First Few Months
Late May/Early June
About a month ago the Union was posed to take all of Missouri, led by Lyons. I attempted to raise several militia in the state to slow him down, and begin raising some light infantry Arkansas troops and a Sharpshooter to repel Arkansas invasion. But for some reason they weren’t raised in late May, so I had to “reraise” them in early June.
The Union had taken Harper’s Ferry back, as expected. I responded on the same turn by moving McColloch into position to cut the rail line north of the Potomac heading into Harper’s Ferry. The following turn he cut the rail and left to support Winchester and to regather ammunition and supplies.
Replacements were purchased to replenish the Potomac and Shenandoah ranks.
Manassas is still mine at the moment… Guarded by a brigade under Winder. Margruder and one of the Smith’s also have brigades protecting Winchester.
The Union has 110 attack strength built at Harpers Ferry.
Back out west… I have sent two cavalry units to begin cutting all rail in Kentucky. I don’t believe I have the strength to hold the state from a determined Union army at present. By cutting the rail, I hope to by myself at least a month’s time to build up my strength. Tennessee militia have been stationed south of Ft. Donalson and in the two Tennessee cities just north of Nashville. They likely won’t withstand a serious strengthed attack, but there presence is to prevent Union militia and Cavalry from grabbing a quick freebee land grab.
The only downside of the militia I called for Missouri to be raised, why it wasn’t raised I have no idea, though the fact I have little cash might have something to do with it, is that the enemy continues to leave Cairo unguarded. How I would love to get a Mizzou unit just south of Cairo, IL to quickly send over the river and then destroy the depot.
The Union seems to have become conservative in the west after an overly aggressive start. Perhaps they are worried about deep Cavalry raids. If that is the case, I hope that he is slow to catch on that I’m not one to deep Cavalry raid. Deep cavalry, suicide raids I feel are pointless. It means you are overextending. If one is that far behind the lines, I feel supplies will trickle in from other routes. And then there is always supply carts, which the Union has an overabundance of at the beginning. I prefer to have quick hitting to medium distanced raids to support my ground operations in defense and attack.
Out in Pennsylvania… several irregulars and militia have moved south into the Appalachian Mountains. I hope my built up strength at Winchester gives the impression that I will attack Harpers Ferry. My hope is to have an opportunity to cut down the Pennsylvania troops and take those three supply carts they have with them. Then having Harpers Ferry or not will be insignificant, for I could feed, when in need, off the supply wagons.
My plan is to give Jackson a corps comprised of the Shenandoah force, and move Johnson to meet the Potomac at Manassas and give him a corps there. Hopefully this might also confuse the Union player as to where and what troops are where.
I’m waiting for the Union Fury, for it appears they have maxed out on raising money and troops a few months ago. This prompted me to raise volunteers and money in late May. I will abort my original plans of an early December money, volunteer, and mobilization raise. In late June I will raise money and mobilize. I need to get the west strengthed. I feel there is an assault/thrust coming in the west and an amphibous invasion along the south eastern or southern lands. Plus I have no money as it is, so if I’m going to raise money, I might as well raise troops as will. I might make a non money call for volunteers as well, and use those volunteers to fill out all the states militia units.
End of June Early July
Jackson took out several hundred men while losing an equivalent amount in Pennsylvania. He failed to grab those supply carts that I wanted. He did manage to send those yanks packing at least. McGruder moved in to the adjacent land to the east. I’ll at least be able to cut the rail. McColloch will be sent on an end around to recut the rail on Harper’s Ferry eastern side.
Jackson is moving to Winchester with Bartow’s Brigade and a reserve Brigade under G. Smith already protecting. I maybe be able to restle Harpers Ferry from the Union in late July.
Corps Commanders:
Johnston
Jackson
Holmes
I find Holmes in the early going (or so I hope) as a corps commander, utilizing the march to the guns, more beneficial than as a division commander. He only ever commands 1 to 2 brigades though, for units under his command suffer a nasty cohesion penalty. This way I can also keep some units under PGT in reserve, and have him join battles, for I believe armies can’t initialize battles.
Out west, Kentucky is kind of dull at the moment. I should have my units organized in divisions soon, and ready for the corps of the Army of Tennessee ready. Now it’s only a matter of getting an army unit out there.
The Union is putting the pressure on in Missouri and Arkansas. They don’t have Springfield yet, but he has a nice stack under Keyes of all people of about 200 plus strength, and a bunch of militia floating around.
Price has been ordered to destroy the depot in the town he was in, just south of Springfield, and regroup farther down the river. I’m leaving a single militia unit behind as a delay. I already have 100 points of Arkansas troops ready and about another 150 or so being built (Infantry, Cavalry, artillery and Sharpshooters). I should be able to prevent the Union from steam rolling me in Arkansas. I also have units building in Mississippi that can assist Price, should the Union try to flank him. The added artillery to the Mississippi units will help if the Union tries to make a mad dash down the river too. And then there is the Tennessee units, about 350 attack points, being built. They have cannons and Cavalry to form a nice balanced unit.
My plan for the west is to get Price into a division by early August and form the Arkansas units under his command. Complete the destruction of the RR in Kentucky in late July. Destroy the Lexington depot in Late July, going into early August. If I can’t have Lexington, I won’t let the Union have that nice little depot. The Lexington plans may get shot to pieces though. It appears that the union is ready for a strike if it wants.
One might wonder why I’m tearing up the RR in Kentucky, but they should remember my objectives for the west are to build up a 1600 strengthed army and protect Corinth and Memphis. Kentucky at this stage in the game is useless to me, and intact, allows the Union to strike deep into the South quickly.
The union seems to be putting its emphasis on Missouri and Arkansas. I fully expect Lyons and Keyes to threaten Memphis and Vicksburg from the West. While McClellan and for certainly Grant and Sherman to make a thrust from Kentucky or around Cairo. If Price can be successful with his Arkansas bunch, I think the Unions pronged assault will be in trouble.
I also fully expect the Union to try moving a force between Tennessee and West Virginia, behind Grants thrust. Unfortunately, I do not have forces of strength built in the middle south (Georgia, West South Carolina) at present. I have some irregulars in North Carolina being built, while I had intended for all of them to stay east, I will have to build some more cavalry and shift the cavalry and a couple SS to concentrate on West Virginia in conjunction with Jackson.
Meanwhile, I will be building up a decent sized independent division to protect eastern Tennessee and North Georgia.
Holmes will likely be redeployed somewhere farther south to protect against a Union sea invasion against the Carolinas.
Overall though, I can’t complain thus far.
About a month ago the Union was posed to take all of Missouri, led by Lyons. I attempted to raise several militia in the state to slow him down, and begin raising some light infantry Arkansas troops and a Sharpshooter to repel Arkansas invasion. But for some reason they weren’t raised in late May, so I had to “reraise” them in early June.
The Union had taken Harper’s Ferry back, as expected. I responded on the same turn by moving McColloch into position to cut the rail line north of the Potomac heading into Harper’s Ferry. The following turn he cut the rail and left to support Winchester and to regather ammunition and supplies.
Replacements were purchased to replenish the Potomac and Shenandoah ranks.
Manassas is still mine at the moment… Guarded by a brigade under Winder. Margruder and one of the Smith’s also have brigades protecting Winchester.
The Union has 110 attack strength built at Harpers Ferry.
Back out west… I have sent two cavalry units to begin cutting all rail in Kentucky. I don’t believe I have the strength to hold the state from a determined Union army at present. By cutting the rail, I hope to by myself at least a month’s time to build up my strength. Tennessee militia have been stationed south of Ft. Donalson and in the two Tennessee cities just north of Nashville. They likely won’t withstand a serious strengthed attack, but there presence is to prevent Union militia and Cavalry from grabbing a quick freebee land grab.
The only downside of the militia I called for Missouri to be raised, why it wasn’t raised I have no idea, though the fact I have little cash might have something to do with it, is that the enemy continues to leave Cairo unguarded. How I would love to get a Mizzou unit just south of Cairo, IL to quickly send over the river and then destroy the depot.
The Union seems to have become conservative in the west after an overly aggressive start. Perhaps they are worried about deep Cavalry raids. If that is the case, I hope that he is slow to catch on that I’m not one to deep Cavalry raid. Deep cavalry, suicide raids I feel are pointless. It means you are overextending. If one is that far behind the lines, I feel supplies will trickle in from other routes. And then there is always supply carts, which the Union has an overabundance of at the beginning. I prefer to have quick hitting to medium distanced raids to support my ground operations in defense and attack.
Out in Pennsylvania… several irregulars and militia have moved south into the Appalachian Mountains. I hope my built up strength at Winchester gives the impression that I will attack Harpers Ferry. My hope is to have an opportunity to cut down the Pennsylvania troops and take those three supply carts they have with them. Then having Harpers Ferry or not will be insignificant, for I could feed, when in need, off the supply wagons.
My plan is to give Jackson a corps comprised of the Shenandoah force, and move Johnson to meet the Potomac at Manassas and give him a corps there. Hopefully this might also confuse the Union player as to where and what troops are where.
