Me(Soundoff) Union v Banks (CSA)

[soundoff]

I've just received the latest turn back from Banks....and mighty interesting it is too.....I reckon the 63 campaign is really hotting up.

Now for the bad news .....I have to bow out for the next 3 weeks or so. I'm off to the South Atlantic to visit friends and pay my respects. Will not be able to catch up with the game again until the end of the first week in July.

[enf91]

Great AAR. I'm amazed by the skill both of you show and how you can each fool the other. This reminds me of North Africa 9/1940-11/1942: attack, counterattack, counter-counterattack, and so forth. This truly will go down to the wire.

[MrT]

its the first week in july the wait is nearly over

[soundoff]

its the first week in july the wait is nearly over

You are right Mr T. Flew back in yesterday. Hopefully I'll get a turn off to Banks sometime today and post an updated AAR in the next 24 hours

And thank you enf91 for the kind words.

[soundoff]

[color="Red"][SIZE="6"]Late May 63 result and Early June orders[/size][/color]



[SIZE="3"]EASTERN THEATRE[/size]


Hmmmm well events did not unfold as I'd have liked them to but overall I'm not too displeased. I misjudged Stonewall Jacksons objective. My move of Franklins Corp to cover the Millboro depot in the belief that Jackson would turn North for Grafton proved to be entirely misguided. Jackson instead continued to march straight up the valley. Evidently his target must, just must, be the Manassas depot and then Washington. The two saving graces are that Hamiltons Corp continues to shadow his movement North East and Jacksons fast mover trait seems to be keeping him ahead of Johnstons smaller column. If I can keep those two confederate Corps apart I'll be more than content.

Interestingly though I've now lost sight of JEB Stuarts cavalry Corp. I'll come back to that in a minute or two.


Anyhow this is the current position in the East. The dotted white line indicates the line of march that Jackson and Johnston have taken. The solid white line my prediction as to where those troops may be headed this time around. You will note that I think it possible (but not likely) that Banks may throw me a googley and head for Winchester and Harpers Ferry rather than Manassas. Highly unlikely as neither have supply depots and before to many more moons have passed his forces will start to run short of supplies. It is though a possibility that I will have to cover. Lets not forget also that cavalry force of JEB Stuart.

I've ringing in yellow the major rebel concentrations in the East. I think I have them all covered with the possible exception of Wilmington where my worthy opponent has constructed another fort. I'm sure that city will be defended by at least a division as it really is the key to the whole of the defence of the east being an absolutely critical supply depot.





[SIZE="3"]West Virginia[/size]

I'm deliberately going to split the Eastern Theatre into two parts. So lets start with those Jackson and Johnston commands. An extremely bold move on the part of Banks to advance those two Corps so far. Of course my ability to speedily react is tempered by the number of chewed up railway lines in the region but I still reckon I can counter effectively.

My sole aim is to trap and destroy at least Jacksons force. I'll take the destruction by starvation route if I have to though I'd rather there was an engagement. I shall attempt to make every effort to bring Jackson to battle and my moves will be made in that hope.

I need to speedily deal with Jackson if for no other reason than a maximum of 5 Confederate divisions (if you include the illusive Stuart) are tying up 11 Union divisions. Not good. Not good at all.


My planned moves are, as usual, outlined in yellow. You will also note a couple of red movement lines. These indicate moves that under ideal circumstances I'd like to make to ensure that I slam the door firmly shut on any potential lines of retreat for Jackson and Johnston. One being to move Whipples Corp to Lynchburg and the other Nelsons division to Petersburg. For reasons that I'll address later I deem it unwise to do either but if I could have .......I'd have made them.

So the plan is as follows. Hamiltons Corp is only one days march from the Amherst depot (directly Northeast) from there I intend to swing his Corp to Charlottesville, another 4 days march. If I'm lucky, and assuming that Jackson goes for either one of those two routes Hamilton should catch him. My worry is that Jackson with his fast mover ability will neither attack Amherst nor Charlottesville but will sidestep around Charlottesville to the North. As that move I cannot cover I'm ordering Hamilton, after reaching Charlottesville to move further Northeast to Manassas. He will not make it but will be handily placed if my worst fears prove to be founded.

Wadsworths division at Amherst has orders to move speedily to Manassas. It should take him 12 days. I need a block to hopefully hurt and slow down Jackson.

Whilst this is happening Franklin who I moved to protect the Millboro depot has instructions to detach Griffins division to protect the Millboro depot (I need to cover the threat from that weaker Johnston Corp) whilst with the bulk of his command Franklin has orders to force march back to Charlottesville and then to Amherst.

Rousseau, at Grafton, I've issued instructions to force march to Harpers Ferry.


Hopefully I'll be able to bring my opponent to the field of battle but if he elludes me again I should have much of the door slammed behind him and have sufficient forces in the region of Manassas and Washington to cover myself.

I was surprised to see Walker with the Laurel brigade arrive at the doors of Richmond. I presume they are on a rail destruction mission. Fortunately Barlows division is guarding Richmond otherwise I'm certain Banks would take the opportunity to recover his former capital once more even if only temporarily.







Returning to JEB Stuart as I said I would. I know I keep harping on about it but players really do need to study and try to make sense of the information the game provides and not simply skim over what seem to be at first glance unimportant pieces of information. What do I mean. Well its like this. A couple of moves ago I was able to trace JEB Stuarts move from North Carolina to where he joined up with Jacksons Corp. Then last move Stuart was with Jacksons force. This time.....well slap me in the belly with a wet cod.....he's gone and disappeared again.

Knowing my opponent is extremely skilled I think I can safely guess what has happened. Banks has detached Stuarts cavalry Corp and moved it to one of the three regions I've highlighted. Why you might ask? Well its simple really....in mountains/hills with his hide ratings he would be off of my radar which is exactly whats happened. I'm sure that Cavalry Corp is lurking in one of those three regions. Its what I'd have done Its another reason why Rousseaus force has to force march from Grafton to Harpers Ferry. Its an obvious target for Stuart and would provide decent flank support for Jackson heading to Manassas and beyond.










[SIZE="3"]North Carolina[/size]


Well although whats happening in West Virginia is important its in this area that I suspect the war will actually be won or lost.

So this is the position at Goldsboro. I have Grant, McDowell and Berry in position beseiging the fortress. I reckon thats some 70,000 Billy Yanks opposing around 17,000 Johnny Rebs. As Goldsboro is a level two fortress and you attack fortresses with restricted frontage I think the odds are just about.....but only just about.....in my favour were it not for one very very important issue. Across the river sits Robert E Lee with Longstreets Corp. I'd lay a pound to a penny that if I put in an assault order that Lee and Longstreet will March to the Sound of the Guns. If that were to happen the odds drop to less than evens for a successful assault. So thats plan 'A' rejected. You will also note that with my supply wagons in attendance the ZOC that the fortress exerts prohibits me from outflanking the position. So I've either got to assault and take Goldsboro or move beyond without supply wagons.....a somewhat risky venture





So to plan 'B'. This would involve leaving the supply wagons and a holding force beseiging Goldsboro and move the bulk of Berry and McDowells forces across the river to assault Lee and Longstreet. A safer alternative you might think particularly as neither Confederate force has been digging in for too long. Ah but there is another snag. What is that I hear some of you ask? Well its the way that darned Marching to the Sound of the Guns works. When I first began to play this game I thought that the MTSG was an absolutely brilliant concept. And so it is except that the way its modelled is IMHO unsatisfactory at times. In this instance for example I know there is a Corp under Smith of at least 2 divisions bottled up in Goldsboro but if I move to cross the river and assault Lee's position even if I leave a force beseiging Goldsboro the rebel force inside is still able to MTSG. It just steps outside of the fortifications ignoring any beseiging forces, assists Lee then steps back inside the fortress. Daft but true. Try it sometime. Its one of those conditions that you are not likely to meet that often but that can be a game breaker when you do if you are unaware that it might happen as in truth its totally unrealistic.








If that were to happen then the odds in my favour of an attack on Lees position becomes considerably less than 2 to 1 if I've judged the enemy numbers about right (below) . So plan 'B' goes out of the window.




That brings me on to plan 'C'. And a darned good job there was a third option. So this is what I've decided upon. I'm going to leave Berrys Corp, minus a division beseiging Goldsboro. That freed division commanded by Meagher has orders to move to Nash NC where it is to meet and join with Whipples Corp.......(I feel I need to cover the potential for Banks to swing around my right flank between Raleigh and Hillsboro.

The major part of my force at Goldsboro, some 40,000 troops with Grant and McDowell in command, minus supply wagons, are to move to Wilmington. My hope is that all will go smoothly and I'm banking on Wilmington not being held by much more than a division in strength. If thats right I might be in a position to assault Wilmington next time around with around 40,000 against hopefully no more than 10,000 defenders.....and no Confederate force able to March to the Sound of the Guns. That sort of odds might just be enough....particularly if I'm able to add Crittendens force into the mix. As you can see I'm attempting to move his Corp closer.

The one major potential problem is I'll only have two turns of supplies. Enough to get to Wilmington and sufficient to attack in late June but then thats it so I will have to take the city and depot or risk severe starvation. Grants forager trait should....in theory....provide a 25% reduction in supply consumption for troops under his direct command but that feature is most definately broken (at least in 1.13b which we are playing)






Before I leave this theatre I just want to hammer home again about the wealth of valuable information that the game provides. You will see from the report that it seems as if a Rebel Ironclad attempted to slip by Fort Morgan where Crittendens Corp is currently billetted. Luckily for me the Forts defensive batteries spied this move and sank the ship. Now I strongly suspect that Banks was attempting to move this ship into Pamlico Bay to prevent Crittendens force from moving from Fort Morgan the mainland.







