Capturing St. Louis

[samwise]

I am playing as the CSA in the April 61 Campaign game. Over the past several tries, I have attempted to assault St. Louis and capture that city. However, by the time I get sufficient resources to St. Louis, the Union has already established a large garrison there. Has anyone successfully captured St. Louis as the CSA before the winter of 61?

[Pdubya64]

I haven't had much luck with St. Louis samwise- at least not so far in 1861. In my game the Union draws a bunch of early units out of the Western Territories through Missouri and past St. Louis to wreak all kinds of havoc on your lightly defended areas.
I just haven't been able to muster enough men to do it without relenquishing all the cities I already hold in MO. Maybe that would be enough. There are a couple guys who have suggested retreating in MO and then roaring back in after you get the militia reinforcements. I haven't tried this, and I think (in part) it is based on Lyon appearing for the Union in the "St Louis Massacre" event, which means Price appears for the CSA with his recuiting expertise.

I will say that during some of my cavalry raids north, I noticed that the Union occasionally leaves St Louis lightly defended; not for long though- I think it knows the importance of the city. I am currently getting ready to "bowtie" the rail system in East St Louis to cut some of the supply off to the Far West.

Good luck and keep trying different stuff, it's how I got comfortable with AACW.

[Nial]

I have not been able to take it till 62. Though honestly it is not that important to my early war plans. My plans in Kentucky for 61 are usually take Paduch, and Bolling Greene, then hold til spring. I am very leary of getting over-extended in the west, in the early part of the war. So far the strategy has worked pretty well for me as the CSA.

Nial

[Jagger]

I have not been able to take it till 62. Though honestly it is not that important to my early war plans. My plans in Kentucky for 61 are usually take Paduch, and Bolling Greene, then hold til spring. I am very leary of getting over-extended in the west, in the early part of the war. So far the strategy has worked pretty well for me as the CSA.

Nial

In a PBEM game, I suspect St. Louis should be impossible to capture.

[Nial]

It is not easy in my AI game either. It is now late in 62 and I have been besieging St. Lo. for several months. The federals have sallied forth almost evry turn. A. Johnston's army of the Misssissippi has been battered around quite a bit, but has been able to hold. Though sending McCulloughs cav div. to help out got them massacred. I may have to back off to regroup. If Johnston can hold for one or two more turns? He may win through yet. Will be a close thing though Im thinking.

Nial

[PBBoeye]

If Johnston can hold for one or two more turns? He may win through yet. Will be a close thing though Im thinking.

Ultimately, I am guessing in the long run he will win due to attrition. IOW, the losses you're taking will be harder for you to replace then the USA. Then he'll rear back and fold you up like a towel.



hehe - love the AI!

[Nial]

Ultimately, I am guessing in the long run he will win due to attrition. IOW, the losses you're taking will be harder for you to replace then the USA. Then he'll rear back and fold you up like a towel.



hehe - love the AI!

*laugh* Not this time. Cut off his supply and he lost on his last breakout attempt. St. LO is mine. I control all of KY, and 80% of MO, and most of WV. Moving into OH. With a stalemate in the east. I am having a prob with not being able to recruit in any border states anymore. Guess I reached my force pool limits?

Side question. Do the force pool limits raise as time goes on?

Nial