Hi all
This is a PBEM I have started, Aryaman vs John.
Turn 1
I spent the turn reorganizing commands. Basically, I sent all forces in Shenandoha to Manassas, while separating Joe Johnston from command and sending him to Nashville, to command the troops assembled there. In time, I plan to make him Corps commander under AS Johnston when he arrives.
In the West, Polk embarked to New Madrid in order to make some menacing movements towards Cairo, while Price remains on the defensive in Missouri. I sent some cavalry in a raid, but one of my units is destroyed just the moment it crosses to Federal territory (ouch).
Turn 2
Now, the guessing game starts, as the Union player is on the attack, I can wait for his attacks and quickly reinforce by rail any endangered point, that is going to be my general strategy so far. I reorganize command in Manassas, Jackson remains there with the bulk of the forces in the I Corps, while the II Corps With Beauregard himself move by train to defend Harpers Ferry. I have decided to divide the command in order to defend both locations, could be risky but Harpers Ferry has good defense terrain and Federal forces have to cross a river to get there. In the end Federals attacks are repulsed in both locations. They are medium sized battles, in Manassas, the largest one, Federals have around 5.000 casualties against 2.000 CSA. No NM point won though.
In the West I send more cavalry raids around Cairo and to watch the troops in St. Louis, where my unit is pushed back by superior union cavalry with little loss.while the bulk of the Infantry remains in New Madrid. Union forces are sieging Rolla, where I have a couple of Militia. I imagine the garrison of St Louis has been weakened and I am tempted to try a coup, but I discard it as too risky, I am cautious general, and I am worry I am getting very few conscripts. I made the call and signed for warbonds, still I am very short of manpower. I bought mostly replacements and they have been sucked mostly by garrisons. I think it would be good to diferenciate garrison from line units to avoid that.
Turn 3
Union forces attacked Lexington. I have reinforced the garrison with Johnston command by rail and the union attacking forces were destroyed. In the West Polk repulsed some federal cavalry with losses. I think Union has made a mistake by invading Kentucky so early in the game.
Turn 4
A quiet turn, reinforcing and reorganizing.
Union forces attacked Lexington. I have reinforced the garrison with Johnston command by rail and the union attacking forces were destroyed. In the West Polk repulsed some federal cavalry with losses. I think Union has made a mistake by invading Kentucky so early in the game.
Turn 4
A quiet turn, reinforcing and reorganizing.
Turn 5
This turn only a couple of cavalry encounters happened, we are both getting more cautious I think.
In the East I have spent the turn reorganizing my forces, I have created a front with 4 Corps, placed at Harpers Ferry, Winchester, Manassas and Fredericksburg, this way I have dangerously spread my forces, but I hope to spot any Union attack coming in force with enough time to concentrate my forces while in the meantime providing a barrier to raids.
In the West I have taken similar measures, concentrating at Lexington and Nashville. Previous to the game I thought about abandoning Kentucky and retiring to defend the line of the Tennessee, but now after the victory at Lexington I think I can defend it at least until the coming winter.
Beyond the Mississippi I see powerful Federal forces assembling at St. Louis, so I have decided to change the direction of my operations hopefully surprising my opponent. I have sent Polk to take Paducah, he will arrive after ten days of march, I have also sent 4 gunships to block the river at Paducah crossing to avoid the arrival of Federal reinforcements. Price is abandoning Jefferson City, too exposed, and retreating to Springfield. I have received the Indian cavalry this turn, so hopefully these forces will be enough to hold the federal advance until the coming winter.
On the strategic side, I have decided to sign the Cotton Embargo, in the hope to raise the conscription levels, very low right now. My National Morale would reach 115 then.
This turn only a couple of cavalry encounters happened, we are both getting more cautious I think.
In the East I have spent the turn reorganizing my forces, I have created a front with 4 Corps, placed at Harpers Ferry, Winchester, Manassas and Fredericksburg, this way I have dangerously spread my forces, but I hope to spot any Union attack coming in force with enough time to concentrate my forces while in the meantime providing a barrier to raids.
In the West I have taken similar measures, concentrating at Lexington and Nashville. Previous to the game I thought about abandoning Kentucky and retiring to defend the line of the Tennessee, but now after the victory at Lexington I think I can defend it at least until the coming winter.
Beyond the Mississippi I see powerful Federal forces assembling at St. Louis, so I have decided to change the direction of my operations hopefully surprising my opponent. I have sent Polk to take Paducah, he will arrive after ten days of march, I have also sent 4 gunships to block the river at Paducah crossing to avoid the arrival of Federal reinforcements. Price is abandoning Jefferson City, too exposed, and retreating to Springfield. I have received the Indian cavalry this turn, so hopefully these forces will be enough to hold the federal advance until the coming winter.
On the strategic side, I have decided to sign the Cotton Embargo, in the hope to raise the conscription levels, very low right now. My National Morale would reach 115 then.
