, but both places still hold out.
29 July 1861
UNION MOVES TO WAR ECONOMY, SUPPLY + 15
All quite back East, bar a little light skirmishing in front of Frederick. Slightly concerned about whereabouts of Confederate forces pulled off the line last week. They might turn up soon in unexpected places but I don’t think their strength will allow them to do much damage anyhow.
Burnside now at Frankfort with the others. Expect to assault the enemy there next week.
Fort Duffield falls to Confederate Infantry. At least their brave stand has delayed any projected assault on Louisville still further.
J.E. Johnstone + Staff moves back into Paducah but is too weak to do much. Just for show I guess. However my gunboats had to get out of town all the same.
Rosecreans’ boys detrain at Cairo just in time as a Confederate Cav. Brigade approaches. Still have a weak Cavalry unit blocking the way there anyway, so I now feel more secure about the situation along this part of the Mississippi.
Confederate Militia spotted in front of Greenville, MS., where Sherman is.
Start to move the jaded Militia unit in eastern Missouri back to a road where they can be resupplied better. Will move them back to a railhead just as soon as they’re up to it.
Well here it is, the first three months of actual warfare as seen from the Union side in my game with Daniel Michelson.
The scenario is the one designed by ‘Chuck’ so a big thanks to him for all the work he put in. Not forgetting of course the ‘backroom boys’: Kerry, ‘Easily Confused’ and ‘Rhino Bones’.
So far I have enjoyed this scenario immensely. There is always plenty to think about and do. With the campaigns spread over such a huge area the War quickly develops into a number of mini campaigns each with its own peculiarities and problems. That’s what makes it so interesting. It also has, very so much in fact, a large degree of unpredictability due to the way reinforcements come into play. Enemy units have a tendency to turn up ‘out of the blue’ so that your operational plans have to be constantly updated to match new developments.
At least at the start anyway the number of units in play is relatively small so that each move has to be carefully considered, as to lose a major combat unit could really spell disaster with no backup quickly to hand. Later in the game perhaps this will not be such a crucial factor.
The way I have put this “Civil War Diary’ together was nearly always to write up the weeks’ events straight after I had completed my turn. This allowed a certain ‘freshness’ to be retained in my reporting and also meant that any speculation I engaged in was not clouded by hindsight, which might well have been the case otherwise. One or two comments I have deleted from this posting that are in my original Diary, as they relate to ongoing operations. Don’t want compromise Security!
So far I think I have done pretty well. At no stage have the States loyal to the Union been under serious threat of invasion by rebel forces. If anything it is the Union Armies that are forcing the pace, with the enemy being pushed back in a number of different areas. New Madrid and Island Number 10 are in our hands. Northern Kentucky is now a swarm with our soldiers and the enemy’s position there is precarious indeed. One Confederate division has had to surrender after being surrounded north of the Ohio and of course Washington D.C. is secure. The Border States are being brought back into the fold and will be made ready as bases for further operations. Once that is done the heartland of the rebellion can be entered and the War brought to a decisive end.
With the Army of the Republic due grow rapidly in the months ahead it should be possible to push into the South rapidly later in the year. No doubt the road ahead will be long and hard but Victory is assured.
No map with this but I think the majority of readers will know roughly the whereabouts of most of the locations. One way or the other I hope this will help to raise an interest in a Scenario that I think is one of the best to come along in quite some time.
The Diary starts some turns into the game as both sides have the option when to declare War. My opponent decided not to wait too long and opened hostilities on game turn 5, IIRC.
PS I hope my American friends will not take too seriously my ‘spin’ as to ‘Rebels’, ‘the enemy’ etc. Just for ‘Chrome’ purposes only!
CIVIL WAR DIARY
29 April 1861.
CSA declares War. In response US declares Blockade of Southern Ports.
General Meade crosses the Potomac to secure Alexandria, which is fortified by the Engineers. They are left in garrison while Meade with one division advances on and occupy Manassas. US Cavalry land at Annapolis from Philadelphia and start to secure rail links to Penn. Border.
General Hooker with one division advances to near Penn/Maryland border from Harrisburg. He will probably be used to reinforce the fort at Harpers Ferry, as CS forces are adjacent to that town.