I’m waiting for the Union Fury, for it appears they have maxed out on raising money and troops a few months ago. This prompted me to raise volunteers and money in late May. I will abort my original plans of an early December money, volunteer, and mobilization raise. In late June I will raise money and mobilize. I need to get the west strengthed. I feel there is an assault/thrust coming in the west and an amphibous invasion along the south eastern or southern lands. Plus I have no money as it is, so if I’m going to raise money, I might as well raise troops as will. I might make a non money call for volunteers as well, and use those volunteers to fill out all the states militia units.
End of June Early July
Jackson took out several hundred men while losing an equivalent amount in Pennsylvania. He failed to grab those supply carts that I wanted. He did manage to send those yanks packing at least. McGruder moved in to the adjacent land to the east. I’ll at least be able to cut the rail. McColloch will be sent on an end around to recut the rail on Harper’s Ferry eastern side.
Jackson is moving to Winchester with Bartow’s Brigade and a reserve Brigade under G. Smith already protecting. I maybe be able to restle Harpers Ferry from the Union in late July.
Corps Commanders:
Johnston
Jackson
Holmes
I find Holmes in the early going (or so I hope) as a corps commander, utilizing the march to the guns, more beneficial than as a division commander. He only ever commands 1 to 2 brigades though, for units under his command suffer a nasty cohesion penalty. This way I can also keep some units under PGT in reserve, and have him join battles, for I believe armies can’t initialize battles.
Out west, Kentucky is kind of dull at the moment. I should have my units organized in divisions soon, and ready for the corps of the Army of Tennessee ready. Now it’s only a matter of getting an army unit out there.
The Union is putting the pressure on in Missouri and Arkansas. They don’t have Springfield yet, but he has a nice stack under Keyes of all people of about 200 plus strength, and a bunch of militia floating around.
Price has been ordered to destroy the depot in the town he was in, just south of Springfield, and regroup farther down the river. I’m leaving a single militia unit behind as a delay. I already have 100 points of Arkansas troops ready and about another 150 or so being built (Infantry, Cavalry, artillery and Sharpshooters). I should be able to prevent the Union from steam rolling me in Arkansas. I also have units building in Mississippi that can assist Price, should the Union try to flank him. The added artillery to the Mississippi units will help if the Union tries to make a mad dash down the river too. And then there is the Tennessee units, about 350 attack points, being built. They have cannons and Cavalry to form a nice balanced unit.
My plan for the west is to get Price into a division by early August and form the Arkansas units under his command. Complete the destruction of the RR in Kentucky in late July. Destroy the Lexington depot in Late July, going into early August. If I can’t have Lexington, I won’t let the Union have that nice little depot. The Lexington plans may get shot to pieces though. It appears that the union is ready for a strike if it wants.
One might wonder why I’m tearing up the RR in Kentucky, but they should remember my objectives for the west are to build up a 1600 strengthed army and protect Corinth and Memphis. Kentucky at this stage in the game is useless to me, and intact, allows the Union to strike deep into the South quickly.
The union seems to be putting its emphasis on Missouri and Arkansas. I fully expect Lyons and Keyes to threaten Memphis and Vicksburg from the West. While McClellan and for certainly Grant and Sherman to make a thrust from Kentucky or around Cairo. If Price can be successful with his Arkansas bunch, I think the Unions pronged assault will be in trouble.
I also fully expect the Union to try moving a force between Tennessee and West Virginia, behind Grants thrust. Unfortunately, I do not have forces of strength built in the middle south (Georgia, West South Carolina) at present. I have some irregulars in North Carolina being built, while I had intended for all of them to stay east, I will have to build some more cavalry and shift the cavalry and a couple SS to concentrate on West Virginia in conjunction with Jackson.
Meanwhile, I will be building up a decent sized independent division to protect eastern Tennessee and North Georgia.
Holmes will likely be redeployed somewhere farther south to protect against a Union sea invasion against the Carolinas.
Overall though, I can’t complain thus far.
East front to date
Picture of the East front
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Kentucky and Tennessee
Picture of things around Kentucky and Tennessee
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KillCalvalry
- Lieutenant
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:10 pm
You are doing better than I did early (see AAR). Though, Jagger was on the ball and took Manassass early. The Union can do that without being stopped I think, using the Washington Brigade to clear out the Militia, and quickly moving in afterward.
Once you lose Manassass, the Valley is very tough to hold, because Winchester has no Depot, unless you build one. The Valley would work better in this game if there was a city further down.
I agree that moving into KY in force is not wise. First, you can't use Bowling Green anyway without triggering KY to the Union. Second, once he attacks Donelson, you will have no choice but to withdraw anyway, so what's the point?
Once you lose Manassass, the Valley is very tough to hold, because Winchester has no Depot, unless you build one. The Valley would work better in this game if there was a city further down.
I agree that moving into KY in force is not wise. First, you can't use Bowling Green anyway without triggering KY to the Union. Second, once he attacks Donelson, you will have no choice but to withdraw anyway, so what's the point?
“A Season of Blunders”
Mid to Late Summer to Early September
AKA “A Season of Blunders”
The south had everything lined up perfectly to take Harpers Ferry at the middle of the Summer. McColloch had just cut the RR again from Washington to Harpers. But then…
Instead of using a militia force to “garrison the area between Harpers and Alexandria, the oh, so brilliant Grand General, that would be me, decides to use PGT army unit instead.
The plan is/was to have Jackson attack the Harpers force, and prevent the Union from reinforcing with any divisions or corps. Hence the previous RR cut and putting troops between Harpers and Alexandria. I decided to use PGT and the army unit for if he is attacked he either retreats or gets a march to the sound of the guns action.
A word for the unwise, Please remember to UNsynchronize
the army/corp synchronize movement button. I DIDN’T. I forget about that game feature of movement. And to my horror, Johnston moved from Manassas.
So as it turns out, the Union moves a corps into Harpers Ferry, with two 300+ divisions. Jackson moves on Harpers after they arrive and gets repulsed. About 500 casualties to each side. Schurz’s led union cavalry runs into a mob of late arriving southerners in the area between Harpers and Alexandria and gets repulsed. The good of the situation is I picked up two supply carts trudging along defenselessly. The bad, the bad, and the very very bad, is Manassas. Why oh, did I forget about the synchronized move. Now Manassas is next to defenseless.
All might have been well, IF, I had put Johnston and PGT on attack posture the following turn. But as it turns out, after mass redeployment to protect Manassas and then to protect the areas those troops left, I left Johnston and PGT in defense posture. So as the Union took Manassas, my defensively postured Johnston simply turned around once he got to the newly captured Union Manassas. Major error number two.
Major error number 3 … are you ready for this one… after reinforcing Fredericksburg at the start of spring, I somehow managed to get preoccupied and forgot to reinforce further. So within the same 15 days that the South managed to lose Manassas, the south allows a Schulz led cavalry force, the same cavalry that just got smacked around a bit 15 days earlier, crosses the river and thwarts the dug in brigade of light infantry and militia. And duh, when the cavalry, with artillery, a 100+ stack takes on a 50+ stack with NO artillery, what should I think would happen. And I say to myself, how can this happen. Well when I have Holmes running around, and MgGruder doing the same, both of which would normally be “supporting” Fredericksburg with their artillery that I give them or they already have ….
So I’ll get some pictures up of how the South managed to lose both Manassas and Fredericksburg on the same turn. The worse part about Johnston not getting back to Manassas without a fight, is now his Corps has further cohesion lose. The Union also took that Fayette, Arkansas place but that was expected.
So how does one fight now…
If I was the Union player, I would be tempted to march straight unto Richmond just to see what would happen. There is nothing is his way except Richmond. There’s about 200+ strength units of infantry at Richmond, and Lee and Cooper just. I also got a 100+ stack of cavalry. Holmes is moving back to Richmond, and I have about another 100+ of militia and reserve units and sharpshooters that retreated all over creation from Manassas. So if I move everyone to Richmond, which I did, there’s only at most 500+, mostly crap infantry and leaderless for the most part. Well, Cooper and Lee. The Union took Manassas with barely a scratch with 700-800 strength. But then he also has Fredericksburg and it’s depot. It might be suicide to move on Richmond with one Southern Corp behind them, if those troops under that great Union leadership (McDowell 2-2-2 or something) can even move, but tempting I think.
And that leads me to the bright spot on the entire situation…How can one see hope after losing Manassas and Fredericksburg? Myself, I kindly remind myself of my primary and secondary objectives and strategy. I’m protecting Richmond check. I need to hold the Manassas Depot. Right now , not checked. But then I get to the Harpers Ferry part of my strategy. It was only ever an IDEAL to have Harpers Ferry. I wanted my presence known in the Shenandoah. By the Union taking Manassas he managed to leave Johnston to his rear and there is Jackson out in the Shenandoah.
The plan….
I’m thinking, ok hoping, that the Union player sees Jackson as a threat to Harpers Ferry. So in his eyes how is the South going to take Manassas? With Johnston and PGT. With all the Union cavalry running around, he very likely knows Johnston and PGT with their cohesion NOT at full strength, is only slightly better then the Union force at Manassas. And he knows he would be defending (if he decides to defend. If it was me, I either march on Richmond to see what would happen or destroy the Manassas and Fredericksburg depots and fall back, for my ’61 objectives as the union player would be to at least destroy one, if not both of those depots.) Giving his playing style and his strategy tactics to date (in my eyes) I feel it is very likely he will try to keep both Manassas and Fredericksburg, but not a certainty. And if that was what I was to do, maintain Jackson in the Shenandoah, I would be forced to use Johnston. And I would be fairly confident, if I was the union player, that I could withstand Johnston. And if not get sent back to Alexandria. And Johnston and PGT HAVE to at least move.