In the east I'd rather have One corp in Harpers Ferry, the Army at Loudon, one Corps at Manass : that way the Army can support the 2 corps at each end (so have two not two big corps and a rather big army). To avoid raid or stop and attacker (or at least slow him down), you put cavalry units in front of Fredericksburg (somethinganok) and on the left of Harpers ferry... It worked so far for me...
Turn 6
I was hoping for a quiet turn in the East, However McDowell moved in force to Manassas. Strangely, there was no battle, apparently both armies remained on the defensive. That movement has changed all my strategy, now I will have to move as many reinforcements as I can from Winchester and Fredericksburg to Manassas, I still want to hold Harpers Ferry. Meanwhile some Federal cavalry managed to pierce my line and enter deep in Virginia, I will have to chase them with my cavalry. . To sum up, my strategy of forming a front in Virginia has been a complete failure.
In the West I took Paducah with no problem, I think this is a very important strategic place. Union forces took Rolla MO, and there was a small skirmish in Kentucky.
Next turn everything will be decided in the East, as I imagine he will attack in full force toward Manassas. Defeat could mean Game Over, as there would be little left between the Federal army and Richmond.
I was hoping for a quiet turn in the East, However McDowell moved in force to Manassas. Strangely, there was no battle, apparently both armies remained on the defensive. That movement has changed all my strategy, now I will have to move as many reinforcements as I can from Winchester and Fredericksburg to Manassas, I still want to hold Harpers Ferry. Meanwhile some Federal cavalry managed to pierce my line and enter deep in Virginia, I will have to chase them with my cavalry. . To sum up, my strategy of forming a front in Virginia has been a complete failure.
In the West I took Paducah with no problem, I think this is a very important strategic place. Union forces took Rolla MO, and there was a small skirmish in Kentucky.
Next turn everything will be decided in the East, as I imagine he will attack in full force toward Manassas. Defeat could mean Game Over, as there would be little left between the Federal army and Richmond.
Turn 7
1st Battle of Manassas!
After a long struggle (almost a minute of time processing) the battle is over, and we are victorious. 10.000 CSA casualties against 24.000 Federals, I think that is a blow severe enough for the Union to keep Richmond safe until next year, with the winter already close.
However I left Winchester ungarrisoned and the Federals have taken it, fortunately it is only cavalry, so I guess I will regain it next turn without having to pull out of Harpers Ferry.
In the West, Price has had some successful fights defending Springfield.
In the Sea War, CSS Virginia has been defeated by a Steam Frigate squadron, it seems it is much weaker in the game than it was in reality.
So, this turn I send an Inf Bde from Beauregard command in Harpers Ferry to retake Winchester, and remain on the defensive everywhere else. There is a sizeable force under Burnside north of Lexington that looks menacing, so I create a Division under Braggs command in Nashville and send it by train to Lexington to reinforce Johnston, hopefully that will be enough to repulse a Federal attack. I only recruit replacements to make for the losses I have had this bloody turn.
1st Battle of Manassas!
After a long struggle (almost a minute of time processing) the battle is over, and we are victorious. 10.000 CSA casualties against 24.000 Federals, I think that is a blow severe enough for the Union to keep Richmond safe until next year, with the winter already close.
However I left Winchester ungarrisoned and the Federals have taken it, fortunately it is only cavalry, so I guess I will regain it next turn without having to pull out of Harpers Ferry.
In the West, Price has had some successful fights defending Springfield.
In the Sea War, CSS Virginia has been defeated by a Steam Frigate squadron, it seems it is much weaker in the game than it was in reality.
So, this turn I send an Inf Bde from Beauregard command in Harpers Ferry to retake Winchester, and remain on the defensive everywhere else. There is a sizeable force under Burnside north of Lexington that looks menacing, so I create a Division under Braggs command in Nashville and send it by train to Lexington to reinforce Johnston, hopefully that will be enough to repulse a Federal attack. I only recruit replacements to make for the losses I have had this bloody turn.
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Turn 8
Battle of Lexington. This has been a massacre, 10.000 Federal losses against barely 400 CSA. Apparently the Federals were able to commit only a fraction of the forces in the area and Johnston, with the reinforcement of Bragg´s Div, easily routed the Federal Force.
I also recaptured Winchester without problems, so in all a pretty good turn.
This is a turn of consolidation, I reorganize some forces, and order the recruitment of an army HQ, I guess it will go to Joe Johnston, thanks to his victory in Lexington he is now the more senior commander without an army. I am short of cash and so far all my inversions have been in armed forces, with the winter coming and the victories already won I guess I will have room for some infrastructure inversion.
Battle of Lexington. This has been a massacre, 10.000 Federal losses against barely 400 CSA. Apparently the Federals were able to commit only a fraction of the forces in the area and Johnston, with the reinforcement of Bragg´s Div, easily routed the Federal Force.
I also recaptured Winchester without problems, so in all a pretty good turn.
This is a turn of consolidation, I reorganize some forces, and order the recruitment of an army HQ, I guess it will go to Joe Johnston, thanks to his victory in Lexington he is now the more senior commander without an army. I am short of cash and so far all my inversions have been in armed forces, with the winter coming and the victories already won I guess I will have room for some infrastructure inversion.