At Cincinatti General Grant is in command with an Eng. Unit + Fort. Across the Ohio one Rebel division has occupied Covington. This could be just a covering move by the Rebels or perhaps the start of an attempt to seize the city.
Further West General Thomas crosses the river to seize Louisburg, Kentucky with one division of troops. Hope to develop this further to secure that part of northern Kentucky for the Union.
Illinois Militia refuse to cross State lines and seize Paducah so I have dispatched a Gunboat flotilla to hold the place until main line troops arrive.
General Sherman with one division by rail is moved from St. Louis to Ironton, Missouri, where they will disembark and advance south to take the Rebel supply depot of Greenville. From there it should be possible to develop a line of advance towards New Madrid and Island No. 10. If possible will also use this base to secure as much of southern Missouri for the Union as possible.
Further west again Creek raiding parties are spreading fear and apprehension amongst the Rebel populace of southern Missouri and western Arkansas. Hopefully this will divert Confederate forces to this backwater that might be more usefully deployed elsewhere.
6 May 1861
In Virginia Meade is attacked at Manassas by rebel militia but beats them off. Cavalry fan out across Maryland to secure roads leading to Penn. Hooker advances into Maryland to outskirts of Baltimore. Will enter the city next turn and oust the ‘Baltimore Mob’.
Harpers Ferry is attacked by Conf. Troops but holds out. Will send Hooker there once Baltimore is taken.
Cincinnati, as I expected, is attacked but Grant more than a match for them. However dispatch one Ohio Militia unit to buttress the defenses anyway.
At Louisville Thomas remains but US Cavalry spreading out to secure local area. The town of La Grange is about to fall where the locals are known to favour the Union cause.
Enemy militia attacks Sherman at Ironton as his troops are disembarking but their attack fails. He pursues them and they are readily defeated. Our own Militia secures the railhead at Ironton as he advances south. Greenville (39,51) should fall next turn, cutting main West-East axis across southern Missouri.
Our Creeks continue their raids of southern Missouri and western Arkansas as Confederate agents incite renegade Creeks to attack Fort Smith without success.
Fort Sumter falls, about the rebels’ only success!
13 May 1861
Harpers Ferry falls to the Rebels, as does Fort Smith in Indian Terr.
Sherman takes Greenville, Missouri. Looks like the enemy Militia around here has now been broken.
Thomas takes La Grange, Kentucky, but wins Phyric victory over enemy Militia outside the town. He loses two of his three Cav. Units in actions around here. However La Grange should see a Union garrison next turn. Just one brigade left to garrison Louisburg.
Hooker takes Baltimore as rebels flee the city. Will dispatch at least one brigade of this force to back up Harpers Ferry garrison, which has retreated to the north bank of the Potomac.
Meade defeats enemy cavalry outside Alexandria with a mixed force of Cav/Inf/Art, but only one brigade now posted at Manassas.
Creeks infiltrate deeper into Arkansas by sticking to mountainy and wooded routes. Might consider a raid on Little Rock if feasible!
20 May 1861
Union Blockade of the South now hurting Northern Industry.
Rebels cross the Potomac at Harpers Ferry and attack my troops who retreated from there. I have dispatched Hooker with an Infantry Brigade + Cavalry regiment from Baltimore to stitch some sort of a front together.
At Baltimore 10th Cavalry Division lands and is sent on the road to HF. One Infantry brigade pursues remnants of the Baltimore Mob into the coastal swamps where they will be hunted down.
Around Alexandria Rebels are pushed back further and situation now appears stable, but that could change rapidly!
Thomas still at Louisburg with one Infantry Brigade in the town while the other has returned from La Grange and is covering the eastern approaches against Confederate Cavalry, Union Militia unit now in control of La Grange. There is also one Union Cavalry unit here licking its wounds.
Rebel unit in front of Cincinnati has retreated south. This has allowed me to slip a couple of gunboats towards Cynthiana (97,38) where I hope to see a pro Union Militia unit very soon. The town of Covington is now in Union hands.
In Missouri Sherman continues his march through Missouri in the general direction of New Madrid and Island No. 10., taking the towns of Poplar Bluff and Bloomfield.
Creeks have further success in southern Missouri and western Arkansas, taking Gainesville and Yellville.
27 May 1861 (Turn 9)
General Halleck now at the port of New Jersey with one division, boarding ships bound for Baltimore.