So….
Jackson packed up the entire Shenandoah forces except a lone militia unit. The Corps stands at 900+ and there are still units not entirely at full strength men wise (slight drool, images of soon to be, but month or so away, of a 1200-1600 strength Jackson force). Jackson will march on Manassas. I can always retake Winchester, and if not, I really never expected to maintain the Shenandoah the entire war anyway. Instead of also sending Johnston on Manassas (there movements would be unsynchronized anyway), Johnston’s Corps and PGT will head to Alexandria. This last part has me extremely nervous. Though Johnston is at 803 and PGT 104. There cohesion is a mess. I’m not sure if cohesion/overall organization affects the battle outcome other than attack strength. I’m guessing in addition to units with major cohesion lose, not only attack and defend with lower values, but are more likely to tuck tale and run. I could see the Johnston force getting caught and completely annihilated too. But giving the current situation, I think it’s well worth the risk. The benefit is they claim the field at Alexandria, handicapping a Union retreat from Manassas. Who knows, I may be able to go up against ill prepared divisions to eliminate. I thought about sending my new 100+cavalry force to maintain the area east of Manassas and North of Fredericksburg. Further hindering retreat. But with my current luck, I would run into a superior Union force, and wouldn’t have Cavalry anymore.
Out West…
Price as formed a division of Arkansas troops. He will be marching to retake Fayette though the depot is destroyed. Though I’m leery, for I can foresee Union troops from the plains and far west sneaking in behind Price. I’m going to take the risk. Lyons and his force disappeared. It doesn’t appear that the Union can make it to little rock, ark so I’m relocating B. Johnson’s division, that just arrived, to take over Zolicothes position around Humboldt, Tennessee. The Zman is heading to the city north of Nashville and just east of Ft. Donalson. There is a Union Division approaching. I would like to attack it , but the Zman isn’t cooperating this turn. He’s inactivated. The Union may be doing me a favor, it has began to siege Lexington, KY. If he only knew I meant to take Bowling Green the next 15 to 30 days. While the Union player has repaired RR along the North Kentucky boarder and moved forward, I slipped behind him , and cut the RR once more. So now he has troops with broken RR’s lines to his rear and me about to engage. Whiting is forming a division and moving on Bowling Green. I hope to create a little buffer for Nashville, which Polk is protecting at present. I’m feeling pretty good in the West. My only main concern is the Union flank maneuver on Memphis from the Arkansas and Missouri area. I’m in flux in where to position B.Johnson, for right now I need him and his forces in two places. Well I could use them in two places…. One to assist Price in Arkansas, which if it where Spring with this current situation, the tides would turn in my favor, but “Winter is coming.” I could also use him, which was why the forces where built, in my Tennessee and Kentucky operations to protect Nashville and Corinth objectives.
The Plans are set. Teeth are bared. Now we wait and see.
To Late September
E-mail to Union player who congratulated me on recapturing Manassas and position myself in the Alexandria area
“Personally, I think that turn was a failure on my part. Jackson didn't engage. My generals are being incompetent. Particularly PGT, who appears to have nothing go right around him. He got demoted in seniority. lol. At this rate I won't have to pay anything to get lee into the army. That is if there still is an army within the next couple of days. And Jackson is really, well, not being Jackson at the moment. I'm sure you can read a map as well as me. I'm in deep sh..... My little, ok actually huge, synchronized army movement mistake has completely changed the game in the east. It definitely has made things more interesting too. I think the east has gone from a year long stare down to what can be described as bunch of squirrelly uncontrollable kids starting to run circles around one another. So I guess to end my midnight spiel, tag, you're it.”
To summarize…
Jackson chased away the Union soldiers who destroyed the depot. Southern General (me) gets more mad than Lincoln ever did. Lose a depot, don’t engage, and now I left Winchester for the Union. PGT and Johnston engage losing 2000+. PGT runs away. Johnston than sticks around and is reinforced by Jackson, who cause 2000 Union casualties.
Out west, Whiting is a completely worthless, having lost two battles to militia. I can’t wait to get some real division commanders over in the West. Things are going pretty well in the west overall, but I feel an endless wave of troops starting to mount.
Perhaps someone wants to give me a loan. I could really use the money. I have a nice stockpile of troops I can’t build though…
AKA “A Season of Blunders”
The south had everything lined up perfectly to take Harpers Ferry at the middle of the Summer. McColloch had just cut the RR again from Washington to Harpers. But then…
Instead of using a militia force to “garrison the area between Harpers and Alexandria, the oh, so brilliant Grand General, that would be me, decides to use PGT army unit instead.
The plan is/was to have Jackson attack the Harpers force, and prevent the Union from reinforcing with any divisions or corps. Hence the previous RR cut and putting troops between Harpers and Alexandria. I decided to use PGT and the army unit for if he is attacked he either retreats or gets a march to the sound of the guns action.
A word for the unwise, Please remember to UNsynchronize
the army/corp synchronize movement button. I DIDN’T. I forget about that game feature of movement. And to my horror, Johnston moved from Manassas.
So as it turns out, the Union moves a corps into Harpers Ferry, with two 300+ divisions. Jackson moves on Harpers after they arrive and gets repulsed. About 500 casualties to each side. Schurz’s led union cavalry runs into a mob of late arriving southerners in the area between Harpers and Alexandria and gets repulsed. The good of the situation is I picked up two supply carts trudging along defenselessly. The bad, the bad, and the very very bad, is Manassas. Why oh, did I forget about the synchronized move. Now Manassas is next to defenseless.
All might have been well, IF, I had put Johnston and PGT on attack posture the following turn. But as it turns out, after mass redeployment to protect Manassas and then to protect the areas those troops left, I left Johnston and PGT in defense posture. So as the Union took Manassas, my defensively postured Johnston simply turned around once he got to the newly captured Union Manassas. Major error number two.
Major error number 3 … are you ready for this one… after reinforcing Fredericksburg at the start of spring, I somehow managed to get preoccupied and forgot to reinforce further. So within the same 15 days that the South managed to lose Manassas, the south allows a Schulz led cavalry force, the same cavalry that just got smacked around a bit 15 days earlier, crosses the river and thwarts the dug in brigade of light infantry and militia. And duh, when the cavalry, with artillery, a 100+ stack takes on a 50+ stack with NO artillery, what should I think would happen. And I say to myself, how can this happen. Well when I have Holmes running around, and MgGruder doing the same, both of which would normally be “supporting” Fredericksburg with their artillery that I give them or they already have ….
So I’ll get some pictures up of how the South managed to lose both Manassas and Fredericksburg on the same turn. The worse part about Johnston not getting back to Manassas without a fight, is now his Corps has further cohesion lose. The Union also took that Fayette, Arkansas place but that was expected.
So how does one fight now…
If I was the Union player, I would be tempted to march straight unto Richmond just to see what would happen. There is nothing is his way except Richmond. There’s about 200+ strength units of infantry at Richmond, and Lee and Cooper just. I also got a 100+ stack of cavalry. Holmes is moving back to Richmond, and I have about another 100+ of militia and reserve units and sharpshooters that retreated all over creation from Manassas. So if I move everyone to Richmond, which I did, there’s only at most 500+, mostly crap infantry and leaderless for the most part. Well, Cooper and Lee. The Union took Manassas with barely a scratch with 700-800 strength. But then he also has Fredericksburg and it’s depot. It might be suicide to move on Richmond with one Southern Corp behind them, if those troops under that great Union leadership (McDowell 2-2-2 or something) can even move, but tempting I think.
And that leads me to the bright spot on the entire situation…How can one see hope after losing Manassas and Fredericksburg? Myself, I kindly remind myself of my primary and secondary objectives and strategy. I’m protecting Richmond check. I need to hold the Manassas Depot. Right now , not checked. But then I get to the Harpers Ferry part of my strategy. It was only ever an IDEAL to have Harpers Ferry. I wanted my presence known in the Shenandoah. By the Union taking Manassas he managed to leave Johnston to his rear and there is Jackson out in the Shenandoah.
The plan….
I’m thinking, ok hoping, that the Union player sees Jackson as a threat to Harpers Ferry. So in his eyes how is the South going to take Manassas? With Johnston and PGT. With all the Union cavalry running around, he very likely knows Johnston and PGT with their cohesion NOT at full strength, is only slightly better then the Union force at Manassas. And he knows he would be defending (if he decides to defend. If it was me, I either march on Richmond to see what would happen or destroy the Manassas and Fredericksburg depots and fall back, for my ’61 objectives as the union player would be to at least destroy one, if not both of those depots.) Giving his playing style and his strategy tactics to date (in my eyes) I feel it is very likely he will try to keep both Manassas and Fredericksburg, but not a certainty. And if that was what I was to do, maintain Jackson in the Shenandoah, I would be forced to use Johnston. And I would be fairly confident, if I was the union player, that I could withstand Johnston. And if not get sent back to Alexandria. And Johnston and PGT HAVE to at least move.
So….