[SIZE="3"]WESTERN THEATRE[/size]



[SIZE="3"]Tennessee[/size]

Here the forthcoming move is, at least on the surface, simpler and more straightforward. Indeed I will be immensely surprised if there is any action in Tennessee in early June. To put it in a nutshell the enemy has retired. Not surprising really following my recent successful assault on Atlanta. I suspect that, given the current state of the Confederate forces in this theatre and how stretched I think they might be, Banks had little alternative than to pull back towards Winchester and Chattanooga.

Time then for me to press cautiously forward. The brief respite does enable me to begin concentrating my forces. If I have any concern at all it would be that Banks will attempt to pull another stroke on me like he did in 62. By that I mean counter attacking towards Bowling Green. I cannot cover every avenue at present so I intend to leave a Corp at Nashville, at least for the time being. I need to discover what my opponent is up to in this area as quickly as possible.








[SIZE="3"]Mississippi[/size]


Again I tried to shift those enemy Ironclads on the river. As expected I was defeated but at least I'm beginning to wear them down and soon those new ships of mine will begin to come onstream. For the time beginning I'll continue to chip away at that fleet hitting it whereever and whenever I can. I know its hurting me more than my opponent but I'm far far better able to sustain the losses.







On land things are looking far healthier. I'm meeting little confederate resistance in Mississippi. Unfortunately Vicksburg reverted to Rebel control as I had no garrisoning force but Sheridan should arrive shortly and retake the city. I'm also moving Little Mac with undue haste down the river to join him. I really do feel that at last I'm beginning to exert some real pressure in this theatre.






[SIZE="3"]LOWER SEABOARD[/size]


Without doubt in this arena the results were very much like the curates egg....good in parts.

Lets deal with the good news first. The assault by the troops of Nathaniel Banks on Fort Gaines went extremely well as the battle report indicates.







This victory enabled Hookers Corp to move to Fort Gaines where it can now recouperate and replenish itself. Hooker has performed exceedingly well but he and his troops do need to rest at least for half a month if not longer. Pity really as it gives Banks a chance to reinforce Mobile but the delay is unavoidable. The one real pleasing thing is that the addition of Hooker in the area gives me an extremely competent 3 star commander not forgetting the additional 15,000 troops







[SIZE="3"]Georgia[/size]


Now to the not so good news Milroy was ordered to move and assault the Columbus depot Rebel forces attacked his troops along every mile of his march. Now to explain this battle results better I have to recount that Milroy had two divisions but at the start of move Milroy himself was inactive. As supply was and is critical I was forced to detach one of Milroys active divisions for the attack on Columbus....it was the only way I had of attempting to take the city and depot

So before either of my now two separate commands had moved out of Pauling they were assaulted by Albert Johnstons Corp. The result a creditable stalemate. My active division then moved towards Columbus and, moving quicker than the inactive Milroy, left the region of Paulding. Albert Johnston rallies his troops and assaults Milroy again. Milroy now commanding the one lone division does brilliantly and inflicts what under normal circumstances I'd have expected to have been a crushing defeat on the enemy. That was on day 7. On day 8 Milroy rejoins his other division at Columbus, assaults the city and carries it. At this point I'm patting myself on the back and beaming broadly. Now though comes the downside. Later on day 8 Albert Johnstons decimated force arrives. I cannot believe he continued to advance. I think its more likely that the remanents of his force actually retreated to Columbus. Whatever the upshot is another battle which I'd normally expect to win yet in this instance I lose....and the reason. OUT OF AMMO What a crying shame for me at least and what an unexpected bonus for Banks......not that I begrudge him at all. So I retreat again to Pauling where lo and behold John Morgans force assaults me. Luckily I see him off.

Now though Milroys force is shot to pieces. His command is in tatters. It has little food, no ammunition and appalling cohesion. If Banks can throw anything at all at it this time around then its a dead meat. All I can do his hoist up the breeches of the troops and run like the clappers trusting to god, luck and clean underpants that I can get at least some of that command safely home.




Thus my moves in Georgia are all aimed at covering Milroys retreat and trying to get him home as best I can. I need to shift Morgans troops at West Point as they blocked my line of retreat this time around.


Well thats about it for this time around. Are things getting interesting or what?







Oops....I clean forgot to do the odds and ends. Sorry folks. Here they are for what they are worth.

Finances - Nil

Economy - Nil

Drafts - Nil

Replacements 1 Elite Infantry, 1 Line Infantry and 1 Field Artillery

Reinforcements

Missouri
2 Riverine Transports

Pennsylvania
1 x 1 Zouaves Infantry
3 Ironclads
3 Monitors

Kentucky
1 x 2 Infantry and 1 Cavalry Brigade

Wisconsin
1 x 2 Infantry and 1 x 6lb Artillery Brigade

Anywhere
1 x Engineer

[soundoff]

[color="Red"][SIZE="6"]Early June 63 result and Late June orders[/size][/color]



[SIZE="3"]EASTERN THEATRE[/size]


Virginia

Do you know I really did feel that I'd never be putting up the sub heading of Virginia again for the eastern campaign Oh I had reckoned on the odd cavalry excursion or two into the state but a full blown campaign!!!!!.....never in a million years. Just goes to show that you cannot trust these devious human players Seems I was right about where JEB Stuart was hiding. To add insult to injury Jackson made the move that I did not want him to and sidestepped me to the Northwest at Charlottesville. Banks my friend when you eventually read this all I can say is ....well played

Jacksons fast mover trait means that my forces, particularly Hamiltons Corp, is scrabbling to keep up and get back to Washington. I continue to try to bring Stonewalls invading army to battle.

I think, no if I'm completely honest I know, that in the two encounters that occurred in Virginia that I had huge slices of luck. Much more than I had a right to expect. Both of them I suspect were because of dwindling cohesion levels of my opponents forces, after all they have been on the march now for at least two months without rest.

First off there was Stuarts assault on Manassas from out of the darkness. Almost 2500 cavalry with 15 cannon against my single regiment of less than 500. As you can see from the battle report I even lost the dice roll but whoopee my good ol' boys held. Now one thing I will say is that the single regiment of mine that was defending was a Zouaves not a Militia unit. Its my self imposed rule of using Northern Militia only sparingly.

Were I to be in Banks' shoes that result alone would have made me pig sick but the next would have almost had me smashing the computer screen.








On day 14 Stonewall Jackson steamrollers into Manassas. Again I have a single Zouaves regiment defending. Naturally everything in the potential line of confederate advance for the last month has been on 'defend to the death' but its still only a single regiment against a 16,000 strong seasoned Corp. Yet that single regiment, the 114th Pennsylvanian Zouaves d'Afrique under the able command of Darius N Couch held How they held Lord alone knows but hold they did. So I had the luck of the dice roll this time but 600 against 16,000. It almost mirrors 300 Spartans. Anyway its certainly brought Jacksons march to an abrupt halt and better still denied him the Manassas depot. If I could I'd promote Couch overnight and strike a medal of honour for every last man jack of the unit.

If I were Banks I really would be right gutted about that result although on a personal level it demonstrates one of the finer aspects of AACW. Namely that you cannot take victories or defeats, no matter what the odds, for granted. I can understand how some purchasers of the game might take such a result as being 'unfair' , 'impossible' or indicating in some way or other that the mechanics are 'flawed' or 'unrealistic'. My own response is that the history of warfare thoughout the ages is littered with battles won and lost when either defeat or victory seemed impossible to achieve. IMHO 'long may uncertainty of result reign'.





Anyhow the confederate advance on Washington has stalled, at least temporarily. Perhaps now I can bring Stonewall to battle. This then is the current position with my proposed moves highlighted. You will note that at Harpers Ferry, Rousseau's force has arrived. Sadly he was inactive during the move and additionally he did not reach Harpers Ferry until the evening of the 14th. Hmmm if he'd only have turned up a day sooner I could really have given Stuarts cavalry Corp a bloody nose. Trouble is he's again inactive. I want him to stiffen the defences behind Washington ..... that rebel cavalry could still do a fair bit of damage The rail lines are chewed up however and its going to take him well over 14 days to reach his destination. Ah well no sense in fretting over things I cannot control he will just have to do the best he can.


Wadsworth's division, at Aqua has a 9 day march to reach Washington so thats where he has been ordered (he dithered before leaving the Amherst depot). OK so he only commands 5,500 but it might be enough to take the sting out of Jackson if he meets him. At least thats the theory. Hamiltons Corp, also at Aqua, has 3 days march before he reaches Manassas. If Stonewall assaults the depot again it might just provide me with a big enough time window to allow Hamilton to arrive and engage him. My fear is that Jackson will not stop, even though his supply condition is yellow Therefore Hamilton has orders to march straight on to Alexandria and then to Washington. That march is expected to take his Corp 14 days (too long) so I've issued forced march instructions which if obeyed should get him to Washington in 11.


I was going to move Franklins Corp at the Amherst depot to Manassas as indicated by the white line but I've decided against it. It occurs to me that Banks might, just might decide to turn South. Its difficult to see how he can seriously expect to take Washington or even Manassas now so he might cut and run particularly as Jackson is outstripping the movement of his other invading Corp, Johnsons', by a country mile. If he does turn back then it seems to me that two options are available to him. One is an audacious strike using those shuffling sidestep moves to launch Stonewall against Richmond. The other to merge both of his Corps. The latter could be attractive as whilst Jackson appears to be running short of supplies Johnson looks to have more than adequate.