Outside Baltimore the remnants of the city mob give my troops the slip but are further mauled in the process.
Rebel horsemen fan out from HF area into Maryland but are soon dealt with.
Leesburg, Virginia, (149,24) is taken by our troops. Stuart is outside the town with the last of his cavalry.
Another Regular Confederate division is noted outside Manassas. Attacks there repulsed once again. I have just one brigade there right now. This could get serious. I will fall back on Alexandria if needs be.
However my opponent has made the error of spreading his attack along two lines of advance, one around HF and the other at Manassas. This plays to my advantage.
Grant occupies the town of Falmouth, south of Covington. Our gunboats have reached Cynthiana, so there should be a Union militia there next turn all going well.
A Cavalry unit is now adjacent to Frankfort on the Kentucky River, approaching from the west. If this falls the road is open to Lexington, which would be a prize worth seizing.
Sherman, with one brigade, advances to within two hexes of New Madrid. The other Brigade at Bloomfield will join him for the final advance and hopefully that objective along with Island No.10 can be stormed within two or three weeks.
Creek raiding parties continue their raids across southern Missouri and western Arkansas.
3 June 1861
London unhappy with blockade of South’s cotton ports.
Around Manassas Rebel cavalry cut the road back to Alexandria. US forces from Alexandria counter attack and the enemy is driven back in some disorder. I now have a force of around 3,000 cavalry guarding Leesburg just in case Stuart tries anything, though he is in all probability pretty weak right now.
Halleck with one division lands at Annapolis and starts to march inland. I had hoped to entrain his troops to Manassas area but the rail line north of Washington is still not fully repaired.
Around Frederick the HF men along with one of Hooker’s Brigades and some cavalry seemed to have deterred the Confederates from trying their luck any further.
At Baltimore citizens loyal to the Government are being organized allowing the Artillery of II Corps to move out along the road to Hooker’s HQ. The Baltimore Mob has finally been broken up so Hooker’s other Infantry Brigade is marching on Frederick forthwith. Once these are all up it might be possible to storm the rebel lines and retake HF by the end of June.
Grant is still at Falmouth, digging in with his Engineers. The town of Cynthiana has gone over to the Union, thanks to the benefits of ‘Gunboat Diplomacy’!
However outside Frankfort the Rebels have attacked my cavalry with a superior force than my own and also raised a Militia unit within the town thus putting an end for the moment to my plans here.
No change around Louisburg as both sides sit it out.
A brigade of US cavalry has arrived by train at Cairo. They will be sent into Kentucky to occupy Mayfield (55,55).
Sherman in a brilliant move advances on New Madrid with just one Brigade and ousts the rebel garrison. He was supported by two US gunboats in this important Victory. This makes Island No. 10 an untenable position for the enemy and it should fall no problem next turn. This will open up the Mississippi all the way down to Fort Pillow.
Creek raiding parties continue their raids across southern Missouri and western Arkansas.
10 June 1861.
Confederates capture Manassas.
Halleck’s Division sent forward as backup. Cavalry from around Leesburg probe west searching for Stuart. They find him and as expected he is pretty weak. Around Manassas I will let my army supplies build up. This is on the basis that if the enemy attacks he should be in a weaker position to mine re supplies and manpower. Therefore he will hurt more, perhaps enough so that I can resume the offensive when his strength is exhausted.
Enemy opposite Hooker probes forward but seeing the strength of our position, thinks better of whatever he had in mind and withdraws. I follow this up by sending forward a Cavalry brigade to observe them. Hooker’s Artillery and second Infantry Brigade are finally up with him so situation around here not so bad now.
Grant is still at Falmouth, faced by one enemy division with neither side it seems having enough manpower on hand to launch an attack.
In the Louisville area I have moved the easternmost brigade of Thomas’s force back adjacent to the town as their supply situation was giving me grounds for concern. Looks like the confederates will attack here soon so things could get rough. The Militia at La Grange are now on their own, as my Cavalry unit heading for Frankfort was defeated and scattered. Enemy irregulars and cavalry are menacing La Grange.
Sherman has failed to take Island No.10. Some casualties too, plus a gunboat lost. Bit of a setback really. The garrison there is obviously made of tougher metal than their comrades were at New Madrid! Sherman’s supply situation looks a little dicey but overall I think one more assault on the Island will see it fall.