Turn 9
It is early November and winter is setting. Only naval action this time, Magruder, facing Ft Monroe with a brigade, has suffered heavily through naval bombardement, I don´t think John is planning a disembark there, winter is here and the Federals have suffered important casualties in the past battles, but anyway I will have to create a reserve corps at Richmond just in case, meanwhile I send CSS Virginia to those waters to see if Union naval forces can be repulsed.
Very little activity, more reorganization in the East, where I created a division under Kirby Smith. I still have my forces too thinly spread, covering too many places, but I am confident the enemy will be quiet for some time.
In the West it is even more quiet, after the Lexington victory that front looks secured for the coming months. In the far West Union forces are besieging Jefferson City. The force is a collection of small, depleted brigades under the command of Halleck. There is harsh weather there now so I hope he could be forced to leave the siege soon or face destruction through attrition.
I don´t recruit any unit, I will wait until March to do it in order to avoid casualties through epidemics, I will only recruit support units. This turn I have spent improving the rail capacity, it was already under 70.
It is early November and winter is setting. Only naval action this time, Magruder, facing Ft Monroe with a brigade, has suffered heavily through naval bombardement, I don´t think John is planning a disembark there, winter is here and the Federals have suffered important casualties in the past battles, but anyway I will have to create a reserve corps at Richmond just in case, meanwhile I send CSS Virginia to those waters to see if Union naval forces can be repulsed.
Very little activity, more reorganization in the East, where I created a division under Kirby Smith. I still have my forces too thinly spread, covering too many places, but I am confident the enemy will be quiet for some time.
In the West it is even more quiet, after the Lexington victory that front looks secured for the coming months. In the far West Union forces are besieging Jefferson City. The force is a collection of small, depleted brigades under the command of Halleck. There is harsh weather there now so I hope he could be forced to leave the siege soon or face destruction through attrition.
I don´t recruit any unit, I will wait until March to do it in order to avoid casualties through epidemics, I will only recruit support units. This turn I have spent improving the rail capacity, it was already under 70.
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Alan_Bernardo
- Corporal
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Sat Mar 25, 2006 4:54 am
Howdy,
Say, if you use Photobucket you can't append images directly to your AAR, making them appear in your post. It's easy to do and is free.
Look here: http://photobucket.com/
Sign up and you're ready to go. Upload your image, copy-paste, and you're done.
Alan
Say, if you use Photobucket you can't append images directly to your AAR, making them appear in your post. It's easy to do and is free.
Look here: http://photobucket.com/
Sign up and you're ready to go. Upload your image, copy-paste, and you're done.
Alan
Alan_Bernardo wrote:Howdy,
Say, if you use Photobucket you can't append images directly to your AAR, making them appear in your post. It's easy to do and is free.
Look here: http://photobucket.com/
Sign up and you're ready to go. Upload your image, copy-paste, and you're done.
Alan
Thanks for the tip, I will try with my next picture
Turn 10
This turn Magruder was not bombarded, I imagine John has changed his mind after seeing that naval bombardment by itself is not enough to seriously damage infantry. The bad news is that Jefferson City has been assaulted, Halleck has a strategic rate of 1, so it is bad luck he has been activated
In the East I have decided to take Alexandria. Union main army pulled back to Washington after the defeat of Manassas, but I was unwilling to risk anything, and besides Alexandria is not a Depot, it would be difficult to keep a large army watching Washington from there. OTOH it is a good strategic location, defended by river, and improves my whole front, shortening it running along the Potomac river, so in the end, taking advantage of good weather, I move with Jackson whole command to assault it. Huger with the recently created division of Kirby Smith moves from Fredericksburg to Manassas in support.
In Kentucky I launch a cavalry raid aimed to cut off the forces at Bowling Green, they are already low on supplies, so hopefully I could be able to launch an attack sooner than later.
Last turn I recruited two Medics, curiously both were recruited in the West (Little Rock and Nashville) so I will have to move one to the East. This turn I keep spending in support and rail capacity.
This turn Magruder was not bombarded, I imagine John has changed his mind after seeing that naval bombardment by itself is not enough to seriously damage infantry. The bad news is that Jefferson City has been assaulted, Halleck has a strategic rate of 1, so it is bad luck he has been activated
In the East I have decided to take Alexandria. Union main army pulled back to Washington after the defeat of Manassas, but I was unwilling to risk anything, and besides Alexandria is not a Depot, it would be difficult to keep a large army watching Washington from there. OTOH it is a good strategic location, defended by river, and improves my whole front, shortening it running along the Potomac river, so in the end, taking advantage of good weather, I move with Jackson whole command to assault it. Huger with the recently created division of Kirby Smith moves from Fredericksburg to Manassas in support.
In Kentucky I launch a cavalry raid aimed to cut off the forces at Bowling Green, they are already low on supplies, so hopefully I could be able to launch an attack sooner than later.