Jackson packed up the entire Shenandoah forces except a lone militia unit. The Corps stands at 900+ and there are still units not entirely at full strength men wise (slight drool, images of soon to be, but month or so away, of a 1200-1600 strength Jackson force). Jackson will march on Manassas. I can always retake Winchester, and if not, I really never expected to maintain the Shenandoah the entire war anyway. Instead of also sending Johnston on Manassas (there movements would be unsynchronized anyway), Johnston’s Corps and PGT will head to Alexandria. This last part has me extremely nervous. Though Johnston is at 803 and PGT 104. There cohesion is a mess. I’m not sure if cohesion/overall organization affects the battle outcome other than attack strength. I’m guessing in addition to units with major cohesion lose, not only attack and defend with lower values, but are more likely to tuck tale and run. I could see the Johnston force getting caught and completely annihilated too. But giving the current situation, I think it’s well worth the risk. The benefit is they claim the field at Alexandria, handicapping a Union retreat from Manassas. Who knows, I may be able to go up against ill prepared divisions to eliminate. I thought about sending my new 100+cavalry force to maintain the area east of Manassas and North of Fredericksburg. Further hindering retreat. But with my current luck, I would run into a superior Union force, and wouldn’t have Cavalry anymore.
Out West…
Price as formed a division of Arkansas troops. He will be marching to retake Fayette though the depot is destroyed. Though I’m leery, for I can foresee Union troops from the plains and far west sneaking in behind Price. I’m going to take the risk. Lyons and his force disappeared. It doesn’t appear that the Union can make it to little rock, ark so I’m relocating B. Johnson’s division, that just arrived, to take over Zolicothes position around Humboldt, Tennessee. The Zman is heading to the city north of Nashville and just east of Ft. Donalson. There is a Union Division approaching. I would like to attack it , but the Zman isn’t cooperating this turn. He’s inactivated. The Union may be doing me a favor, it has began to siege Lexington, KY. If he only knew I meant to take Bowling Green the next 15 to 30 days. While the Union player has repaired RR along the North Kentucky boarder and moved forward, I slipped behind him , and cut the RR once more. So now he has troops with broken RR’s lines to his rear and me about to engage. Whiting is forming a division and moving on Bowling Green. I hope to create a little buffer for Nashville, which Polk is protecting at present. I’m feeling pretty good in the West. My only main concern is the Union flank maneuver on Memphis from the Arkansas and Missouri area. I’m in flux in where to position B.Johnson, for right now I need him and his forces in two places. Well I could use them in two places…. One to assist Price in Arkansas, which if it where Spring with this current situation, the tides would turn in my favor, but “Winter is coming.” I could also use him, which was why the forces where built, in my Tennessee and Kentucky operations to protect Nashville and Corinth objectives.
The Plans are set. Teeth are bared. Now we wait and see.
To Late September
E-mail to Union player who congratulated me on recapturing Manassas and position myself in the Alexandria area
“Personally, I think that turn was a failure on my part. Jackson didn't engage. My generals are being incompetent. Particularly PGT, who appears to have nothing go right around him. He got demoted in seniority. lol. At this rate I won't have to pay anything to get lee into the army. That is if there still is an army within the next couple of days. And Jackson is really, well, not being Jackson at the moment. I'm sure you can read a map as well as me. I'm in deep sh..... My little, ok actually huge, synchronized army movement mistake has completely changed the game in the east. It definitely has made things more interesting too. I think the east has gone from a year long stare down to what can be described as bunch of squirrelly uncontrollable kids starting to run circles around one another. So I guess to end my midnight spiel, tag, you're it.”
To summarize…
Jackson chased away the Union soldiers who destroyed the depot. Southern General (me) gets more mad than Lincoln ever did. Lose a depot, don’t engage, and now I left Winchester for the Union. PGT and Johnston engage losing 2000+. PGT runs away. Johnston than sticks around and is reinforced by Jackson, who cause 2000 Union casualties.
Out west, Whiting is a completely worthless, having lost two battles to militia. I can’t wait to get some real division commanders over in the West. Things are going pretty well in the west overall, but I feel an endless wave of troops starting to mount.
Perhaps someone wants to give me a loan. I could really use the money. I have a nice stockpile of troops I can’t build though…
The Theatres
I kind of broke my own rule a little bit in the west by beginning more offensive posture around Kentucky. The Union player has began the same.
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"Winter is coming"
We gained a fairly good victory over the Union at Manassas. Those persistent yanks attacked again but they were sent back home 11,000 plus shorter from which they marched. I’m rebuilding the Manassas Depot with the two supply carts that the yanks so kindly gave me when I fouled things up to begin worth. Yes I’m still mad about that. Though another 15,000 yanks killed next turn would make me happy. I think I’m plus 17,000 troops in the major battles against the Yanks, which is about 23,000 short of my wishful goal of 40k.
Lyons struck in Arkansas and Price met him man on man and won. I’m so happy. It may be short lived for the Union has two more divisions further north. But I’m happy at the present. I know now that Price can beat a good general like Lyons. My confidence is building in the man.
I’ve moved some gunships to the North of the Arkansas town experience the conflict, I hopeful will be able to blockade the zone, and prevent any troops from crossing over. I’m also transferring, once again, a division to Arkansas Little Rock. This time I’m using the Zman Zollicoffer, who will be traveling all the way from south Kentucky. I should be able to get there before any trouble, even if Lyons tries to make a mad dash, which I hope he does. I want to test what Zollicoffer is really made of . I could have used Bushord Johnson’s division, but I have more confidence in BJ, and I don’t want the Union to gain a good foothold to march on Memphis or Corinth.
“Winter is coming”. And if I can prevent the Union from taking any cities in Arkansas next turn, I should be able to fend off any Union assault in the region until spring. I should also then have some more units for Van Dorn to take command of.
I’m about 300 points away from my Army of Tennessee goal of 1600+. The only downside is that Zollicoffer’s division is part of that make up, so it actually is only about 1000 strong. Polk will be my Corps commander, and AS Johnston will command the Army. I wish I had another 2 star general =(. I will eventually, but I can’t get one out there until February. That is unless the Union wants to be kind and pad some of my Generals stats, say like Hardee… That would be to much to ask for at present.
Once winter is here, or Ft. Donalson falls, Whiting’s division, who is currently with Johnston in Bowling Green, will retreat across the River and will be replaced with a militia unit (Probably turn after next.). If it wasn’t worth a Victory point, I’d probably ditch the city right now. The victory point, and battle experience for my troops is the only reason I attacked.
I WILL have an army of the Tennessee, in November. That is unless some drastic miracle blesses the Union. It’s moving from Richmond as we speak.
I have a decent, but not as much as I would have liked, amount of soldiers who just converted from militia, being trained by Hardee in Corinth. Bragg should also be blessing us with his presence in the area soon.
Hindman will be taking over the Brigade under Polk next turn and turned into a division commander. Artillary is being built for the Corinth mob, and I have more brigades being built to round out Hindman’s soon to be division.
After a failed attempt on the Southwest Territories, I’ve sent Sibly to New Orleans to form a division with the troops stationed there.
Back to the east…
Holmes has been giving a Corps command again. He will remain a corps commander until a better candidate presents himself. He also will maintain vigilance over Fredricksburg.
There is Bonham who always seems to be a blessing, he could be used as a corps commander, but I like him under Johnson. OH ya, LONGSTREET IS HERE =). Once I get Manassas rebuilt, the North I feel will be in for a rude awakening. Johnsons stats are like 6-5-6 at present, he was 4-2-7 at one point up from his 4-2-4. And no, I’m not confusing him with Jackson. Longstreet is like 5-3-6. Together with Bonham and Winder, they’ll be a tough cookie to crack.
I’m still debating on what to do with Lee come summer. That’s still a ways away, but at present I haven’t been building up a big enough 3rd Corps to warrant Lee taking over command of the Potamac. Though on that note, PGT has been sent back to Richmond. But not for that reason. The unit he has with him is completely depleted, well almost, and I need to regroup. Plus I think with PGT out of the way for a bit might brighten my spirits. Though he did command that victory I just received against the Union. Speaking of which, I would have expected the North to be more aggressive and try to surround my forces, and not try to attack them. I have to laugh though, Johnson’s 1000+ force has so much cohesion loss, they’re down to around 200. Until he regroups, where Jackson is, Johnson will be. If winter wasn’t here, I’d likely be in trouble. All those rebs standing together.
Future outlook on ’62. I will likely take a defensive posture out east, and try to get into a position where the Union attacks across a river and suffers major casualties. I will start building up a 3rd corps (Holmes is more of a reserve corps at presence) to protect the flanks of the 1st and 2nd corps.
Over the next couple of turns I will be getting small division together for eastern Tennessee and North Georgia, and one for the North Carolina area. Units for a division have already been gradually building in New Orleans. Though I’ve heard horror stories about bombardment, so it might be a waist of money and men. Oh well, chalk one up for near historical. A will build a brigade maybe two for the Southern Coast. I can’t be everywhere, and at present, a lot of the Union is in Arkansas, so what better of a place to be understrengthed.
I’m going to try and get units I will need in Spring/Summer in place before I raise money and inflation hits. Money has been a problem/hinderance. Once I get more, I will use it to max out militia and cheap cavalry, artillery. Come closer to Spring of ’62, I will hopefully be able to give more attention to the eastern forces. But I’m sure Grant will dictate things otherwise.