As I no longer have a need for the Amherst depot I've decided to 'blow' it. I'm detaching a division from Franklins Corp to move to Richmond and join Barlow......just in case Banks does make a dart in that direction. Franklin I'm moving South to Lynchburg. It has a twofold benefit. Firstly it lengthens considerably the Rebel line of retreat without supply should Banks decide to retire with Jackson. Secondly it provides another counter for any potential sortie out of North Carolina by Robert E Lee and associates.









North Carolina



To begin with my assessment of the available troops on both sides in the area. The interesting thing to note is that Banks split Longstreets command, transferring two of his divisions to RE Lee who then moved to Raleigh to reinforce Beauregards force. Mighty interesting. On the face of it - just a strengthening move yet it does provide him with an opportunity to swing out Northeast towards Hillsboro and beyond. I think my move of Franklin to Lynchburg may yet be a wise one.











This is the current picture. All moves were executed as ordered. Grant and McDowell are at the gates of the Wilmington fortress. I've ordered my 40,000 to assault - Red/Red stance. I calculate that there is up to about 8,000 confederate defenders so the odds should be around 4 or 5 to 1. It could be enough. Then again it might not. Consequently I've ordered Crittendens Corp to march to Wilmington. His 12,500 will take 9 days to arrive but if my initial assault has been repulsed, providing I've done sufficient damage, his arrival might be enough to swing a second battle my way.

As you can see theres a wee bit of loose rebel cavalry thats popped up in my rear. Its an irritant but no more so I'm not going to worry about it. Other than the assault its a hold move across the remainder of the front.


This really is a big turn for both of us in this theatre methinks. Can I throw Jackson back at Manassas or Washington?. Can I take Wilmington?. If I fail to do the former then the whole of the Union heartland is threatened. If I fail to do the latter then Grants command could start to starve.










[SIZE="3"]WESTERN THEATRE[/size]


Kentucky


Another state I hoped I'd not have to put a subheading up for again in this game. (sigh) A typically fine move on the part of my opponent this time at Paducah with Indians against my lone garrisoning regiment. Once again somehow I managed to hold on. Not one attack did I survive, not two but three. Banks really did have such bad luck with the battles this turn.

If his assault on Paducah had been successful it really would have thrown a spanner in the works. Thats a key depot for me. I'm scurrying troops back as fast as their little legs will carry them


Theres not the sight or sign of any further enemy incursions into the area so I think its a 'one off' attack. I do hope so.


Trouble is I'm taking too many cities in this theatre at present. Its stretching my lines and weakening my ability to satisfactorily garrison. I need reinforcements. In fact you could say I'm somewhat desperate for them.











Tennessee

Well I've uncovered those Confederate armies again. In many respects much as I expected although I did glup a bit on discovering that Polk has 5 divisions in attendance. Joe Johnston's Corp at Grundy also makes me particularly uneasy. Its most unlike Banks to push a Corp so far out on a flank that its unsupported......unless that is he has other ideas for its use. Now whats the betting he's considering another assault on Bowling Green with that command? Hmmm I suspect better than even odds. Anyway thats what I'm going to assume. To guard against that eventuality.....it really is a move I cannot allow to happen as it would throw the whole campaign in the West into reverse I'm going to move Sumners back to Nashville with Stevens Corp of 13,000 at Nashville being ordered to retire to Bowling Green.










The only offensive move of any description I'm attempting in the current period is to move Griersons cavalry command to Rome. Its a gamble and will not cost too much even if it fails spectacularly but if it comes off it will interdict one of the few remaining confederate supply routes to those front line troops.

On the subject of supply just look at those two rebel depots at Knoxville and Chattanooga. See how they are exhausted of resources. For me its an encouraging sign and demonstrates that the South really is beginning to creek in terms of supporting its war effort. That brings me back as well to those divisions commanded by Polk. None of them appear to be anywhere close to full strength. My educated guess is that Banks has not had the manpower to replace his losses - another encouraging sign.






[SIZE="3"]LOWER SEABOARD[/size]



Georgia

Well Milroy managed to evade contact with the enemy but his command is in dire straights. Out of supply and more than a full turns march back to a supply base. In theory I can trace a route to his current position but I reckon he's out of effective supply. Its whether I lose any elements in the march back. I would not be surprised to loose at least a divisions worth of elements. If I do the only plus will be that the loss will not affect NM.








Alabama/Georgia



These then are my anticipated moves for the coming turn. I had initally intended for Hooker to march against Mobile once his troops had rested which they now have. Its taken too long though. Look, Gardner has been reinforced by the arrival of a division commanded by Quantrill. It slipped past my outlying pickets early in the month. Hookers command is not strong enough attack the reinforced defences particularly in the unfavourable terrain that exists in the environs. He has thus been ordered to move to Sparta with supplies to meet up with the remenants of Milroys Corp. If I can salvage sufficient of that I might, just might, be able to attempt another assault on Atlanta before Banks can reinforce to any significant degree.

You will also note, just at the top of the picture, that I'm moving Sheridan southwards as fast as I can. He's still a distance away and his command less than a division strength but his presence in the Lower Seaboard theatre would be most welcome.



Well good people thats about it for another turn save for the odds and ends although given its the end of June orders the odds and ends are quite considerable. Time I think for a spot of breakfast so I'll post the bits and bobs in a while.

<Edit> Breakfast is over and so here are the final pieces of the Union jigsaw for the end of June.

Finances - 5% Bonds which should raise 600,000 at a cost of 25VP's

- Exceptional Taxes which should provide an income boost of 1,785,00 at a cost of 2NM's and a 1% increase in inflation.


Economy - 100 Rail and 25 River Transport


Drafts - Offering a 2,000 bounty and should raise 729 conscripts which will decrease NM by a further 1

Politics - Total Blockade which will raise 50,000 and produce an increase in NM of 1 plus a gain of 15 on VP's

Overall VP's down 10 and NM down 2 - under the circumstances not too bad.


NM currently stands at 140 for the Union against 91 for the CSA

VP's are 1725 for the Union and 1891 for the South.

Foreign intervention remains at minus 38


Replacements

2 Elite Infantry, 10 Line Infantry, 2 Field Artillery and 2 Supply

Reinforcements

Pennsylvania
10 Militia
2 x 2 Infantry and 1 Sharpshooter Brigades

New York
9 Zouaves Regiments
6 x 2 Infantry and 1 x 6lb Artillery Brigades
2 x 3 Infantry 1 x 6lb Artillery and 1 Cavalry Brigades
7 Cavalry Regiments

Iowa
3 Cavalry Regiments

Illinois
4 Militia

Wisconsin
4 x 2 Infantry and 1 x 6lb Artillery Brigades

Indiana
1 x 1 Infantry and 1 Sharpshooter Brigade
1 x 2 Infantry and 1 Cavalry Brigade

Anywhere
1 Marine Regiment

Now that is about it. As you can see its quite a build programme I'm embarking on. Its around this point of any human v human campaign game that (provided the Northern player makes no really daft errors and that the CSA players fails to bring off any truely stunning victories) the superiority of resources available to the North should really begin to bite.

[slimey.rock]

Actually Joe Johnston is supported by Polk and Bragg. The region he is in (Grundy, TN) connects to both Jackson, AL and Lincoln, TN. It's kind of an odd shaped region, but it virtually secures his northern flank.

[rattler01]

Its even worse with him being in the very top of the zone. Just goes to show we really need to mouse over a region to see what connects.

For example if you look at Madison AR while I dont think it changes anything the map line on the west side is far off the highlighted area.

[soundoff]

[color="Red"][SIZE="6"]Preview of Late June 63 result[/size][/color]

[SIZE="3"]EASTERN THEATRE[/size]

North Carolina

I have a problem of understanding good people. I do so hope one of you at least can come up with an answer. I've contacted Banks and informed him of my difficulties. Before coming to the crux of the problem though. A stunning turn for Banks and the CSA.........


Hot off the wire.......


[color="RoyalBlue"][SIZE="4"]GRANT THRASHED AT WILMINGTON - NORTHERN ARMY HEAVILY DEFEATED - CITIZENS PANIC AS NEWS OF THE CRUSHING DEFEAT SPREADS[/size][/color]


Anyway here is the battle report. As you can see a stunning Confederate victory.




Its not the above battle thats causing me any sort of problem. Its this and I do so hope that someone out there can turn a lightbulb on in my head for currently I'm at a total loss.


On day 3 there is a battle at Fort Pickett. Most unexpected as my Corp beseiging the fortress has defend orders. Initially I assume that Banks has entered an order incorrectly as for him to sortie out is a wee bit suicidal. The first issue I have is that its a Union defeat? How come? The CSA loses 9269 out of 14707. Some 63% with the Union side only suffering 5988 out of 28622 - just short of 21% but its a Union defeat? Ah well I think to myself so my boys did not realise they were kicking CSA butt big time and just decide to pull away. Fog of war and all that - live with it




Then I start to plan my moves for this turn (early July). I begin by thinking 'well I can just steamroller back to Goldsboro now as that rebel Corp of Smiths must be totally screwed'. Yet what do I find. It has a power of 934. So what you might say? Well just go and look at its power rating on the last turn. It had a power rating of 990. OK so it might have been reinforced after the battle but I suspect not. Last turn Smiths command was 6 units strong. At the start of July it is still 6 units strong. Help folks what am I missing? How can I have hammered that Corp so hard yet barely touched its power rating?