Last turn I recruited two Medics, curiously both were recruited in the West (Little Rock and Nashville) so I will have to move one to the East. This turn I keep spending in support and rail capacity.
Turn 11
I have taken Alexandria, there was only a garrison there. Other than that the fronts are quiet.
I now can take a look to the huge building up of troops John is doing at Washington, so I decide to send Kirby Smith Division to reinforce Jackson, I hope command difficulties will stop the Federals from taking the offensive until Jackson has dig in.
An epidemic would also be of great help, on that concentration of troops should be devastating, I wonder if the game engine makes it easier to suffer epidemics in those big stacks or it is just random.
I am sending the recently recruited Army HQ to Joe Johnston to create an Army of the Tennessee, meanwhile I have assembled at Clarcksville a force to assault Bowling Green this turn, I sent 3 generals to make sure at least one would be activated for the assault. The forces assembled have been merged in a new Division under Stewart´s command, the whole force under AS Johnston, 330 power points in total. The Federal forces in Bowling Green, although entrenched, muster only 278 power, but low on supply and with a 35% command penalty. The enemy there has received an artillery battery as reinforcement but as the railroads towards Federal territory are either destroyed or under CSA control there is no prospective of any quick new reinforcement, so I am confident in another victory. AS Johnston also carries 2 supply wagons in order to build a depot in Bowling Green and secure the flow of supplies to Lexington, with all these provisions I hope to secure Kentucky for the rest of the winter season.
I am taking a risk, but I am still not recruiting new forces, only support units and railway improvement, I recruit 1 supply wagon to replace the two I will spent building the depot at Bowling Green.
I have taken Alexandria, there was only a garrison there. Other than that the fronts are quiet.
I now can take a look to the huge building up of troops John is doing at Washington, so I decide to send Kirby Smith Division to reinforce Jackson, I hope command difficulties will stop the Federals from taking the offensive until Jackson has dig in.
An epidemic would also be of great help, on that concentration of troops should be devastating, I wonder if the game engine makes it easier to suffer epidemics in those big stacks or it is just random.
I am sending the recently recruited Army HQ to Joe Johnston to create an Army of the Tennessee, meanwhile I have assembled at Clarcksville a force to assault Bowling Green this turn, I sent 3 generals to make sure at least one would be activated for the assault. The forces assembled have been merged in a new Division under Stewart´s command, the whole force under AS Johnston, 330 power points in total. The Federal forces in Bowling Green, although entrenched, muster only 278 power, but low on supply and with a 35% command penalty. The enemy there has received an artillery battery as reinforcement but as the railroads towards Federal territory are either destroyed or under CSA control there is no prospective of any quick new reinforcement, so I am confident in another victory. AS Johnston also carries 2 supply wagons in order to build a depot in Bowling Green and secure the flow of supplies to Lexington, with all these provisions I hope to secure Kentucky for the rest of the winter season.
I am taking a risk, but I am still not recruiting new forces, only support units and railway improvement, I recruit 1 supply wagon to replace the two I will spent building the depot at Bowling Green.
Turn 12
In the East another quiet turn, Federal forces remain in winter quarters, in the West however my attack on Bowling Green has been a failure, not many losses, but John has opened the supply line and he is probably sending more reinforcements.
I take drastic measures, Bowling Green has to be secured before it can be reinforced, this turn I spent resting Stewart Division, while assembling reinforcements. Hopefully the new force will be ready before he has reinforced the position too much.
I have made a call for volunteers without any bounty and issued war bonds with 0% inflation, still moderate measures, but the build up for the 1862 campaign is starting. I buy replacements and improve rail and river transport.
In the East another quiet turn, Federal forces remain in winter quarters, in the West however my attack on Bowling Green has been a failure, not many losses, but John has opened the supply line and he is probably sending more reinforcements.
I take drastic measures, Bowling Green has to be secured before it can be reinforced, this turn I spent resting Stewart Division, while assembling reinforcements. Hopefully the new force will be ready before he has reinforced the position too much.
I have made a call for volunteers without any bounty and issued war bonds with 0% inflation, still moderate measures, but the build up for the 1862 campaign is starting. I buy replacements and improve rail and river transport.
Turn 13
General situation in Kentucky
I have to postpone the attack on Bowling Green, as a Federal Corps under U.S. Grant (A) has moved towards Lexington. Thanks to the region high loyalty I have accurate intelligence about the Corps composition, it is 720 strong, and one medical company, two supply wagons and a Hvy Arty company are included, so I can only think that such a force is posed for a direct assault on Lexington. I have created the Army of Tennesse under Joe Johnston, and AS Johnston Corps. This Corps (B) was intended for the assault on Bowling Green, but now I have to move it quickly by train to reinforce the defences of Lexington. The Corps is 1.300+ strong, so it should be enough to defeat Grant, my only concern is that the attack rate of Grant is 6 and the defence rate of AS Johnston is just 1. I have considered to divide the Corps and detach a force to the assault of Bowling Green, where the Federal garrison is dwindling, probably due to low supply, but as I have been able to further interdict the supply line linking Bowling Green to Louisville with a militia unit (C), I think it is better for the moment to keep my forces together and deal with my objectives one by one. Hopefully Grant´s Corps will smash itself against Lexington and then I will be able to deal at leisure with Bowling Green.