US cavalry brigade from Cairo is now approaching Mayfield.
Southern irregulars occupy Gainesville, Missouri. I have some Creeks outside the town keeping an eye on the situation.
Trying to get some of my Indian raiders to vicinity of Little Rock. Making their way there by staying well away from the main roads. If the city is garrisoned they will conduct raids in the general vicinity.
17+24 June 1861.
No great change around Washington as both sides square off against one another. Once I have enough strength around here I will resume the march on Richmond. More than likely though my opponent will have a plan or two up his sleeve to try and stop me in my tracks!
A Virginia militia unit has reinforced Stuart so their left flank is obviously a source of worry to them. There is now a spare cavalry brigade outside Annapolis, which is in Reserve in case any emergency crops up. This is the first time I can afford such a luxury. Its on a rail line too so can be shipped West if needs be.
Don Carlos Buell with one division has disembarked just south of Covington and in conjunction with Grant will advance and defeat the Confederate division encamped outside Falmouth.
It looks like Thomas at Louisville is about to be attacked by a mixture of enemy units. I don’t think they can pull it off but just to be on the safe side I have moved an Indiana Militia unit by train to guard the bridge over the Ohio in case Thomas has to withdraw to the north bank.
A big surprise at Mayfield as my cavalry advancing on that town are attacked by J.E.Johnstone’s division and driven back in some confusion. A quick exploitation by the enemy follows and he sweeps through Paducah and on into Illinois. However in a major error of judgment Johnstone stayed behind at Paducah with his staff while his men pressed on alone. My opponent’s error at Paducah allows my forces to counter attack, drive out Johnstone and ‘shut the door’, so to speak, on his Infantry, who are now stranded on the ‘wrong’ side of the Ohio River.
Island No.10 is now in Union hands.
The Union flotilla has gone down the Mississippi all the way to Fort Pillow where as expected a weak rebel garrison blocks the way South.
Union and confederate raiders still active in the badlands of Missouri and Arkansas but no major developments, my plan for a major raid on Little Rock continues apace.
1 July 1861
Around Manassas no great change, the same for situation at Frederick.
At Falmouth Grant and Buell advance only to discover that the enemy has split his force leaving just one regiment to oppose them. This is quickly dealt with and starts to flee south. Our gunboats NW of Cynthiana report the two other regiments of the rebel army are located there, intentions unknown.
At Louisville the two brigades of Thomas’s force are now reunited under one Command and things here look OK right now, as the enemy just does not have enough men (two militia units and some engineers) up to attempt an assault.
North of Paducah the enemy realizes what a predicament he is in and turns tail to fight his way back across the Ohio. He attacks and defeats my force but at the cost of slowing down his retreat. I have a small gunboat flotilla in Paducah but whether this is enough to stop him regaining the south bank only time will tell.
Sherman is back at Bloomfield, where he will encamp and build back up his supply status, while keeping an eye out for enemy raiders.
My Creeks set off for LR but ran straight into a mounted militia unit, obviously alerted to their presence. They will skidaddle if they get the chance.
Down in the Gulf the Union garrison at Dauphin Island (56,126) is under assault by the Arkansas militia. They cannot hold out for long I’m afraid.
8/15 July 1861
Again no great change around Frederick or Manassas as a military equilibrium now appears to exist between the two opposing armies.
I have however dispatched my reserve Cavalry Brigade from near the Patuxent River, Maryland, to clear Hagerstown and Sharpsburg of any Rebel forces and secure this line of approach into Pennsylvania.
General Burnside with one division reaches Portsmouth, Ohio by rail and crosses the river into Kentucky. He marches direct on the town of Ashland, where the populace is friendly to the Union.
One cavalry brigade reaches this general area by train and disembarks just south of Falmouth, Kentucky, on the Licking River.
Grant and Buell reach Cynthiana, only to find the enemy gone. They advance south cautiously but there is no sign of them. The newly arrived horsemen push cavalry patrols out west and south but they draw a blank. A flotilla is dispatched to search for the enemy and they are eventually located at Frankfort on the Kentucky River. It looks like they are moving west to back up the investment of Louisville.