My suspicion is this. If you look at the battle report you will see that the CSA lost 1 element (a cavalry unit). If you look back at the picture for the area that I produced last turn you will see a lone confederate cavalry unit just to the Northeast (in Halifax NC) of Goldsboro and my besieging force. That cavalry force has now disappeared off of my radar. I now suspect that Banks was moving it back to Ft Pickett which would potentially explain why the battle happened but not the strange result. Unless of course you then believe that Berry changed his stance from defend to attack mode when that enemy cavalry regiment turned up in the region. You would next have to assume that he went on and tried to assault the fortress but that just becomes ridiculous. For if all of that is what happened then it makes the battle report a total nonsense as that report clearly shows my Union force with a defensive stance and the Confederate one with an attacking stance. Finally you would also have to reckon that the Confederate loss total was completely inaccurate.....but the Union one is not those 5000+ losses Berrys Corp did indeed suffer.

I do so hope there is a sensible answer. I'd hate to be having to say to Banks that the turn has to be replayed because its screwed up in some way particularly after he's had such a good result.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I've missed something blindingly obvious.

[acme]

cant explain. seems pretty buggy.
im curious what banks can say about that

i also dont get how grant suffered that much casualties compared to southern's.

[soundoff]

OK folks I've had a response from Banks. He cannot understand it either but from his end it looks like the ANV together with Longstreet and Beauregards Corps attacked Berry. How or why we have not a clue but it look like those three commands MTSG. Seems I did the damage to Lee's commands and that probably Berry was facing some 60,000 Johnny Rebs.

Anyhow I'm happy to accept the result just so long as the CSA took the losses somewhere. Just goes to show that as much as I admire this game those battle reports are often rubbish

[soloswolf]

Pretty confusing to be sure...

Not for nothing, but it seems just about as confusing as a single militia regiment holding Manassas against Jackson's Corps...

[soundoff]

Pretty confusing to be sure...

Not for nothing, but it seems just about as confusing as a single militia regiment holding Manassas against Jackson's Corps...

That it is and you are also quite right about the Manassas situation as well. Being absolutely brutal about it I can easily see why the more casual gamer might throw AACW to one side in dismay if they were confronted with such results early on in their gaming experience particularly when whatever the answers are are well hidden within the game engine

[Jim-NC]

I have a possible answer to your question at Ft. Pickens. I have asked Banks to confirm his orders, but I think he may have ordered Lee to move through Berry's corps at Ft. Pickens. You may want to ask him if he did that. I believe it was an accident on his part, but it would explain why Lee took the damage. It would not explain why Lee's picture was not in the battle report.

[soundoff]

Hi Jim-NC,

I think Banks and I have it sussed and it is that lone cavalry regiment and the marching to the sound of the guns thats caused all the headscratching.

Below is the day two situation as per the Union replay feature




Firstly note that CSA cavalry moving back from Halifax NC where it had ended up last time. Now my bet is that on day 3 it entered Sampson NC where Berrys Corp was on defence. That probably made the cavalry automatically change its stance to attack given the control that Berrys Corp was exerting in the region.

Note that on day 2 both Longstreets and Beauregards Corps are in regions adjacent to Sampson NC.

So on day 3 that lone rebel cavalry regiment attacks Berrys Corp. Smith locked up in Fort Pickett decides to MTSG. Beauregard and Longstreet as they are still in adjacent regions also MTSG. Suddenly Berry is up against 7 or 8 rebel divisions.

OK so he's in a defensive position but those Corps of Longstreet and Beauregard suffer no penalty for crossing the river (its just the way the game works with MTSG) so overall the odds are more than 2-1 in the CSA favour. No wonder Berry got the hell out of there.

So battle over the Corps of Longstreet and Beauregard go about wending their merry way to Wilmington where they were heading to begin with. (again a game WAD as MTSG and returning is instantaneous)

As always the battle report only shows the initial forces in the region which of course is that single cavalry regiment and Smiths Corp. I destroy the single cavalry regiment that started the whole thing off hence the one element CSA loss. The bulk of the remaining damage I do to Beauregards and Longstreets forces not Smiths but of course I could never know that

What made it worse was that I never met either Longstreets or Beauregards troops at Wilmington as Grant had already been repulsed on day 1 and Crittendens force wisely shied away from battle. Thus I read it that Banks had syphoned off another couple of divisions from Longstreet and Beauregard for use elsewhere.

Hey Ho - now how the heck do you work all of that out without the assistance of a really first class opponent who is as straight as a ruler and as honest as the day is long.

[Jim-NC]

I was only hazarding a guess. I can strongly agree about the battle report, which IMHO, could use some improvement. Like adding MTSG, and identifying when a single unit drags an entire set of units into battle, etc. It makes you scratch your head. At least Banks told you about his side of the battle, and you were able to figure it out.

[gchristie]

Soundoff,

While I haven't tried it myself, I wonder if Caccio's Battle Reporter might help explain some of the more puzzling battle results? Forumites seem to find it very useful in explaining why battles play out as they do.

Have you and Banks discussed giving his Battle Reporter a try?

[soundoff]

Soundoff,

While I haven't tried it myself, I wonder if Caccio's Battle Reporter might help explain some of the more puzzling battle results? Forumites seem to find it very useful in explaining why battles play out as they do.

Have you and Banks discussed giving his Battle Reporter a try?

Hi gchristie,

In answer to your question, no Banks and I have not discussed using Caccio's Battle Reporter. I did use it once or twice when it first came out but its too dry and cumbersome for my liking. I accept it would most likely do the trick in explaining some of the more problematic battle results.....like how come a single Zouvare unit of mine at Manassas could hold up Jacksons Corp. Yet Banks and I are so far into this game now that I reckon we will just 'soldier on' as best we can. I think that what sometimes our difficulties have demonstrated is a need (assuming there ever is an AACW2) for more accurate battle reports that do not leave the player having to second guess why such and such a result happened.

I suppose the frequency of 'more puzzling results' that we seem to have generated, as you so nicely put it, is in large measure, down to the intense nature of this particular game given that the pair of us are committed to trying to produce detailed AAR's. The result being that both of us peruse the results of each turn in greater detail than perhaps we normally would which inevitably leads to more....'whys' and 'how comes'.

[cobraII]

I am patiently waiting this very moment as you are posting the next turn, while watching Gods and Generals. Great AAR so far and i can not wait to see the conclusion of this turn.

the Irish Brigade is charging Marye's Heights at this moment Poor Irish facing Cobbs Irish regiment, behind the stone wall.

[soundoff]

[color="Red"][SIZE="6"]Late June 63 result and Early July orders[/size][/color]


As I alluded to Grant took a real pasting at Wilmington. With low supply to boot I'm going to have to retire him and let him lick his wounds. Its certainly given me a headache. I've never before played against an opponent who has invested so heavily in fortifications. I was half expecting Grant to take a beating if I'm honest, not to such a degree. I accept I suffered a double frontage wammy. The first being the restriction of only being able to employ 1 division at a time because of the fortress, the second the marshy terrain which further restricts frontage. Its a hard lesson to learn and at this stage makes me think that a better option to employ is just to bottle up those Corps in their fortresses rather than trying to assault them. Hmmm....food for thought and in any event I am somewhat getting ahead of myself. So to take things in order.


[SIZE="3"]EASTERN THEATRE[/size]


Virginia

At last Jackon is on the run Its been a hard slog and his campaign has tied up too many of my troops by half but at last now he's having to retire....and in some difficulty regarding supply. Now if his Corp were to be decimated by starvation on the run home I'd consider it a successful defence. Time will tell.

On the 2nd day Hamiltons force finally brought Jackson to battle at Manassas although the battle report indicates that Jackson quickly withdrew saving his command from heavy casualties. I could have wished for a more decisive victory but I'm somewhat comforted from the knowledge that the cohesion of Jacksons force cannot be that great ....and I know his supplies are virtually exhausted. My bet is that he will run for home.

After the victory Hamiltons Corp continued to march to Washington as ordered.






On day 5 the small force I'd sent under General Dodge to hopefully regarrison Manassas met the retiring Corp of Jackson and the smaller Corp of Johnson. The size of the opposition was just too great and after a brief skirmish Dodge withdrew back to Charlottesville.






So then this is how the situation now looks. At last the front is stabilized. Now to try to get rid of Jackson once and for all and to release most of those Union divisions for duties nearer the North Carolina front. Sadly my decision to continue Hamilton on to Washington to protect the capital coupled with the failure of Dodge to reach Manassas meant that Johnson's Corp continued to advance and took the city and depot. Fortunately its empty of supplies so will afford Banks no resupply opportunity. It does however mean that he will be able to blow the depot before Hamilton can return to recapture it.


What to do then to try to cause real damage to Jacksons force thats the dilemma. It seems to me that Banks will retire. That much I can take as a given. Its how though....thats the rub. It seems to me he has one of three options. He could attempt to retire by river/sea, using either the Potomac or the Rappahannock. He could head back home down the valley the way he came. The final option, a very dangerous one, but he is an aggressive player, would be to strike at Richmond again.

I have decided these are the three options I must cover. So although its not shown I've ordered fleets to blockade the naval route. That should make it difficult if not prevent the CSA from slipping away by sea. To guard against a move on Richmond, Dix is ordered to move from Burkeville to Richmond to stiffen the defences. This move exposes the Burkeville depot, which is now a key strategic location for me (more of that later) therefore Franklin will move his Corp from Lynchburg to Burkeville.

I have a strange feeling that Banks will attempt to take a depot on his run home. With me having already destroyed the Amherst depot and will strong forces covering both Burkeville and Richmond his only option becomes the Millboro depot. I reckon a strike on that position is a real possibility. Jacksons fast mover trait means Millboro is reachable. I only have a single division under the command of Keyes in defence. I'll try to reinforce as best I can with a further half division from Grafton. It might be enough. After all the total strength of both Jackson and Johnstons forces is now less that 23,000 and their cohesion is low. I just need to keep Jackson out in the field for a further couple of turns. Pity its not winter.....he'd have no troops left.