In the East everything is quiet, but I can see Federal forces building up in Washington for the Spring offensive.
General situation in Kentucky
I have to postpone the attack on Bowling Green, as a Federal Corps under U.S. Grant (A) has moved towards Lexington. Thanks to the region high loyalty I have accurate intelligence about the Corps composition, it is 720 strong, and one medical company, two supply wagons and a Hvy Arty company are included, so I can only think that such a force is posed for a direct assault on Lexington. I have created the Army of Tennesse under Joe Johnston, and AS Johnston Corps. This Corps (B) was intended for the assault on Bowling Green, but now I have to move it quickly by train to reinforce the defences of Lexington. The Corps is 1.300+ strong, so it should be enough to defeat Grant, my only concern is that the attack rate of Grant is 6 and the defence rate of AS Johnston is just 1. I have considered to divide the Corps and detach a force to the assault of Bowling Green, where the Federal garrison is dwindling, probably due to low supply, but as I have been able to further interdict the supply line linking Bowling Green to Louisville with a militia unit (C), I think it is better for the moment to keep my forces together and deal with my objectives one by one. Hopefully Grant´s Corps will smash itself against Lexington and then I will be able to deal at leisure with Bowling Green.
In the East everything is quiet, but I can see Federal forces building up in Washington for the Spring offensive.
Turn 14 Late Jan.
Victory!
After that beating, I guess Grant will be falling back to Cincinnati, so I leave a small garrison at Lexington under Bragg, that has been promoted, and move the bulk of the Corps under AS Johnston to Gallatin by train, the point from where I want to launch the attack on Bowling Green. I send also a cavalry party towards to Louisville, where there is the Army of Ohio, to try to assert his composition and to blow the railway in order to avoid a sudden attack on Lexington coming from that direction.
Union morale has plummeted from 88 to 80 this turn.
Victory!
After that beating, I guess Grant will be falling back to Cincinnati, so I leave a small garrison at Lexington under Bragg, that has been promoted, and move the bulk of the Corps under AS Johnston to Gallatin by train, the point from where I want to launch the attack on Bowling Green. I send also a cavalry party towards to Louisville, where there is the Army of Ohio, to try to assert his composition and to blow the railway in order to avoid a sudden attack on Lexington coming from that direction.
Union morale has plummeted from 88 to 80 this turn.
Turn 15 Early Feb
No action this turn.
I see that the garrison of Bowling Green has received supply and reinforcements by a river fleet, so I think advisable to once more postpone my attack on the city.
One undesired aspect of Johnston´s victory is that now he has more seniority than Lee, so I will have to make some readjustments to allow Lee to take command of an army without penalties, this turn is one of general reorganization.
No action this turn.
I see that the garrison of Bowling Green has received supply and reinforcements by a river fleet, so I think advisable to once more postpone my attack on the city.
One undesired aspect of Johnston´s victory is that now he has more seniority than Lee, so I will have to make some readjustments to allow Lee to take command of an army without penalties, this turn is one of general reorganization.
The Union Perspective
Hello,
This is John, Union and the rebs have had a good time so far.
Here is the Union AAR, but well 'A' the AAR.
Turn1-3:
East:
Usual moves with organization. Hunter going for Harper's Ferry with 2 Divs.
[ATTACH]524[/ATTACH]
I figure..ok, use that as a diversion and move quickly with McD with 3 Divs. toward Manassas maybe cut some lines and catch a partying reb...but no, get smoked at Manassas.
[ATTACH]523[/ATTACH]
Inaki has my respect already. Using the raillines to keep moving troops not allowing me to size up a target accurately. Knowing where I will strike.
Only good thing is I catch a break and Fremont gets the siege going at Rolla and Hunter smokes a cav rgt. raiding into Maryland.
[ATTACH]525[/ATTACH]
Admin:
Lotsa new troops in West and East.
Adding replacements
Am considering JeffCity and Springfiled in Mo. after Rolla.
Standard Draft
Partial Mob.
No Money printing yet.
Ask-away or advise-away if you have a question or suggestion, as I am very much still learning.
Have not played rebs or even know what they deploy except for the experience form my 1st just successfuly-completed campaign also played as USA.
This is John, Union and the rebs have had a good time so far.
Here is the Union AAR, but well 'A' the AAR.
Turn1-3:
East:
Usual moves with organization. Hunter going for Harper's Ferry with 2 Divs.
[ATTACH]524[/ATTACH]
I figure..ok, use that as a diversion and move quickly with McD with 3 Divs. toward Manassas maybe cut some lines and catch a partying reb...but no, get smoked at Manassas.
[ATTACH]523[/ATTACH]
Inaki has my respect already. Using the raillines to keep moving troops not allowing me to size up a target accurately. Knowing where I will strike.