To January Quick Planner ($)
Virginia Brigade 70-80k
At least two more MS/TN brigades 64
2 Arkansas brigades 80
at least 1 more LA 60?
1-2 brigades NC/VA –build new militia to replace “upgraded” militia 50-70
1 TN/GA 34
Artillary 60, 2 east, 1 ark, 1 LA
Lyons struck in Arkansas and Price met him man on man and won. I’m so happy. It may be short lived for the Union has two more divisions further north. But I’m happy at the present. I know now that Price can beat a good general like Lyons. My confidence is building in the man.
I’ve moved some gunships to the North of the Arkansas town experience the conflict, I hopeful will be able to blockade the zone, and prevent any troops from crossing over. I’m also transferring, once again, a division to Arkansas Little Rock. This time I’m using the Zman Zollicoffer, who will be traveling all the way from south Kentucky. I should be able to get there before any trouble, even if Lyons tries to make a mad dash, which I hope he does. I want to test what Zollicoffer is really made of . I could have used Bushord Johnson’s division, but I have more confidence in BJ, and I don’t want the Union to gain a good foothold to march on Memphis or Corinth.
“Winter is coming”. And if I can prevent the Union from taking any cities in Arkansas next turn, I should be able to fend off any Union assault in the region until spring. I should also then have some more units for Van Dorn to take command of.
I’m about 300 points away from my Army of Tennessee goal of 1600+. The only downside is that Zollicoffer’s division is part of that make up, so it actually is only about 1000 strong. Polk will be my Corps commander, and AS Johnston will command the Army. I wish I had another 2 star general =(. I will eventually, but I can’t get one out there until February. That is unless the Union wants to be kind and pad some of my Generals stats, say like Hardee… That would be to much to ask for at present.
Once winter is here, or Ft. Donalson falls, Whiting’s division, who is currently with Johnston in Bowling Green, will retreat across the River and will be replaced with a militia unit (Probably turn after next.). If it wasn’t worth a Victory point, I’d probably ditch the city right now. The victory point, and battle experience for my troops is the only reason I attacked.
I WILL have an army of the Tennessee, in November. That is unless some drastic miracle blesses the Union. It’s moving from Richmond as we speak.
I have a decent, but not as much as I would have liked, amount of soldiers who just converted from militia, being trained by Hardee in Corinth. Bragg should also be blessing us with his presence in the area soon.
Hindman will be taking over the Brigade under Polk next turn and turned into a division commander. Artillary is being built for the Corinth mob, and I have more brigades being built to round out Hindman’s soon to be division.
After a failed attempt on the Southwest Territories, I’ve sent Sibly to New Orleans to form a division with the troops stationed there.
Back to the east…
Holmes has been giving a Corps command again. He will remain a corps commander until a better candidate presents himself. He also will maintain vigilance over Fredricksburg.
There is Bonham who always seems to be a blessing, he could be used as a corps commander, but I like him under Johnson. OH ya, LONGSTREET IS HERE =). Once I get Manassas rebuilt, the North I feel will be in for a rude awakening. Johnsons stats are like 6-5-6 at present, he was 4-2-7 at one point up from his 4-2-4. And no, I’m not confusing him with Jackson. Longstreet is like 5-3-6. Together with Bonham and Winder, they’ll be a tough cookie to crack.
I’m still debating on what to do with Lee come summer. That’s still a ways away, but at present I haven’t been building up a big enough 3rd Corps to warrant Lee taking over command of the Potamac. Though on that note, PGT has been sent back to Richmond. But not for that reason. The unit he has with him is completely depleted, well almost, and I need to regroup. Plus I think with PGT out of the way for a bit might brighten my spirits. Though he did command that victory I just received against the Union. Speaking of which, I would have expected the North to be more aggressive and try to surround my forces, and not try to attack them. I have to laugh though, Johnson’s 1000+ force has so much cohesion loss, they’re down to around 200. Until he regroups, where Jackson is, Johnson will be. If winter wasn’t here, I’d likely be in trouble. All those rebs standing together.
Future outlook on ’62. I will likely take a defensive posture out east, and try to get into a position where the Union attacks across a river and suffers major casualties. I will start building up a 3rd corps (Holmes is more of a reserve corps at presence) to protect the flanks of the 1st and 2nd corps.
Over the next couple of turns I will be getting small division together for eastern Tennessee and North Georgia, and one for the North Carolina area. Units for a division have already been gradually building in New Orleans. Though I’ve heard horror stories about bombardment, so it might be a waist of money and men. Oh well, chalk one up for near historical. A will build a brigade maybe two for the Southern Coast. I can’t be everywhere, and at present, a lot of the Union is in Arkansas, so what better of a place to be understrengthed.
I’m going to try and get units I will need in Spring/Summer in place before I raise money and inflation hits. Money has been a problem/hinderance. Once I get more, I will use it to max out militia and cheap cavalry, artillery. Come closer to Spring of ’62, I will hopefully be able to give more attention to the eastern forces. But I’m sure Grant will dictate things otherwise.
To January Quick Planner ($)
Virginia Brigade 70-80k
At least two more MS/TN brigades 64
2 Arkansas brigades 80
at least 1 more LA 60?
1-2 brigades NC/VA –build new militia to replace “upgraded” militia 50-70
1 TN/GA 34
Artillary 60, 2 east, 1 ark, 1 LA
A winters teachings...
I learned a lot this winter and it is just starting…
Heading into late November, I thought things would be pretty calm after it seemed like we were going to run circles around one another out east. Apparently we are going to run around in circles, or the Union is at least. After what I thought was a stabilized front, I awoke to Union divisions surrounding my Manassas force under Johnston.
I thought there was a possibility that he might attack from all sides, and try to eliminate the force. I actually was hoping he would try… it would have been interesting. With the current Union forces position as they were, I wasn’t to concerned with an attack from all sides. Johnston is sitting with Bonham, Longstreet, and Winder under him, each with a good and balanced sized division, I rebuilt the depot (though it is kind of useless) and have supply carts. I also have excellent entrenchments built. My fighting prowess sitting at 1395, the only downsize being it comprises of only like 50 units or so and about 32,000 men.
In case the Union did decide to attack on all sides, I sent Jackson on an end around from the south in Charlotsville to the outskirts of Winchester. I also sent Southern Cavalry west of Manassas to reclaim some territory. The upside is if the Union is assaulting Manassas, if I am victorious he will be weakened in addition to not being able to get back to Winchester, a division or to might also retreat back from which they came, meaning they may be easy prey. Jackson then can assault Winchester the next 15 days then and take Winchester.
There are two down points to this maneuver… but let it be known, I can’t help Johnston anyway due to the winter conditions and slow winter movement and those pesky union divisions in the way.
1. If the union assaults and I lose, Johnston is destroyed. Being unable to bring help, I must either leave Manassas, or hold and fight, or hold and nothing happens. If it was spring, summer, or fall, in the same situation… I would attack Alexandria from Manassas. I think it would be a good fight, and catch the Union unawares, but he leaves me little choice. But it’s winter, and if I would fail, I’m as good as dead probably, but if I would win in winter, I might starve anyhow, in any other season, I wouldn’t have to trade supply for attrition losses.
2. Downpoint #2, no matter the outcome, the union now knows I can move from Charlotsville in force to Winchester in almost a single turn in Winter, let alone spring or summer. I probably won’t be able to do such a maneuver again. Having said that, I think it’s worth it. Let it be known I can move there. Let the Union think I want the valley. Divert those Union troops. Feint, baby, feint. If I must, I can march in the opposite direction, it’s not called retreating =), directly south to whatever that place is down yonder. Sure, I may suffer some attrition loss, but will live to fight another day at the least.
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Out west, the Army of the Ohio under Fremont? and Halleck and Grant under him, is sitting outside Bowling green across the River. I decided to try an experiment and try to repel the union advance with Whiting’s entrenched division. The union ships are somewhere out there but not South of Donalson yet, I will chance being cut off directly from Nashville. I know he is going to attack, I wonder if he knows I know =). AS Johnston will arrive with Hindman and a cavalry unit, can’t send them wondering around by themselves, to see what aid they can provide. Win or lose. I will be withdrawing from Bowling Green the following turn.
To early December….Where all the lessons of winter, is well, learned
First off, nothing drastic happened. Tear…
The Union didn’t assault Manassas. And I was looking forward to one of us getting a beating.
Jackson’s end around has officially become a feint. If it was any season but winter, I attack, but it’s to much of a risk in winter. The Union multiplies like locusts in a biblical plague. More Union divisions. Have caught my attention. He has a sizable force that is in Ft. Monroe to accompany Winchester. Why does it have to be winter. If it was any other season Johnston to Alexandria and Jackson to Winchester to decide this war for all, for I wouldn’t have to trade attrition for supply. That’s lesson one I never learned against the AI. Supply Carts are the bomb. I have several supply carts with my corps, even in winter, it’s like I’m invincible. So get supply carts, they slow you down, but are also a blessing. You don’t have to move with them, though I think it’s ideal in winter. Lesson two, multiple and sizable, independent Union divisions running around are annoying, if not a concern THIS year. The Union has seized a lot of initiative with his growing economy and divisions that sprout like the old women in the shoe has kids. There’s so many, the south doesn’t know what to do…. In future years I may have been in trouble, giving the current state of things. But now I have gleamed useful insight.