The only other move in the region is at Harpers Ferry. As you can see I've fully repulsed JEB Stuarts Cavalry Corp from the city. His force is also starving, its supply status being firmly in the red. It might be possible for him though to take Winchester and although its not a depot, as you can see, it contains a fair number of stockpiled supplies. I've thus ordered Rousseaus division at Harpers to rail to Winchester. I've repaired the railroad so it will only take a day.


Now can I make Jackson starve....or will he escape intact?





North Carolina


As I've already said, Grant suffered a brutal defeat. The battle report shows it all, in horrendous glory detail. Just look at the ranged damage my units suffered in the approach from those 49 enemy guns and, given the frontage restrictions, how few casualties my 213 cannon were able to inflict in return. As the starting odds were 4 to 1 in the Union favour...thats a big defeat indeed and my opponent must be very well pleased (I know I would be )


The defeat has certainly put a real dent in my ambitions for a couple of months, thats a fact.







That battle was quickly followed by the strange major engagement at Fort Pickett. At last we sorted out what happened in that encounter. Its to be regretted that Berry retired but on the plus side at least the casualty count redressed some of the losses that Grant suffered earlier. What is, on further reflection, damn irritating about that battle is the defensive bonuses. What do I mean. I'll explain.

Given that my Corp under Berry was in defensive stance and that Smith sortied out of Fort Pickett and was then reinforced by Longstreet and Lee MTSG its darned strange, if not downright silly that Smith's Corp should be receiving a defensive entrenchment bonus. Yet thats what the report indicates. Curiouser and curiouser said Alice. Perhaps Berry counter attacked. Well thats my explanation.





The final encounter again occured at Ft Bee at Wilmington. On day 9 Crittendens Corp arrived, found Longstreet reinforcing the defences and wisely decided that discretion was the better part of valour so retired. There was a small encounter engagement of the forward screens of both armies but it was of little consequence.







This then is the current situation with my proposed moves. On the confederate side we have Smith in Goldboro with around 14,000 and Bee in Raleigh with approximately 8,000. At Wilmington is the main weight of the confederate armies. I reckon around 30,000.

Banks must know that Grant is low on supplies and I'm sure he will make some attempt, though what I do not know, to try to trap him. I think however with good luck and a following wind I can slide his force Northwest to Raleigh. Whipple has enough supply wagons in tow so if I move him to that location as well it will serve a double purpose. Firstly and most importantly I'll be able to resupply Grant. The added plus is that I'll also be able to beseige that Rebel force under Bee. I estimate that it will only take a division and a half to bottle Bee up good and proper.....and the last thing Banks needs is to be deprived of an ability to manoeuver. Regrettably I have to expect Grants command to lose some elements due to starvation in the march. He does not have enough supply to feed all of the troops. He would have if the 'Master Logistician' trait that should produce a 25% supply reduction for all troops under his command was working....but its not, its broke Ah well such is life.

My remaining moves are designed to achieve two aims. Firstly I'd like to invest the seige of Goldsboro. I've thus ordered Crittendens force (its in excellent shape) to retire to Goldboro. I've also split two divisions away from Berrys Corp just south of Garysburg. My reasoning is thus. I want to take and hold Hillsboro. It would provide an anchor point for me to outflank those fortresses at Raleigh and Goldsboro. Brigadier General Davies is therefore issued with assault orders. I'm virtually certain that the enemy has no other significant forces in the region that would foil this move on my part.

I also need to keep supply moving forward to those forward Corps of mine. With me having blown the Amherst depot a couple of turns ago the route for supply to the front is down a very thin corridor....Richmond, Burkeville then Garysburg. I therefore desperately need to keep the railroad intact from Garysburg to the front. Hence I've detached another of Berrys divisions to protect the region he's currently located in.

This leaves Berry (for the time being) with just a single division. I've ordered him back to Goldboro where hopefully he can join with Crittenden.

I hope for a better Union turn in this area next time around



















[SIZE="3"]WESTERN THEATRE[/size]


Tennessee


With my misreading of J Johnston's position in Grundy last time (as was kindly pointed out to me by followers of my meagre efforts:coeurs I sort of semi wasted a move in this region. Banks really must be scratching his head over what I'm up too. Still that wont do any harm.


Its back to the slow forward grind in Tennessee. I've hit those mountains which are always such a pig....slow movement and excellent defensive ground. I see that wisely Banks has pulled Johnston back to cover Chattanooga. That will be a heck of a difficult nut to crack.

The dilemma for me is that I've lost sight of Bragg and Polk which is worrying. One or both I suspect to be lurking the the mountains on the southern shores of the Tennessee river.


Time to find out. Meade with Thomas at Pulaski and Rosecrans at Decatur have orders to hold for the current move....until I have better information on the whereabouts of Polk and Bragg. Sumner is to move forward again to Winchester. Lets see what that move uncovers.


As you can see I've also ordered Grierson, at Rome, and the 4th US cavalry in the same region to start to destroy the CSA railway lines behind Chattanooga. I should be able to slow down the ability of the CSA to resupply troops in the mountains if I can really chew up those lines.







LOWER SEABOARD


Alabama


Another poor result for my hard pressed Union boys. Milroy, still retiring without ammunition and in very poor condition, encountered a sizeable Confederate division led by Taliaferro at Montgomery. Needless to say, without ammunition and with cohesion on the floor the outcome was predictable - a Union defeat







The galling thing was not the defeat it was that Milroy, instead of doing the sensible thing and retreat in the direction of the Milton depot and resupply decided instead to head back towards West Point. I know why its that 'military control' aspect but it was far from a sensible decision for him to make.


Luckily for me Hookers Corp with a supply train is less than a turns march away so I'm ordering Milroy to stay put and marching Hooker forward as swiftly as possible. Milroys command represents another Union force that is in real danger of starving to death as stocks are at absolute zero. All I can do is hope that some supplies get through to him via the river.


With me having to move Hooker eastwards I'm now left with a much weakened position around Pensacola. I cannot afford to loose that depot at Milton yet I am concerned over the Confederate buildup at Mobile. Consequently Mansfield has orders to move from Ft Gaines to Milton, purely as a holding move at this stage. I'll await developments. Much will revolve around whether I can salvage much of Milroys command.


Sheridan still heads south at the best pace he can. I want him available for command on the Lower Seaboard by August if I can. He can be reassigned to command Milroys Corp, assuming that Milroy has any troops left to command that is.








[color="black"][SIZE="3"]WESTERN AND LOWER SEABOARD THEATRES[/size][/color]


I've put this screenshot in for no other reason than it clearly links the two theatres. Note how close I am to joining my two commands. If I can just make the connection then I've cut the confederacy in half. It will be tough as Banks will continue to defend it with the same sort of tenacity he's shown to date. If I'm lucky though it might be achievable before winter sets in.












[SIZE="3"]TRANSMISSISSIPPI[/size]


All I'm doing is putting the heading up. No pictures and no reports thats because I'm experiencing no opposition at all in whats left of Mississippi. I'm not committing any further resources than I already have to the region and neither does it seem that Banks is. Its about as much as I can do to garrison all of the cities. I shall probably produce a screenshot next time as if all goes well I shall only be a move or two away from New Orleans.



As for the odds and sods well.....


Finances - Nil

Drafts - Nil

Economics - Nil

Replacements - 2 Line and 1 Elite Infantry

Reinforcements -

Pennsylvania - 2 Supply units



So on to the next move. Will I manage to decimate Jacksons force. Can Grant escape. Will Milroys command starve? Interesting times methinks

[cobraII]

woot woot. time to read

[soundoff]

Hi good people,

It seems as if we have a major lull in the proceedings for whatever reason. I've been awaiting a the results of the late July move for almost two weeks now. I do hope all is well with Banks.

I have an AAR to post in respect of the Early July 63 result and Late July orders. I've had the screenshoots ready for the last 10 days but just have not gotten around to posting it......I just have'nt been able to work up the enthusiasm. I've decided that come hell or high water I'll write it up in the next 24 hours.

The reason for my lack of enthusiasm is that I see this campaign now stretching well into 64 and currently that kind of depresses me. As I said in another post in the general forum I've reached that stage where what I perceive as the 'faults' of AACW is seriously getting in the way of my enjoyment the game. You could say I've become disenchanted. Really I suppose I should concede victory to my opponent.....after all life is to short to devote time to doing something you no longer have any real interest in, particularly when you dont have to. Trouble is Banks and I have come so far that it would sit uneasily to deliberately throw in the towel at this juncture......though it may come to that if this this lack of enthusiasm continues for many more weeks. I'm hoping that I get a second wind so to speak.



Banks decision to build fortresses at key points in North Carolina was inspired and has certainly prolonged the war by at least 12 months....who knows at this rate he may well be able to survive to game end. Now that would be a real achievement but that would mean I'll still be posting AAR's come 2010.

Hmmm we will see. Anyhow, sincerest apologies for my tardiness in not producing the Early July result and Late July AAR before now. As I said I WILL do it in the next 24 hours.


As a taster.

[SIZE="3"]CRITTENDENS CORP DESTROYED. PANIC IN THE STREETS OF WASHINGTON[/size]

[acme]

oh oh
i totallly understand your feelings.
But as a selfish reader i would ask for continuing the game some more. At least for a point where both of u can agree in terms

And thx for all your work with this nice AAR.

[MrT]

Soundoff is writing in the thread....

Regarding your movtivation sir, i would suggest that it is only increased by the lack of activity on Banks part, thats your more sick of waiting that your are of the actual game.
No slight towards intended I understand people have reallife things to do as well. But i often find that the waiting for a turn decreases my lust for playing, you spend too long picking faults with things then.. because your wondering what went wrong and how did that happen.
Anyhoo keep chin up lad and ney let it get ya doon.