Only good thing is I catch a break and Fremont gets the siege going at Rolla and Hunter smokes a cav rgt. raiding into Maryland.
[ATTACH]525[/ATTACH]
Admin:
Lotsa new troops in West and East.
Adding replacements
Am considering JeffCity and Springfiled in Mo. after Rolla.
Standard Draft
Partial Mob.
No Money printing yet.
Ask-away or advise-away if you have a question or suggestion, as I am very much still learning.
Have not played rebs or even know what they deploy except for the experience form my 1st just successfuly-completed campaign also played as USA.
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Turn 16 Late February
No relevant action this turn
I have taken a very important strategic decision. I have decided to pull back from Lexington and to establish my defense line for the coming 1862 campaign behind the Cumberland river. After much pondering I have concluded that my position at Lexington is too exposed for the coming good season, when Union forces could be massed at Louisville or Cincinnati and advance fast with the good weather for a sudden attack. Besides, to protect Lexington I am forced to keep divided my already small forces. I left only a militia garrison at Lexington and destroyed the depot
No relevant action this turn
I have taken a very important strategic decision. I have decided to pull back from Lexington and to establish my defense line for the coming 1862 campaign behind the Cumberland river. After much pondering I have concluded that my position at Lexington is too exposed for the coming good season, when Union forces could be massed at Louisville or Cincinnati and advance fast with the good weather for a sudden attack. Besides, to protect Lexington I am forced to keep divided my already small forces. I left only a militia garrison at Lexington and destroyed the depot
Turn 17 Early March
Only minor naval action this turn
Spring is here, and so is the campaign season. McDowell has entered Virginia with a force of 4 strong divisions (A). I have been absorbed by the Kentucky campaign so my defenses in Virginia have been a bit neglected. My position is awkward, I think McDowell is not targeting Jackson (1), heavily entrenched and with a sizeable force, I can´t imagine he will go for a frontal assault after previous Union blunders, so I can only imagine he is targeting Huger Corps (2) in order to cut off Jackson at Alexandria, but he can also be targeting Holmes (3) at Harpers Ferry.
Both forces are weak, and certainly unable to stand an assault. So, after some pondering, I retreat Jackson to Manassas, if I guess it right, McDowell will smash himself against a force equal to his one. I also pull back Holmes from Harpers Ferry, destroying the depot and railways, I leave only small garrisons in each place.
In Kentucky I am redeploying my forces to the new defense line. In general I seek to gain some depth in my defense through giving some ground.
Only minor naval action this turn
Spring is here, and so is the campaign season. McDowell has entered Virginia with a force of 4 strong divisions (A). I have been absorbed by the Kentucky campaign so my defenses in Virginia have been a bit neglected. My position is awkward, I think McDowell is not targeting Jackson (1), heavily entrenched and with a sizeable force, I can´t imagine he will go for a frontal assault after previous Union blunders, so I can only imagine he is targeting Huger Corps (2) in order to cut off Jackson at Alexandria, but he can also be targeting Holmes (3) at Harpers Ferry.
Both forces are weak, and certainly unable to stand an assault. So, after some pondering, I retreat Jackson to Manassas, if I guess it right, McDowell will smash himself against a force equal to his one. I also pull back Holmes from Harpers Ferry, destroying the depot and railways, I leave only small garrisons in each place.
In Kentucky I am redeploying my forces to the new defense line. In general I seek to gain some depth in my defense through giving some ground.
Turn 18 Late March
Well, my assumptions were wrong, McDowell (A) moved toward Winchester, while a second force, Hunter Corps (B), is following behind. Holmes retreated back to Harpers Ferry avoiding battle. McDowell is besieging Winchester, so his force will be suffering in the winter conditions. I don´t have a clear idea of what the strategy objective of the Union is with this offensive, unless it is limited to take Winchester and Harpers Ferry. With the Federal forces making this flanking movement it is tempting to take Jackson (1) in a direct advance over Washington, however I will wait and see for further developments, if the Union keeps moving away from Washington and no other large Federal forces are spotted in the area I will probably make my move.
Well, my assumptions were wrong, McDowell (A) moved toward Winchester, while a second force, Hunter Corps (B), is following behind. Holmes retreated back to Harpers Ferry avoiding battle. McDowell is besieging Winchester, so his force will be suffering in the winter conditions. I don´t have a clear idea of what the strategy objective of the Union is with this offensive, unless it is limited to take Winchester and Harpers Ferry. With the Federal forces making this flanking movement it is tempting to take Jackson (1) in a direct advance over Washington, however I will wait and see for further developments, if the Union keeps moving away from Washington and no other large Federal forces are spotted in the area I will probably make my move.
As I won my first bet, can I try again? 
Once Winchester and Harper's ferry secured, I bet on a move along the Shenandoah where you should have a few troops. Doing so, the Union will be closer to Richmond and will oblige you to spread your forces on a huge area.
If it happens, your move to DC is very risky as your main corps will go on the opposite direction.
Can your troops located in Harper's ferry go to Winchester now to escape the trap? (I mean with good chances of success...)