In addition to Union tactics, I know, for a fact, that I can’t stay in Manassas giving the relatively same stat of things. A depot in Fredricksburg and/or Charlotsville is far more important than one in Manassas. Especially without destroying a large portion of the Union Army early. Of course it’s my opinion, but Manassas is too isolated. Though Fredricksburg is also close to the river, I wonder what ships can do to a place like Fredricksburg.
Jackson is withdrawing from the outskirts of Winchester to around Richmond (just a 17-18 day process in winter) to reinforce the Capital and to watch what the 3 divisions at Ft. Monroe are doing. Maybe I wasn’t paying attention, but I think at least one of the divisions just arrived there. I hope they advance. Jackson is itching for a fight, and would be perfect time to catch them advancing just as Jackson is heading that way. They second I may get nearly surround again at Manassas Johnston is attacking a strong but beatable link, preferably in the direction of Fredricksburg. I need to take out a corps.
I’ve used the paper money option to get more $ and raise troops for a 4th Corps, and to fill out Holmes, and to create a division for Van Dorn to help out Price. Come Spring, my focus will not be on an invasion, but solely on Jackson and Johnston working together to take out a corps or two. I will add another supply cart and hopefully a small division to each. My plan is to kind of ignore cities like Manassas and perhaps Charlotsville or Fredricksburg, in order to lure the Union in, hook around and go in for the kill. I want the Union behind me in a way. Hammer and Anvil.
What I’ve learned out west. An army commander such as AS Johnston, commanding/ “supporting” an independent division is more harm than good. Johnston, due to seniority and such was the commander, but instead of having 13 units under command of Whiting, he is the division commander, you get subunits uncommanded in a fight. Which is completely bogus. I can understand not receiving Johnston’s values, but to make the division completely uncommanded isn’t right. I should be able to retreat across the river though, though I am a little worried that the Union has gotten past Ft. Donalson. The worse case scenario is I just killed off my army command. The second worse I take the long way around to Nashville, which is ok because Polk has his Corps set up. The best case is whiting and Johnston make their two day and day RR trip to Nashville unhindered by Union boats or troops. If I do lose Johnston, the game becomes an immediate all out assault on Washington, in hopes I can get it before the Union gets Richmond. This is a result of me not having built my third available army yet. So if the west army command HQ gets destroyed, I can’t get an army out there in time to prevent a domino effect, while I’m not sure what happens, I’m pretty certain Polk wouldn’t get to keep his Corps Status, without the HQ under someones command. Kind of whacked that a game could be ruined like that . But I’m probably a bit worried for nothing. But the bright side, I’d be able to concentrate than on my classes.
Heading into late November, I thought things would be pretty calm after it seemed like we were going to run circles around one another out east. Apparently we are going to run around in circles, or the Union is at least. After what I thought was a stabilized front, I awoke to Union divisions surrounding my Manassas force under Johnston.
I thought there was a possibility that he might attack from all sides, and try to eliminate the force. I actually was hoping he would try… it would have been interesting. With the current Union forces position as they were, I wasn’t to concerned with an attack from all sides. Johnston is sitting with Bonham, Longstreet, and Winder under him, each with a good and balanced sized division, I rebuilt the depot (though it is kind of useless) and have supply carts. I also have excellent entrenchments built. My fighting prowess sitting at 1395, the only downsize being it comprises of only like 50 units or so and about 32,000 men.
In case the Union did decide to attack on all sides, I sent Jackson on an end around from the south in Charlotsville to the outskirts of Winchester. I also sent Southern Cavalry west of Manassas to reclaim some territory. The upside is if the Union is assaulting Manassas, if I am victorious he will be weakened in addition to not being able to get back to Winchester, a division or to might also retreat back from which they came, meaning they may be easy prey. Jackson then can assault Winchester the next 15 days then and take Winchester.
There are two down points to this maneuver… but let it be known, I can’t help Johnston anyway due to the winter conditions and slow winter movement and those pesky union divisions in the way.
1. If the union assaults and I lose, Johnston is destroyed. Being unable to bring help, I must either leave Manassas, or hold and fight, or hold and nothing happens. If it was spring, summer, or fall, in the same situation… I would attack Alexandria from Manassas. I think it would be a good fight, and catch the Union unawares, but he leaves me little choice. But it’s winter, and if I would fail, I’m as good as dead probably, but if I would win in winter, I might starve anyhow, in any other season, I wouldn’t have to trade supply for attrition losses.
2. Downpoint #2, no matter the outcome, the union now knows I can move from Charlotsville in force to Winchester in almost a single turn in Winter, let alone spring or summer. I probably won’t be able to do such a maneuver again. Having said that, I think it’s worth it. Let it be known I can move there. Let the Union think I want the valley. Divert those Union troops. Feint, baby, feint. If I must, I can march in the opposite direction, it’s not called retreating =), directly south to whatever that place is down yonder. Sure, I may suffer some attrition loss, but will live to fight another day at the least.
[ATTACH]1022[/ATTACH]
Out west, the Army of the Ohio under Fremont? and Halleck and Grant under him, is sitting outside Bowling green across the River. I decided to try an experiment and try to repel the union advance with Whiting’s entrenched division. The union ships are somewhere out there but not South of Donalson yet, I will chance being cut off directly from Nashville. I know he is going to attack, I wonder if he knows I know =). AS Johnston will arrive with Hindman and a cavalry unit, can’t send them wondering around by themselves, to see what aid they can provide. Win or lose. I will be withdrawing from Bowling Green the following turn.
To early December….Where all the lessons of winter, is well, learned
First off, nothing drastic happened. Tear…
The Union didn’t assault Manassas. And I was looking forward to one of us getting a beating.
Jackson’s end around has officially become a feint. If it was any season but winter, I attack, but it’s to much of a risk in winter. The Union multiplies like locusts in a biblical plague. More Union divisions. Have caught my attention. He has a sizable force that is in Ft. Monroe to accompany Winchester. Why does it have to be winter. If it was any other season Johnston to Alexandria and Jackson to Winchester to decide this war for all, for I wouldn’t have to trade attrition for supply. That’s lesson one I never learned against the AI. Supply Carts are the bomb. I have several supply carts with my corps, even in winter, it’s like I’m invincible. So get supply carts, they slow you down, but are also a blessing. You don’t have to move with them, though I think it’s ideal in winter. Lesson two, multiple and sizable, independent Union divisions running around are annoying, if not a concern THIS year. The Union has seized a lot of initiative with his growing economy and divisions that sprout like the old women in the shoe has kids. There’s so many, the south doesn’t know what to do…. In future years I may have been in trouble, giving the current state of things. But now I have gleamed useful insight.
In addition to Union tactics, I know, for a fact, that I can’t stay in Manassas giving the relatively same stat of things. A depot in Fredricksburg and/or Charlotsville is far more important than one in Manassas. Especially without destroying a large portion of the Union Army early. Of course it’s my opinion, but Manassas is too isolated. Though Fredricksburg is also close to the river, I wonder what ships can do to a place like Fredricksburg.
Jackson is withdrawing from the outskirts of Winchester to around Richmond (just a 17-18 day process in winter) to reinforce the Capital and to watch what the 3 divisions at Ft. Monroe are doing. Maybe I wasn’t paying attention, but I think at least one of the divisions just arrived there. I hope they advance. Jackson is itching for a fight, and would be perfect time to catch them advancing just as Jackson is heading that way. They second I may get nearly surround again at Manassas Johnston is attacking a strong but beatable link, preferably in the direction of Fredricksburg. I need to take out a corps.
I’ve used the paper money option to get more $ and raise troops for a 4th Corps, and to fill out Holmes, and to create a division for Van Dorn to help out Price. Come Spring, my focus will not be on an invasion, but solely on Jackson and Johnston working together to take out a corps or two. I will add another supply cart and hopefully a small division to each. My plan is to kind of ignore cities like Manassas and perhaps Charlotsville or Fredricksburg, in order to lure the Union in, hook around and go in for the kill. I want the Union behind me in a way. Hammer and Anvil.
What I’ve learned out west. An army commander such as AS Johnston, commanding/ “supporting” an independent division is more harm than good. Johnston, due to seniority and such was the commander, but instead of having 13 units under command of Whiting, he is the division commander, you get subunits uncommanded in a fight. Which is completely bogus. I can understand not receiving Johnston’s values, but to make the division completely uncommanded isn’t right. I should be able to retreat across the river though, though I am a little worried that the Union has gotten past Ft. Donalson. The worse case scenario is I just killed off my army command. The second worse I take the long way around to Nashville, which is ok because Polk has his Corps set up. The best case is whiting and Johnston make their two day and day RR trip to Nashville unhindered by Union boats or troops. If I do lose Johnston, the game becomes an immediate all out assault on Washington, in hopes I can get it before the Union gets Richmond. This is a result of me not having built my third available army yet. So if the west army command HQ gets destroyed, I can’t get an army out there in time to prevent a domino effect, while I’m not sure what happens, I’m pretty certain Polk wouldn’t get to keep his Corps Status, without the HQ under someones command. Kind of whacked that a game could be ruined like that . But I’m probably a bit worried for nothing. But the bright side, I’d be able to concentrate than on my classes.
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[The extension bmp has been deactivated and can no longer be displayed.]