[soundoff]

[color="Red"][SIZE="6"]Early July 63 result and Late July orders[/size][/color]


Well folks a totally disasterous turn for the Union. Following on so quickly from the debacle at Wilmington in late June when Grant received a bloody repulse its just about put the tin lid on any further offensive moves in North Carolina for the remainder of the year....indeed its actually made me totally rethink my strategy but I'm getting ahead of myself. More of that in a minute or two.

Taking things in order.

[SIZE="3"]
EASTERN THEATRE[/size]


Virginia.

It looks as if Jackson is in full retreat at Lexington VA following his recent abortive assault on the Union Millboro depot. Unfortunately neither Hamilton or Franklins Corps can catch him so I'll just shepherd him back to North Carolina and hope that his Army suffers from starvation. Mind you, with that fast mover trait of his he can move so quickly so I don't expect him to be out of supply for much longer. Johnstons smaller force at Culpepper (also retiring) now thats another matter. With luck that will completely disperse over time as it has such a long way to go to reach friendly lines.

I had hoped that JEB Stuarts Cavalry Corp would have evaporated due to lack of supplies but somehow, somewhere they seem to have been replenished. How the heck I know not as they are deep behind my lines and whilst the local populous remains sympathetic to the Southern cause there is no obvious supply. The locals must have rallied around with every spare scrap of food they possessed. It is taking foraging from the land to the extremes

Little really for me to do then, other than begin to marshall those troops of mine in the rear back to the North Carolina front.






North Carolina

What a foul up. What an unmitigating disaster. What a total mess. Dear oh dear oh dear .

Lets start with the bad news first and then progress onto the really bad news.

As expected, because of that broken Master Logisticians trait that Grant has (mind you I did know it so no excuses) some of his command retiring from Wilmington starved. As you can see 9 elements just wasted away. A pointless loss but inevitable. Fortunately Grants back in supply now so at least no further troops will disappear this time around.....I hope







If I was ready for that the next bit of news really was a choker......Crittenden.



Now I need to step back a bit and go over a wee amount of old ground so to speak ....so bear with me. Last time Crittendens Corp was in good order. Cohesion was more than satisfactory and his troops had sufficient provisions for another turn. As Berrys Corp at Goldsboro had been clobbered hard by that MTSG fiasco a turn back and I needed to detach a significant number of his remaining divisions to cover possible avenues of retreat that Jackson might take I decided to move Crittenden to Duplin NC then to Goldsboro to link up with Berry.


I foresaw no problem with the move (how foolish was that:coeurs as Grants Army was currently retiring from Duplin. The picture gives the main details....in excess of 11,000 troops under Crittendens command and a power rating of 772. Not as good as it might be but not bad at all.








Now of course what I'd not factored in was Banks deciding to move Bory forward to Duplin, I presume in an effort to catch Grant?


So horror of horrors the first thing I find is this little humdinger. 11 regiments destroyed in a retreat and 142 hits....on a battle I was never expecting.
I must have suffered the mother of all bad dice rolls to get that little result. Ah well thats just one of the joys of AACW....you just cannot take the game for granted. Well it was a joy until I examined the actual battle report.








Wait a minute I said to myself. This just does not look right. OK so with almost even odds you could get such a fluke result....thats war but hold on. How come Borys command is getting a defensive bonus of 100 as if its started entrenching in Duplin? It can't be? Not only that but Borys command also had 4 supply elements with it so in actual fact our combat numbers were just about even.......and Bory could not have been in any better shape than Crittenden after all he'd fought at Goldsboro then marched to Wilmington.

So I do some further digging and lo and behold what do I find. I've not posted a picture but there in Goldboro Depot is dear old G Smiths Corp down from a power of 934 to 827. That decrease can only have been caused by Smiths force having fought somewhere. As Berrys small Corp was encamped outside of Goldsboro it is impossible that Banks has reduced the size of Smiths force and spirited some away elsewhere. Nope, Smiths Corp has fought again and the only place it could have fought is Duplin. And it must have done so by MTSG. That blasted MTSG the way it operates will be the death of me..... at times so unrealistic.

At least it explained the weird result except for the CSA entrenchment which is plainly wrong. It looks as if Crittenden was faced by not one but two enemy Corps, each the same size as his own, and one of them....the one that fought....being totally fresh and at full strength. AAAAhhh



All I can say is that it really does even up the good fortune that I'd had stopping Stonewall at Manassas a few turns ago with only a single regiment of infantry.







Anyhow this is the current sorry state of the remanents of Crittendens command. Depressing or what from a Northern perspective. Time for jubilation methinks in the confederate ranks.


All I can attempt to do is to leg it back to Fort Morgan as quickly as possible and trust to god and clean britches.







So the upshot of it all is that I've decided for the remainder of 63 to mainly adopt a defensive stance. If I can I'll edge around those defenses to the North via Hillsboro.

To that end I've issued orders for the construction of a forward depot at Hillsboro. Kearny is already at the city but only with a token force so I'm detaching a division from Grant to bolster him. Grant is ordered to remain in situ and regain cohesion and strength and await the arrival (in time) of Hamilton, Franklin and Dix.

McDowell has been reassigned his Corp command and has been ordered to move from Wake NC to Nash NC. From there he can provide support to Berry. Reno's division at Warren NC has orders to rejoin Berrys Corp at Sampson NC.

Hopefully, if they are successful the moves will have a twofold outcome. Firstly I'll be beseiging both Raleigh and Goldsboro....bottling up two Rebel Corps. That will do for starters. Secondly the move of McDowell will enable me to provide Corp mutal support accross the front.

Gentlemen I intend to dig in if I get the chance.






[SIZE="3"]WESTERN THEATRE[/size]


Tennessee


I'm still unable to find Polk's Corp. Given that it was such a size when I last had it spotted I must track it down. Interestingly I see that Banks' armies in this theatre are beginning to struggle for supplies. I suspect that much of the Souths remaining resources are being channelled to the eastern front.

If I had to offer up a bet it would be that he's investing heavily in industry at this juncture in an effort to keep his economy going.

Well it will be a cautious approach from me. Those mountains are just too darned vicious. What would the odds be...given how successful the building of fortresses have been for him in the east.....that Banks is going to construct one at Chattanooga. Very short odds I think

I have a suspicion that I'll find Polk hiding in Mason, AL. It would be sensible as it would provide support for Bragg at Jackson. Well I'll find out this turn for I intend to inch Rosey forward. Lets see what that reveals. Other than a bit of sideways movement the only other decisions to note is that I'm constructing a depot at Decatur......I'm already preparing for winter. This is another area where I don't intend to attack Oh and I've detached J Reynolds division from Rosey with orders to march due south. I want that division to bolster up Hooker and Milroy.....and hopefully Sheridan if I can.









Mississippi

So I've just about taken every city. Trouble is they are so weakly held that one good rebel division could recover most of them in short order. Still for the time being they are under Union law.

As you can see Little Mac continues his southern advance via the river. No sign now of Confederate gunboats. I suspect Banks has moved them to New Orleans. Would you Adam and Eve it, of course you would. Little Mac has decided to go inactive so I've been forced to detatch one of his divisions, commanded by General Richardson, for an assault on Baton Rouge. Its another CSA recruiting station that I'd be more than pleased to take.


Thats about it for the Western Theatre. I'm not showing Sheridan but he continues to march south to join Hooker. He should arrive around the end of August.






[SIZE="3"]LOWER SEABOARD[/size]




Alabama


The only piece of comfort I had for the turn was Hookers arrival at Etowah which brings Milroys command into supply. Perhaps I can salvage Milroys Corp after all. Milroy has orders to move to Montgomery to begin to recover. Hooker has been instructed to assault Columbus. I'm sure that my wiley opponent will see this one coming and destroy the depot. I dont mind if he does. Ideally I'd like to capture it, of course I would, but if its destroyed it will further reduce the capacity of the South to resupply its armies which cant be a bad thing.









Florida


Hmmm. I have a big worry in this region now. Longstreets been assigned to Mobile. Now although I have two divisions in the area which should be enough for now my dilemma is.....what if Longstreet goes on the offensive.

My total supply line for this theatre is funnelled through Ft Pickens and Milton. If I were to loose them then some 50,000 Union troops are in danger of starvation.

I must get more of my navy into the area and I think I need to bolster Asboth. The navy will take time but I can move Mansfield to join Asboth with immediate effect. If I can get Milroys Corp into good order I'll have another two divisions with which to defend the supply points....though that WILL take some time to achieve.





Thats about it then. Lets see what delights this turn brings. On to the odds and ends

Finances - Nil


Economy - 150 Rail 50 River

Drafts - Nil

Replacements - 1 Elite Infantry 6 Line Infantry 1 Cavalry 1 Field Artillery

Reinforcements -

Pennsylvania

2 River Transports

Mid Atlantic

4 Ocean Transports


NM is now 136 for the Union and 95 for the CSA. Foreign Intervention stands at -11 VP's are 1836 for the Union and 2013 for the South with the gap closing. I suspect that VP's will be about even by the end of 63

[MrT]

As far i can see it at the moment your biggest threat is the Lincoln election event.. when the south only needs a 100nm to win... 7 months till that fires i know... but its worth bearing in mind.


''All I can attempt to do is to leg it back to Fort Morgan as quickly as possible and trust to god and clean britches.''

Im glad i wasnt alone in my parents insisting its okay to die, as long as your wearing clean underpants.

[acme]

ah

i hope at least johnstons foce will be caught.!!

[enf91]

One bit of solace you can take: those regiments destroyed by supply and routing don't add to Banks' NM or VP. Not much, but it's something.
And I feel your PBEM pain. I'm in one now and my opponent, who is hosting, used to process a turn a day, but must be really busy now because we're down to two a week.