Once Winchester and Harper's ferry secured, I bet on a move along the Shenandoah where you should have a few troops. Doing so, the Union will be closer to Richmond and will oblige you to spread your forces on a huge area.
If it happens, your move to DC is very risky as your main corps will go on the opposite direction.
Can your troops located in Harper's ferry go to Winchester now to escape the trap? (I mean with good chances of success...)
sval06 wrote:As I won my first bet, can I try again?
Once Winchester and Harper's ferry secured, I bet on a move along the Shenandoah where you should have a few troops. Doing so, the Union will be closer to Richmond and will oblige you to spread your forces on a huge area.
However, doing that the Union forces will be spread on a wide arc around my central position, with interior lines, I don´t think that is a wise strategy.
Holmes can´t retreat back to Winchester, as it is under control of McDowell with a much superior force.
The Union Perspective:Turn 4-7
Turn 4:
Late Aug.
Missouri-
Rolla is breached, its only a level 1 city, but a depot!!
I decide to wait as I dont trust fighting at -35% since Fremont <2-0-1> has turtled.
Onward to Springfield. Missouri is where we will advance if possible. But not today.
East:
Hunter only will get back to Alexandria late this turn, I decide to put my builds with McD and rail him to Alexandria. I have my cav destroy rail in Clarke and Stafford.
Will our railcutting enable us to isolate Manassas?
Kentucky:
Got toasted at Lexington. 3militia didnt get close as JJohnston gets there and smokes my boys. Lost 1677 vs. 95. Lost a NM point also. No advance is no longer possible, better hunker down. McL heading for Louisville quick. Need guns for defence of Louisville in case Rebs get aggressive. 4 of my recent Ky builds have gone to BowlingGreene so I have some strength now there.
Admin:
All going towards replacements except for 1 ME brigade called up.
Turn 5:
East:
Banks and McD(both in DC) are now ordered to Manassas with about 4 Divs plus some support art. Stonewall is there with 5 brigades and some support units well dug in. The rail cutting has gone as expected, Clarke is cut, Stafford will be early this turn and I now order Culpepper to be cut. This should isolate Manassas from supply but it being a depot the real benefit will be the lack of speedy reinforcements. Lets see what happens.
West:
Fremont is active and now orders the assault of Rollo. I decide to send about 5 brigades down river to JeffCity in hopes of trapping Price's still sitting Jeff City. I have cav all around his position keeping an eye on him and watching for reinforcements.
Admin:
Order 2 Armoured Frigates built in MidAtlantic
More replacements
More railroad/riverine transport cap.
Turn 6:
Late Sept:
West:
Rollo has fallen; I lost Fremont to an event. No casualties on my part as the rebs lose 800 conscripts/militia and 400 are captured. I see 1 hit at range and the militia destroyed and 1 hit in assault and the conscript infantry destroyed. Dont see how any assault would not have at least a few Union casualties.
Price has flown the coup at JeffCity and is likely force marching back to Sprinfield. My forces which are converging there but all in lessor grouping of 1-2 regs. each will attempt to cut him off.
Kentucky:
Polk has assulted Paducah and taken out the militia there. Not much I could do. I lose a cav regiment patrolling between Bowling Greene and Posey. The rebs have 2 cav reg. and 1 horse-battery doing search and destroy. Hmmm, Is an assault on BG next?
East:
McD and Banks have arrived in Manassas with defensive posture and the territory remaining 100% in reb control...Dont understand how a battle was not initiated as units are forced to offensive posture(as big penalties if not active, am not sure if the penalties are less if the leader was active but merely in defensive posture entering the region) . [ATTACH]623[/ATTACH]
Hunter is in Alexandria and is also ordered to Manassas. Stafford and Culpepper rail will be cut shortly and Clarke needs to be cut again. A small cav encounter there has cost the rebs a cav reg. even though its scored a reb victory I am not in Clarke anylonger and that railroad is repaired. I order 2 more cav reg. to Clarke to keep the rail lines cut. It is likely too late now. The reinforcements from HF and Winchester can get to Manassas now.
Admin:
2 new DivHQ, medic and supply unit for the East
More replacements
Turn 7:
Early Oct:
West:
Price makes it back to Springfield and a Union force of a reg of infantry and 1 reg of militia attempt in their attempt to take Springfield before he shows up gets pasted. Both regs. are eliminated.
East:
Lost cav battles in Culpepper and Clarke and ended up in Winchester ungarrisoned. I will stay there with my 2 cav reg. until I get asked to leave. I also lose a lessor battle in Stafford trying to keep my control there and keep the reb units trying to do repair duty away.
In manassas the battle finally happens. Hunter arrives in turn 11 in defensive posture and triggers the battle, obviously at a big disadvantage for the Union and I get hammered for 24.6K in losses vs. 10.6K for the rebs. I had small advantage in numbers but would have had a bigger advantage if the battle had occured then. Stonewall was reinforced from Winchester and was able to make the most of their battle advantages including Stonewall, and the defensive entrenchment and luck rolls. But I believe the penalty for the forced attack because Hunter entered a region unactivated was the main fault here.