Plans for '62
re: screenshots. Lol, yeah, Jpegs prob would make more sense...
This information is based off the current state of affairs, as of Early December.
Plans and Strategy for ‘62
Financial and Economy: What Finances and Economy? My plan for builds in early june and December are no more. The Union seems to Tax and Draft as soon as he can, so I must. I don’t regret having implemented paper money. I had a stockpile of conscripts, and will be filling out a 4th Corps. The 3rd and 4th Corps will work in conjunction with one another while supporting and being supported by the Army under PGT. Details will fallow in later sections of this post. The paper money raise also allowed for Van Dorn’s Division to be raised.
My industry is horrible and will continue to be horrible I’m afraid. When I build I get nothing, and when I don’t, I obviously get nothing. The bright spot is most of my needed divisions will be complete soon, so I can try to pump some steam into this lagging economy.
I never seem to have enough cash for all my needs. And I’ve been trying to stockpile at least 10-20k to build divisions or ad a replacement but hasn’t always been successful.
If the option is available again, I’ll likely implement paper money again. Next turn inflation will be 11%. It seems to be a minor inconvenience considering what I’ve been able to put together against the ever multiplying enemy.
Drafts and Volunteers and where to use them: More men? My Army of Tennessee under AS Johnston has surpassed its goal of 1600+, that’s when all units are at full cohesion. There is about 400+ in Bushard Johnson that is currently not attached to a corps, but that should change in the next couple of months. And then there is Bragg’s training force at Corinth 100-200. So when the 2nd Corps of the Tennessee is ready I should have decent divisions organized to be put to use.
Having two decent sized Corps of about 32,000 and 24,000 men under Johnston and Jackson, and about 30k-40k that will comprise of the 3rd, 4th and Army sections, I feel rounds out the Eastern army quite nicely. Johnston and Jackson will hopefully each receive another small division to supplement them.
So my armies are in place. So when I get volunteers and draft men, they will go to building divisions for an expected Union amphibious assault and a thrust through middle Tennessee. I expect it because it’s what I would do, place he has his troops positioned for such a task. And his ships have been all too quite, let alone the Ocean shipping fluctuates like crazy every turn, way to frequently given my ocean/river boat style. He’s organizing for something.
So I will combine my Georgia force and North Carolina Reserves, for they will likely be useless on there own. I will build a Middle Tennessee Force, rounded out with a bunch of militia. I’m not really planning to use the militia in a fight, but to have an organized force put together and ready for when they “upgrade” during the year. So they are something to use in ’63 if I’m still around. Then I’ll be building a second Louisiana Division that will support New Orleans and the Gulf between LA and Florida. I think he will attempt to land in two places. More likely somewhat close to one another, put far enough apart that I would have to make a choice if I was unprepared. So I’m thinking a pronged amphibious assault in the New Orleans area. If he attacks before February, there is a chance I may be unprepared, but not completely. Texas will receive militia and a cavalry and artillary unit, but hopefully I won’t need to use them in ’62.
Plans:
What I expect from my opponent:
East: He will try a major thrust towards Richmond. He has built forts in Washington, Harpers Ferry, and Alexandria to level 2. He looks at them as prizes for the South to Win. He might try a pronged attack, one from Alexandria/Winchester regions, and one from Ft. Monroe. He likely will send a division or two down the Valley.
How to counter: I will have two decent sized Corps in Jackson and Johnston. A 3rd and 4th Corps that aren’t too shabby but not something to fight more than a division or two with. I will retreat from Manassas, destroying the depot in the process and form a defensive line behind that major river with an R north of Richmond and Fredericksburg. This will prevent Union divisions from running circles around my positions as they did in the winter. I’ll be in position to protect Richmond, and the Peninsula. Initially
Jackson will take my left wing, for I have the most confidence in him on when on the offensive. And if the Union does send some division down the Valley to cause trouble, he may be able to break away and put fear into those Union eyes. 3rd and 4th Corps will hold the center with PGT Army force. When needed, a 3rd or 4th Corps should be able to break away to aid the “amphibious defense” forces. Johnston will hold the right wing, for he is my most trusted defender. I am leary of the river and ocean simply because of ship bombardment. Which I think is a bit ridiculous in the game. But to be honest I’m not sure if ships can attack directly. I just remember the one time playing the CSA against the AI, when I held Alexandria, someone bombarded someone and ships and my entire Corps where basically annihilated. In reality, I don’t think I would be positioned that close to the river…
Hopefully there will be an opportunity for a pronged attacked of my own using Jackson and Johnston. But I hope to be able to position Jackson and Johnston next to each other, later in the year. Right Now, I just don’t have confidence in the 3rd,4th and PGT to be hold the important right wing of my line. With Jackson on the left and 3,4 and PGT in the Center, if Johnston is attacked directly, and there is a Peninsula threat, I should be able to easily swing Jackson around to the right while Johnston holds. I am then utilizing Johnston’s and his forces superior defense skills, and Jackson’s attack abilities.
Out West
What I expect from my opponent:
As mentioned earlier, and amphibious attempt. And in an earlier post I mentioned how I felt he is preparing for a pronged assault on the Memphis/Vicksburg area to control both sides of the River. I’m determined the amphibious assault and pronged attack are thus. Lyons, and two other divisions sit in North Arkansas. He has an army in Bowling Green. He will attempt his Pincer assault. As before I suspect he will try to slip in a division behind the Bowling Green movement into Middle and East Tennessee. They could then link up with any Divisions coming down the Valley. And head toward Atlanta, and the march to the Sea.
A double amphibious assault around New Orleans would make me reposition troops, enabling a more successful push from the north and its pincer attacks. He may attempt a another movement further to the west in the Indian territory to attempt to get behind Price.
How to counter: New Orleans has been steadily building strength. I’m going to expirement with building a fort. Never done it before. But until I get more supply carts, I simply have entrenched cannons and troops. A second LA division will be built to counter an expected assault. I have yet to decide what to do with my boats at present. I may attempt to surprise the Union Northwards and then trickle them back down to New Orleans.
I’ve already sent my Ft. D supplies wagon to Nashville and will likely be evacuating the fort shortly. No point in protecting something that can be surrounded. Hopefully Whiting and Johnston make it back to Nashville in late December without trouble. From there I attempt to throw one fight. Hopefully the Union will attack directly across the river. But If not, I will relinquish Nashville. And attack where he crosses. From there I will retreat , sorry, march south, towards Corinth. If all goes well I’ll have a second Corps handy at that point ready for a good Shiloh battle. If all goes bad…
A Texas militia force, a through me together force, is not expected to do a whole lot but should be implement to attempt to prevent complete disaster. They can be used to protect Texas in addition to Northern New Orleans RR sections. Another reason I suspect a double amphibious landing. One landing more or so directly for New Orleans, another to destroy RR and prevent New Orleans from being reinforce. Ships can than trickle upriver …
Lol, I feel like I know what he is going to do, but am near helpless in preventing it. I might as well pull the trigger myself.
Goals for ’62:
East
1. Protect Richmond
2. Obtain Major and devastating Victory against the Union: 20k+ casualty difference
3. Build interior divisions for potential amphibious attack, but not expected main assault.
West:
1. Protect Corinth
2. Protect New Orleans
3. Protect Memphis
4. Build interior divisions for expected Tennessee and Orleans invasions
5. obtain a major victory against the Union: 15k+ casualty difference.
This information is based off the current state of affairs, as of Early December.
Plans and Strategy for ‘62
Financial and Economy: What Finances and Economy? My plan for builds in early june and December are no more. The Union seems to Tax and Draft as soon as he can, so I must. I don’t regret having implemented paper money. I had a stockpile of conscripts, and will be filling out a 4th Corps. The 3rd and 4th Corps will work in conjunction with one another while supporting and being supported by the Army under PGT. Details will fallow in later sections of this post. The paper money raise also allowed for Van Dorn’s Division to be raised.
My industry is horrible and will continue to be horrible I’m afraid. When I build I get nothing, and when I don’t, I obviously get nothing. The bright spot is most of my needed divisions will be complete soon, so I can try to pump some steam into this lagging economy.
I never seem to have enough cash for all my needs. And I’ve been trying to stockpile at least 10-20k to build divisions or ad a replacement but hasn’t always been successful.
If the option is available again, I’ll likely implement paper money again. Next turn inflation will be 11%. It seems to be a minor inconvenience considering what I’ve been able to put together against the ever multiplying enemy.
Drafts and Volunteers and where to use them: More men? My Army of Tennessee under AS Johnston has surpassed its goal of 1600+, that’s when all units are at full cohesion. There is about 400+ in Bushard Johnson that is currently not attached to a corps, but that should change in the next couple of months. And then there is Bragg’s training force at Corinth 100-200. So when the 2nd Corps of the Tennessee is ready I should have decent divisions organized to be put to use.
Having two decent sized Corps of about 32,000 and 24,000 men under Johnston and Jackson, and about 30k-40k that will comprise of the 3rd, 4th and Army sections, I feel rounds out the Eastern army quite nicely. Johnston and Jackson will hopefully each receive another small division to supplement them.