[soundoff]

[SIZE="6"][color="Red"]Late July 63 result and Early August Orders[/color][/size]


Overall a very quiet turn which rather suited me though I suspect Banks will be better pleased. Only a couple of really minor skirmishes which I'll come to later.


[SIZE="3"]EASTERN THEATRE[/size]


Virginia

Hopefully, he says, keeping all fingers crossed, I'm beginning to see the last real threat to Virginia disappear. I expect there to be raiding, perhaps in some strength in the future months but I reckon I may have seen the last attempt by the CSA at a concerted campaign in this area for the remainder of the war.

Jackson continues to fall back. As anticipated, his retreat is at such a speed that I simply cannot keep up with him, let alone bring him to battle. As you can see from the first picture Stonewall is now long gone from Virginia. Mind you its left Johnstons Corp in a right pickle. I suspect that Banks is already operating on the basis that he will not get that Corp safely home. Its whether I can defeat it in the field and pick up the odd NM point or whether it just evaporates into thin air. I have Johnston totally surrounded with nowhere to go. Trouble is I have no 'weight' to hit him with. Hamiltons Corp is well spent in terms of cohesion.

The best I can do is to target Johnston with Minty's Sabre Brigade. I have no real expectation of a victory but if I can bring Johnston to battle I should get valuable information and weaken his force further without incuring too many losses on my own side providing I put in orders for a 'feint attack'. You will note that Johnstons supply situation is showing as critical though currently I take little notice of that. He has two supply elements with him so I strongly suspect he still has sufficient resources for a turn or two or three yet

As to the remainder of the orders for Virginia ......well.........Hamiltons Corp needs rest so I'm going to spend two weeks repairing rail and just sitting still. Other units in the region have orders, where possible, to repair rail and start improving my military control. I do need to secure much better these rear environs.









So this is where Jackson is at now. His supply still shows up red I do so hope he is suffering. You will note that Banks has wisely used JEB Stuarts cavalry Corp as a rearguard screen, very sensible. Stuarts situation does irritate me and thats no error. A couple of turns ago his command was starving with no chance of resupply but he conjured up sufficient supplies from somewhere to feed the whole of his Corp......Grrrr






North Carolina



Here is the overview. I'm not intending to engage in any offensive action. Following the disasterous exertions of the last month its time now for me to sit tight and recover (assuming my opponent lets me). I'm planning to try simply to bottle up those two Corps inside the fortresses at Raleigh and Goldsboro and work my way around the Northern flank of the Confederate armies....but not until 64.

Therefore any moves I make in this theatre for the remainder of 63 will be purely defensive.....unless of course an opportunity arises. Thus my limited plans are as follows. To detatch Sedgewicks brigade from Whipples Corp to reinforce Phil Kearny at Hillsboro, where the construction of a depot moves on a pace and should be completed next turn. Grant will shift his overall command to a more central position. Franklins Corp has been issued orders to cease the pursuit of Jackson and move to the North Carolina front. Thats about it.









On the actual front line this is how it looks, together with details of my strength. To that hopefully will be added a further couple of divisions under Franklin next time. Note that although McDowell has 4 divisions in his wing that two of them are nowhere near full strength. They are the divisions that lost elements due to starvation in the retreat from Wilmington. It will be another month before I can bring them back to full strength.


If I have any concern at all for the next move its that Banks makes a concerted attempt to shift Berry at Goldboro. He is able to bring those three supporting Corps under Bory, Forney and Smith to bear. In theory McDowell would be able to MTSG in support of Berry should Banks make such a move. Problem for me is that McDowell has decided to go inactive. Will Banks try it? I hope not. If he does and if he's successful he turns the whole of my left flank and exposes Richmond.




So here is what Grant and his Corps are up against. It better demonstrates why I have concerns about Berry's position. The one saving grace is that there's no sign of RE Lee.....is he still at Wilmington I ask myself?

Whichever way you cut it Banks has assembled a sizeable and formidable defensive position that will be very hard indeed to crack






[SIZE="3"]WESTERN THEATRE[/size]


We had a minor skirmish at Decatur where I'd opportunistically sent the 4th US Cavalry regiment. Seems that Banks must have targetted them with Armstrongs command. I was extremely lucky with the dice roll. Just look at that difference. Its why the battle went my way. Most pleasing and unexpected. Its very rare you see that amount of difference.











This is how the theatre looks then. I need to high tail the 4th US Cavalry out by river, if I can, as quickly as possible.

At last I've uncovered Polk but not well enough to get more than the scantiest of information regarding the size and composition of his Corp. I will attempt to increase my scouting ability in the area next time to improve my reconnaissance.

Neither Banks nor myself seem inclined to move in this theatre. I suspect that the CSA does not have the forces available to consider mounting an offensive at this juncture and for my Union boys the terrain is just too difficult. So for the immediate future at least it would appear that we have a Mexican standoff. Note however that I've stiffened, from a naval standpoint, the Cumberland river.....just protecting against a possible move on Bowling Green. Yep I know its an awfully long shot but Banks has been inclined to play some awfully long shots to date.

Interesting the Confederate defenders are still finding supply a real issue in this theatre. The more I can add to their woes the better.









I'm only intending on making a couple of irritating (at least I hope my opponent is irriated by them:coeurs moves in this region in the coming turn. Firstly I'm attempting to send the 11th Indiana Cavalry around the rear of Polks position to Rome to cut the vital rail intersection. Secondly Giersons cavalry which is already deep behind enemy lines......reminds me of John Wayne and the Horse Soldiers ...... has been issued with orders to assault the depot and city of Augusta, Georgia.

I do need to keep Bank's armies in this theatre short on supplies if I can.








[SIZE="3"]LOWER SEABOARD[/size]



Alabama


It looks as if I might have saved Milroys Corp after all. Now that is a real plus. And at last Sheridan is on the brink of arriving and will be nicely reinforced by Reynolds Division that I detached from Rosecrans a couple of weeks ago. Things might begin to look up in this theatre. How I wish winter were more than a month or two away.

So my plans for this turn are simply to consolidate my forces around Montgomery.

Milroys troops still require a full move to return to maximum cohesion (then I can think about refilling the ranks). I've even decided to pull Hooker back from Columbus. He has no chance of assaulting Atlanta and with Banks having destroyed the Columbus depot there is little reason for Hooker to remain so isolated.

I have some much needed reinforcements, currently at sea, which I'm intending to send to Florida to eventually reinforce fort Gladden but the've only just sailed so will take time to arrive.





Mississippi


Yes I'm fully aware that this should be part of the WESTERN THEATRE but Little Mac's command is so far south that I've decided to include it in the LOWER SEABOARD.

The attack by Confederate troops to try to retake Baton Rouge that I expected did not materialise. My supply lines are now so stretched that I'm going to retire Little Mac back to Vicksburg until I can get further reinforcements into the area. Richardsons division I'm intending to leave at Baton Rouge for another turn. Lets see whether Johnny Reb attacks this time around. Even if he does not it denies my opponent the recruiting station. I've ordered Footes considerable naval command to move downriver. I have no intention of letting the Mississippi revert to Rebel control.











[SIZE="3"]TRANS MISSISSIPPI[/size]


At last something to report in this theatre even if only minor. To begin with I attempted a sneak cavalry attack on Malvern. Almost inevitably it was repulsed.













I also have a half division under J Davidson moving by river to Fort Smith which under the circumstances.....which I'll get to in half a mo.....is a good job.







California


Woot....this was the real googlie. Well done Banks I tell you my opponent really does keep me on my toes. Whartons arrived to besiege San Francisco. Fortunately his command is not of a sufficient size I think to take the city. Mind you my forces are locked up inside so he might wear the garrison down over time. Hmmm we will have to see.

The one effect it has had is that 4 Brigades of 3 regiments each that I'd earmarked for Little Mac are having to be diverted to San Francisco......and it will take them 4 months to arrive. I hope my garrison can hold out that long.










Edit

Just noticed that I'd forgotten to post the bits and bobs so here they are.

Economy - Nil

Finances - Nil

Reinforcements -

Mid Atlantic
2 Steam Frigates
3 Armoured Frigates


Replacements - 1 Elite Infantry 5 Line Infantry 1 Cavalry 4 Field Artillery


NM is 135 for the Union against 95 for the Confederacy

The VP total continues to slowly narrow. Its now 1892 for the USA and 2041 for the CSA


Finally Foreign Intervention sits comfortably for me at -11

[soundoff]

[SIZE="6"][color="Red"]Early August 63 result and Late August Orders[/color][/size]

Many more engagements this time yet none of them above a 'skirmish'. Given that I've virtually decided to 'call it quits' in terms of campaigning for 63 it rather suits me. I'm just going to let that real difference in resources, particularly manpower, take over for the rest of the year. Of course I will not be adverse to taking the opportunity for a decent victory or two should the chance present itself though I doubt that Banks will afford me that. So back to the detailed report.


[SIZE="3"]EASTERN THEATRE[/size]


Virginia



So that attack I'd tried to achieve on Johnston;s retiring Corp with Minty's Sabre Brigade came about, with predictable results on day 2 - a heavy Union defeat. It was inevitable given that Minty's force lacked even a single piece of artillery.....and the dice throw went against me. Still the battle provided decent information. So Johnston's Corp still has a full quota of ammunition and supplies (or at least did have at the time of the battle). The encounter will not have done his supply situation any good and hopefully will have reduced his commands cohesion a wee bit.

Just wish I had a fresh command to hit Johnston with again this turn but I don't. Ah well never mind it will all turn out OK in the wash as my old grannie used to say.