However the Cavalry have sent in one important piece of information: Lexington is empty of enemy troops! Now in War it is always best not to sit around awaiting developments so Grant and Buell advance and take the town, an important objective for the Union.
In this position and with Burnside’s troops bound to join them fairly soon the Union will have a powerful force in north central Kentucky, which should be able to advance south with a fair degree of success. Obviously the next step is to advance on Frankfort and if the Confederate Commander decides to offer battle we will attack and drive him out. But we shall see.
North of Paducah Johnstone’s division was surrounded and attacked by the Illinois militia and our cavalry, ably backed by our gunboats at Paducah. After minor casualties to both sides they capitulated and 5,000 rebel soldiers + 24 guns were captured. This is our first big success of the War against an army in the field and has raised the morale of the Union Armies no end!
West of the Mississippi Sherman moves from Bloomfield to Greenville where he will guard the bridge there against any enemy raiders.
My projected raid on LR is off, as my Creek War party retreated north to avoid the enemy’s mounted patrols.
22 July 1861
In northern Virginia some movement is noticed behind enemy lines, possibly indicating a shift of forces to counter my cavalry having moved on Sharpsburg on the north bank of the Potomac. I don’t think the enemy poses much of threat around there right now re a serious crossing of the river. I presume it is just a precautionary step by him to cover his own bank of the waterway.
Further west General Burnside has moved his division to the vicinity of Cynthiana as Grant and Buell close with their forces on Frankfort. It would appear the enemy is prepared to fight to stop us crossing the river there. For the moment though I will hold off on a full-scale attack, as Burnside should be up within a fortnight and I believe his extra strength should clinch it in the event I have to order an all out assault.
Confederate militia are noticed lurking outside La Grange once again. I think they are just reconnaissance party, as they don’t appear to have enough strength to take the town.
General Thomas is still secure at Louisburg but the garrison at Fort Duffield, Kentucky (81,42) reports that the Confederate 21st Infantry division has just passed through the nearby town of Brandenburg, marching NE on the road to Louisburg. It will be a race against time perhaps between the US forces taking Frankfort and advancing to the relief of Thomas and the enemy’s attempt to drive him across the Ohio. I think though that my threatening Frankfort might just be enough to distract him from pushing his effort on Louisburg and draining his strength in the process.
Just to further mislead him I have dispatched one cavalry unit SE from Lexington to ford the Kentucky River upstream to the east of Richmond, Kentucky. Hopefully an advance by this unit on the south bank of the river will harry his eastern flank around Richmond, Lancaster and Perryville enough to give him grounds for concern re this area.
A rebel cavalry brigade briefly seizes Paducah but departs, possibly heading for a descent on Cairo. Just to cover that eventuality I have put General Rosecreans freshly raised division (now just assembled at Sandoval) on cars and sent them south to occupy this important river port.
Not much change east of the Mississippi. One of the local militia units, who are now badly worn out and need to rest, have just hunted down the last remnants of the Confederate garrison from New Madrid hiding out along the riverbank. I will probably send them back to St.Louis for recuperation.
Confederate raiders are reported operating in the far west of Missouri but I think they are just nuisance raids. I have sent some Creeks to check it out though.
More assaults on the garrisons of Norfolk, Virginia, and Pensacola, Florida, but both places still hold out.
29 July 1861
UNION MOVES TO WAR ECONOMY, SUPPLY + 15
All quite back East, bar a little light skirmishing in front of Frederick. Slightly concerned about whereabouts of Confederate forces pulled off the line last week. They might turn up soon in unexpected places but I don’t think their strength will allow them to do much damage anyhow.
Burnside now at Frankfort with the others. Expect to assault the enemy there next week.
Fort Duffield falls to Confederate Infantry. At least their brave stand has delayed any projected assault on Louisville still further.
J.E. Johnstone + Staff moves back into Paducah but is too weak to do much. Just for show I guess. However my gunboats had to get out of town all the same.
Rosecreans’ boys detrain at Cairo just in time as a Confederate Cav. Brigade approaches. Still have a weak Cavalry unit blocking the way there anyway, so I now feel more secure about the situation along this part of the Mississippi.
Confederate Militia spotted in front of Greenville, MS., where Sherman is.
Start to move the jaded Militia unit in eastern Missouri back to a road where they can be resupplied better. Will move them back to a railhead just as soon as they’re up to it.