Why not last turn? [ATTACH]624[/ATTACH]
The horror...the horror.
Admin:
2 Ky Brigades
Lots of replacements (didnt lose too many elements at Manassas)
Rail and Riverine Transport
Time for Winter to come....All troops are given orders to regroup back at our main city hubs. Our fall offensives were busts, except for Rollo which Aryaman never tried to defend.
Late Aug.
Missouri-
Rolla is breached, its only a level 1 city, but a depot!!
I decide to wait as I dont trust fighting at -35% since Fremont <2-0-1> has turtled.
Onward to Springfield. Missouri is where we will advance if possible. But not today.
East:
Hunter only will get back to Alexandria late this turn, I decide to put my builds with McD and rail him to Alexandria. I have my cav destroy rail in Clarke and Stafford.
Will our railcutting enable us to isolate Manassas?
Kentucky:
Got toasted at Lexington. 3militia didnt get close as JJohnston gets there and smokes my boys. Lost 1677 vs. 95. Lost a NM point also. No advance is no longer possible, better hunker down. McL heading for Louisville quick. Need guns for defence of Louisville in case Rebs get aggressive. 4 of my recent Ky builds have gone to BowlingGreene so I have some strength now there.
Admin:
All going towards replacements except for 1 ME brigade called up.
Turn 5:
East:
Banks and McD(both in DC) are now ordered to Manassas with about 4 Divs plus some support art. Stonewall is there with 5 brigades and some support units well dug in. The rail cutting has gone as expected, Clarke is cut, Stafford will be early this turn and I now order Culpepper to be cut. This should isolate Manassas from supply but it being a depot the real benefit will be the lack of speedy reinforcements. Lets see what happens.
West:
Fremont is active and now orders the assault of Rollo. I decide to send about 5 brigades down river to JeffCity in hopes of trapping Price's still sitting Jeff City. I have cav all around his position keeping an eye on him and watching for reinforcements.
Admin:
Order 2 Armoured Frigates built in MidAtlantic
More replacements
More railroad/riverine transport cap.
Turn 6:
Late Sept:
West:
Rollo has fallen; I lost Fremont to an event. No casualties on my part as the rebs lose 800 conscripts/militia and 400 are captured. I see 1 hit at range and the militia destroyed and 1 hit in assault and the conscript infantry destroyed. Dont see how any assault would not have at least a few Union casualties.
Price has flown the coup at JeffCity and is likely force marching back to Sprinfield. My forces which are converging there but all in lessor grouping of 1-2 regs. each will attempt to cut him off.
Kentucky:
Polk has assulted Paducah and taken out the militia there. Not much I could do. I lose a cav regiment patrolling between Bowling Greene and Posey. The rebs have 2 cav reg. and 1 horse-battery doing search and destroy. Hmmm, Is an assault on BG next?
East:
McD and Banks have arrived in Manassas with defensive posture and the territory remaining 100% in reb control...Dont understand how a battle was not initiated as units are forced to offensive posture(as big penalties if not active, am not sure if the penalties are less if the leader was active but merely in defensive posture entering the region) . [ATTACH]623[/ATTACH]
Hunter is in Alexandria and is also ordered to Manassas. Stafford and Culpepper rail will be cut shortly and Clarke needs to be cut again. A small cav encounter there has cost the rebs a cav reg. even though its scored a reb victory I am not in Clarke anylonger and that railroad is repaired. I order 2 more cav reg. to Clarke to keep the rail lines cut. It is likely too late now. The reinforcements from HF and Winchester can get to Manassas now.
Admin:
2 new DivHQ, medic and supply unit for the East
More replacements
Turn 7:
Early Oct:
West:
Price makes it back to Springfield and a Union force of a reg of infantry and 1 reg of militia attempt in their attempt to take Springfield before he shows up gets pasted. Both regs. are eliminated.
East:
Lost cav battles in Culpepper and Clarke and ended up in Winchester ungarrisoned. I will stay there with my 2 cav reg. until I get asked to leave. I also lose a lessor battle in Stafford trying to keep my control there and keep the reb units trying to do repair duty away.
In manassas the battle finally happens. Hunter arrives in turn 11 in defensive posture and triggers the battle, obviously at a big disadvantage for the Union and I get hammered for 24.6K in losses vs. 10.6K for the rebs. I had small advantage in numbers but would have had a bigger advantage if the battle had occured then. Stonewall was reinforced from Winchester and was able to make the most of their battle advantages including Stonewall, and the defensive entrenchment and luck rolls. But I believe the penalty for the forced attack because Hunter entered a region unactivated was the main fault here.
Why not last turn? [ATTACH]624[/ATTACH]
The horror...the horror.
Admin:
2 Ky Brigades
Lots of replacements (didnt lose too many elements at Manassas)
Rail and Riverine Transport
Time for Winter to come....All troops are given orders to regroup back at our main city hubs. Our fall offensives were busts, except for Rollo which Aryaman never tried to defend.
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