Then on day 14 we had this irritating little skirmish at the former capital of the Confederacy. Grrr - how I wish Barlow had destroyed those 90 raiders. They are a pain. Whilst they are active they will provide my opponent with valuable reconnaissance information asd well as being able to chew up those rail lines that I'm diligently replacing. I'm going to send a regiment of cavalry to try to hunt them down but you know how difficult that is in this game to achieve.





This then is how the picture looks in Virginia now. Johnston is still surrounded. Pity I have no fresh troops to prod him with again as he's moving so slowly. Note as well his supply condition is still showing red. So he has two supply wagons with him thats benefited him enormously but by my calculations his Corp will be starting to hurt this coming turn. I think








North Carolina


Basically little has changed in this region this time around. In truth, given that I've virtually gone on the defensive for the time being whilst I repair those shattered divisions, I did'nt really expect it to.

Now this is the potential move I really fear and its one I will attempt to cover in the forthcoming turn. Forney has a clear run in on Richmond with a nice CSA corridor to advance on. Given that the weather conditions for the time being are favourable I would hazzard a guess that with a Forced March he could make Richmond comfortably in a move and I have insufficient strength in the way to prevent him.

I need to extend Grants left flank.









I also have this opportunity or should I say quandrie. Whipple's Corp, consisting of three very healthly divisions could strike deep behind enemy lines at Camden. It has a nice juicy depot, something that the CSA is running out of quickly at present. Its a tempting target and it would only take Whipple 13 days, without having to force march. Its so so tempting. I'm sure it would come off. I think I know the dispositions of the bulk of the Confederate armies in the East and by my calculations Banks has little in reserve.

Hmmm. Mind you such a decision means opening another gap in my defensive line as well as lifting the seige on Raleigh. It would certainly expose Kearny's Corp on the far right flank, leaving that force without any support at all. And Kearny's Corp now has a valuable task to perform, guarding that new depot at Hillsboro.


No I'm going to bite my lip and reject, at least for now, the temptation.





Thus my only objective for late August will be to extend that flank of Grants. So its a hold across the front with the exception of Franklins Corp which at last has arrived with reinforcements. His command does need time to recover cohesion, its no more than half of what it should be. Hopefully, after this turn it can rest up for a turn or two. At least thats the theory. I'll be much happier when it is in position.





Jacksons well and truely out of my reach now. The real connundrum is where the little tinker will turn up next. I do so hope his current command has been badly mauled. I'll never know of course so I will have to proceed on the basis that he still has a couple of intact divisions at his disposal. Now they should need to rest for a turn or two so I have a little bit of time but I'm going to have to send out a sizeable scouting force in the not too distant future to attempt to find out whats going on in this area.

To that end I've ordered Pleasantons command and the 4th Ohio cavalry back to Hillsboro so that I can begin to structure a Cavalry Corp. Why do I need a Corp you might ask? Well its simply because that Cavalry Corp of JEB Stuart concerns me. Its come away intact and I reckon I might have to counter it soon.









I've thrown this picture in just so that you can see the current state of poor old Crittendens Corp. It is in a sorry condition even if its back inside Ft Morgan. If I'm lucky some of those replacements I keep having to purchase will being to bring the few surviving regiments back to full strength. I'm also sending fresh regiments from New York to beef out the divisions again.

















[SIZE="3"]WESTERN THEATRE[/size]

Kentucky



Now this little skirmish did surprise me. Those darned pesky indians turned up again at Paducah and tried to sneak in. As I've said many times before I have little sympathy with those players who consistently refuse to guard their logistical lines well. Fortunately for me the attack failed but those survivors are out their somewhere




Tennessee


Another couple of skirmishes in Tennessee. Fort Simon Buckner is actually at Chattanooga. So those pesky Rebels have built another fortress at that city. (Sigh) that makes Chattanooga virtually impregnable.

Unfortunately these minor skirmishes left me frustrated and once again pointed up some of the weaknesses of the battle report system. I really am at the stage where most of the time I find it rubbish.

Take for example this first report. I look at that, see that I'm outnumbered 8 to 1. I have no artillery, the enemy has a small entrenchment bonus and to top it all the dice roll goes against me quite heavily yet I'm victorious. Ah well I suppose in reality it could happen. But then look at the second battle report.




All of a sudden half of the Rebel forces have disappeared. Were they not involved in the original battle?....just happened to be in the region? Did I rout them from the field? But now look. All of a sudden that entrenchment bonus has shot up to 250. In a day that should be impossible.

I have really had fun playing AACW for over 12 months now but the battle reports really do get to me these days. I know all of the arguements about the battle reports only being for 'flavour' and that its the battle log that provides all of the actual details but IMHO that really is not good enough. The battle reports should be accurate otherwise what good are they. And I dont know about you but me....I'm too long in the tooth to want to go delving under the bonnet of this or any other computer game to find out whats happening.

So it ends up another Union victory but one I'm not overly happy about. Ah well thats the moan out of the way.







Onto then the dispositions of both sides in Tennessee. At last I have decent reconnaissance in respect of Polk. 4 divisions under his wing, even if a couple of them are not at full strength. At least for now I have him pegged. That should complete the full picture for the major CSA forces in Tennessee......I hope

So now its back to that defensive posture for me. OK so I tie up a considerable number of Union troops but equally I tie up an awful lot of Confederate ones as well. And I can better afford to have troops idle.


Planned movement then is minimal with the sole aim of strengthening my hold. Rosecrans has orders to retire on Meades HQ. Thomas has instructions to move to strengthen the defenses at Pulaski. I've also detached the 26th division with orders to move to Corinth and garrison the strategic intersection.












Mississippi



Hmmm, Ruggles with a small cavalry command has stormed Meridian. With that size of force he cannot do much damage....can he? Can Banks strengthen him though? I have all cities that I've captured garrisoned by regular troops but not in any strength. I just do not yet have the available manpower. I'll just have to await developments.






Aaaahhh. Now last time I fouled up with Little Mac's move back to Vicksburg. Inadvertantly I targetted Foote's river command when I issued the orders. And I'd ordered Foote's river command which was at Vicksburg to move South. The upshot is that Little Mac and his command is outside of Baton Rouge. Not where I want him at all. So I'm going to try again to send Little Mac back to Vicksburg. I've also decided to get Richardsons division out of Baton Rouge as well. The CSA decided to beseige the city. I'm not yet ready to hold a position that far south. Not yet but hopefully come the new year.








Georgia


Well Grierson and his troops did their stuff at Augusta. In the game he really is an excellent cavalry commander. So it took his command two days of fighting but the result was as good as I could hope for. My plan is to attempt to sit tight with him for the current turn and attempt to blow the depot. I've captured enough supplies to replenish Griersons regiments so thats a plus. Its whether Banks has any fresh CSA troops that he can send to Augusta to arrive before the end of day 5. We will just have to see.









So this is the picture now. As you can see my reconnaissance is very patchy and Griersons force, after two days of fighting, is very low on cohesion. If Banks does have anything fresh he can throw at Grierson I doubt if I'll stand. Just give me time to blow the depot and I'll be one happy bunny.








[SIZE="3"]LOWER SEABOARD[/size]




Florida




Sugar....and words a whole lot stronger. Banks has done gone and made a move that throws my strategy into confusion. As you know I was sending reinforcements to Fort Gadsden. But slap me in the belly with a wet cod if my opponent has not gone and stolen a march on me by sneaking up on the fortress and retaking it. Those reinforcements I'm re-routing to Milton.






Alabama


Firstly my understanding of the relevant major forces in the region, even if, strictly speaking, I should not have included the Rebel army at Atlanta.





My orders for this theatre are short and sweet for the next turn. Milroy is to return to Milton (I need to try to get replacements into that shot Corp of his) The cohesion is now fine its the troop numbers thats the problem.

Sheridan has orders to take his Corp to West Point. I want to threaten Atlanta even if I'm only rattling a sabre at the city for the time being.


That little lot of 3 infantry and 2 cavalry regiments on board ship were the troops originally destined for Fort Gadsden. Now I'm sending them to Milton. From Milton, but not shown, is a small brigade that I've ordered off to attack Fort Joseph. I want to widen my seaboard corridor. My reasoning is that with so many troops of mine in this region I need to increase substantially my capacity to supply them. Otherwise I'm in danger of having a a supply bottleneck.

Currently I've only the depot at Milton where all resources are being funnelled through and Milton cannot support the number of troops I now have. I'm going to start to create a depot at Fort Pickens to ease the load on Milton this time. That should help. Its also the reason why I wanted to retain Fort Gadsden. I'd like another depot in that position.

So over the next month or so what I'm going to attempt is to take Saint Joseph and use that as a jump off point for an assault on Fort Gadsden so that hopefully I can create another bridgehead. Thats the aim anyway.







[SIZE="3"]TRANS-MISSISSIPPI[/size]


California



Well, as expected Whartons evidently not strong enough to attack San Francisco so has laid seige to the city. Thankfully no damage done this turn. I suppose its now down to which of us can reinforce the quickest. My boys will not arrive much before Christmas. Just a case of gritting teeth.




Well thats about it for another turn other than to report the odds and sods.

Finances - Nil

Drafts - Nil

Economy - 30 Railroad and 30 River

Reinforcements -

Maryland
2 Supply Wagons

Replacements - 1 Elite Infantry 2 Line Infantry 1 Cavalry


NM for the Union has reduced to 134 and increased by one to 96 for the CSA. War weariness starting to kick in.

Foreign Intervention has ticked up by one for the Confederacy and now sits at minus 10.

VP's. The gap between us continues to close at a pace. Its now 1954 for the Union against 2073 for the CSA