So my armies are in place. So when I get volunteers and draft men, they will go to building divisions for an expected Union amphibious assault and a thrust through middle Tennessee. I expect it because it’s what I would do, place he has his troops positioned for such a task. And his ships have been all too quite, let alone the Ocean shipping fluctuates like crazy every turn, way to frequently given my ocean/river boat style. He’s organizing for something.
So I will combine my Georgia force and North Carolina Reserves, for they will likely be useless on there own. I will build a Middle Tennessee Force, rounded out with a bunch of militia. I’m not really planning to use the militia in a fight, but to have an organized force put together and ready for when they “upgrade” during the year. So they are something to use in ’63 if I’m still around. Then I’ll be building a second Louisiana Division that will support New Orleans and the Gulf between LA and Florida. I think he will attempt to land in two places. More likely somewhat close to one another, put far enough apart that I would have to make a choice if I was unprepared. So I’m thinking a pronged amphibious assault in the New Orleans area. If he attacks before February, there is a chance I may be unprepared, but not completely. Texas will receive militia and a cavalry and artillary unit, but hopefully I won’t need to use them in ’62.
Plans:
What I expect from my opponent:
East: He will try a major thrust towards Richmond. He has built forts in Washington, Harpers Ferry, and Alexandria to level 2. He looks at them as prizes for the South to Win. He might try a pronged attack, one from Alexandria/Winchester regions, and one from Ft. Monroe. He likely will send a division or two down the Valley.
How to counter: I will have two decent sized Corps in Jackson and Johnston. A 3rd and 4th Corps that aren’t too shabby but not something to fight more than a division or two with. I will retreat from Manassas, destroying the depot in the process and form a defensive line behind that major river with an R north of Richmond and Fredericksburg. This will prevent Union divisions from running circles around my positions as they did in the winter. I’ll be in position to protect Richmond, and the Peninsula. Initially
Jackson will take my left wing, for I have the most confidence in him on when on the offensive. And if the Union does send some division down the Valley to cause trouble, he may be able to break away and put fear into those Union eyes. 3rd and 4th Corps will hold the center with PGT Army force. When needed, a 3rd or 4th Corps should be able to break away to aid the “amphibious defense” forces. Johnston will hold the right wing, for he is my most trusted defender. I am leary of the river and ocean simply because of ship bombardment. Which I think is a bit ridiculous in the game. But to be honest I’m not sure if ships can attack directly. I just remember the one time playing the CSA against the AI, when I held Alexandria, someone bombarded someone and ships and my entire Corps where basically annihilated. In reality, I don’t think I would be positioned that close to the river…
Hopefully there will be an opportunity for a pronged attacked of my own using Jackson and Johnston. But I hope to be able to position Jackson and Johnston next to each other, later in the year. Right Now, I just don’t have confidence in the 3rd,4th and PGT to be hold the important right wing of my line. With Jackson on the left and 3,4 and PGT in the Center, if Johnston is attacked directly, and there is a Peninsula threat, I should be able to easily swing Jackson around to the right while Johnston holds. I am then utilizing Johnston’s and his forces superior defense skills, and Jackson’s attack abilities.
Out West
What I expect from my opponent:
As mentioned earlier, and amphibious attempt. And in an earlier post I mentioned how I felt he is preparing for a pronged assault on the Memphis/Vicksburg area to control both sides of the River. I’m determined the amphibious assault and pronged attack are thus. Lyons, and two other divisions sit in North Arkansas. He has an army in Bowling Green. He will attempt his Pincer assault. As before I suspect he will try to slip in a division behind the Bowling Green movement into Middle and East Tennessee. They could then link up with any Divisions coming down the Valley. And head toward Atlanta, and the march to the Sea.
A double amphibious assault around New Orleans would make me reposition troops, enabling a more successful push from the north and its pincer attacks. He may attempt a another movement further to the west in the Indian territory to attempt to get behind Price.
How to counter: New Orleans has been steadily building strength. I’m going to expirement with building a fort. Never done it before. But until I get more supply carts, I simply have entrenched cannons and troops. A second LA division will be built to counter an expected assault. I have yet to decide what to do with my boats at present. I may attempt to surprise the Union Northwards and then trickle them back down to New Orleans.
I’ve already sent my Ft. D supplies wagon to Nashville and will likely be evacuating the fort shortly. No point in protecting something that can be surrounded. Hopefully Whiting and Johnston make it back to Nashville in late December without trouble. From there I attempt to throw one fight. Hopefully the Union will attack directly across the river. But If not, I will relinquish Nashville. And attack where he crosses. From there I will retreat , sorry, march south, towards Corinth. If all goes well I’ll have a second Corps handy at that point ready for a good Shiloh battle. If all goes bad…
A Texas militia force, a through me together force, is not expected to do a whole lot but should be implement to attempt to prevent complete disaster. They can be used to protect Texas in addition to Northern New Orleans RR sections. Another reason I suspect a double amphibious landing. One landing more or so directly for New Orleans, another to destroy RR and prevent New Orleans from being reinforce. Ships can than trickle upriver …
Lol, I feel like I know what he is going to do, but am near helpless in preventing it. I might as well pull the trigger myself.
Goals for ’62:
East
1. Protect Richmond
2. Obtain Major and devastating Victory against the Union: 20k+ casualty difference
3. Build interior divisions for potential amphibious attack, but not expected main assault.
West:
1. Protect Corinth
2. Protect New Orleans
3. Protect Memphis
4. Build interior divisions for expected Tennessee and Orleans invasions
5. obtain a major victory against the Union: 15k+ casualty difference.
maybe a small idea:
most likely an all-out-defnesive tactic in the east might work if the Union gets trouble with supply lines.
Nonetheless if you only react you leave all initiative to your opponent, thus he can decide where and when to strike and whom.
If i can, i maintain Cavalry Corps and smaller Cavalry Commands (as cover and support) with as much power as i can afford to threaten his exterior lines (supply, lone corps , single divisions) to put pressure on your opponent and to make HIM react at least with a part of his army.
A successfull action might buy you more time.
5 cavalry brigades + Laurel brigade and 3 or 4 horse artillery give you a very fast and hard hitting force which isnt that expensive.
Just take care you dont run into the entire AoP, then it might get destroyed.
Maybe WV is uncovered and you can strike there as sort of decoy action and so on.
most likely an all-out-defnesive tactic in the east might work if the Union gets trouble with supply lines.
Nonetheless if you only react you leave all initiative to your opponent, thus he can decide where and when to strike and whom.
If i can, i maintain Cavalry Corps and smaller Cavalry Commands (as cover and support) with as much power as i can afford to threaten his exterior lines (supply, lone corps , single divisions) to put pressure on your opponent and to make HIM react at least with a part of his army.
A successfull action might buy you more time.
5 cavalry brigades + Laurel brigade and 3 or 4 horse artillery give you a very fast and hard hitting force which isnt that expensive.
Just take care you dont run into the entire AoP, then it might get destroyed.
Maybe WV is uncovered and you can strike there as sort of decoy action and so on.
On to the new Year
Early December to Late December
“’Noooo! What’s he doing?...You’ll ruins it!’” shouted the southern High command upon learning Lyons had started attacking Price’s entrenched troops in Arkansas. This is probably the best move the Union has made all game. Some might argue, but…cities and reinforcements are too far away to bring help. If Lyons can knock out Price, he not only sends me back to square one with only one functional division in Arkansas, due to his troop presence and the city location, he basically controls all the land west of the Mississippi.
With retreat not an option, I am entrenched, and there is troops in the city, plus it is what I’ve been wanting, the Union to attack across the river, so I can’t do anything but hold on.
I’ve also made the decision to attack some idle division to the east of Manassas. If I can, Jackson will attack Alexandria by rail from Richmond. Jackson will also be in perfect position to support the Peninsula. If attacking Alexandria Johnston will be available to support. If I don’t attack, I already plan on relinquishing Manassas.
I kind of Chickened out… I wanted to send Jackson charging down the Peninsula this turn to next, but he doesn’t have any supply in his carts. So I decided to make a pit stop in Richmond instead. But this way I have the option open of Attacking Alexandria.
The weather in the Peninsula is kind of crappy, and I didn’t want to be suffering needless losses at this point, for it doesn’t matter if I kill a division per say, because he’ll have 2 more to replace it. If killing a division fits into my plans, as with Johnston, then why not.
Late December to Early January
The union made a lot of moves around the peninsula. I see it as a inconvenience only because I can’t send Jackson to Alexandria. If he only new I was planning on redeploying. So whatever surprise he was hoping for I think is completely lost on the situation. I feel I was ready.
I’m going to let him attack Richmond if he wants to. The only place I might lose next turn that I don’t want to lose is Petersburg. But there is a NC Depot and a NC Brigade being built that I don’t care to lose, plus I’m hoping that the Union will send troops someplace hoping to get some easy kills. This seems like a logical place for Hooker to attack. Besides, by moving Jackson South I may be able to caught off some sort of retreat by the Union. That would make my day.
So to some things up, and the extra kicker is I think my opponent is German, my response to the Union movements is….
“Nuts!” =)
[ATTACH]1030[/ATTACH]
“’Noooo! What’s he doing?...You’ll ruins it!’” shouted the southern High command upon learning Lyons had started attacking Price’s entrenched troops in Arkansas. This is probably the best move the Union has made all game. Some might argue, but…cities and reinforcements are too far away to bring help. If Lyons can knock out Price, he not only sends me back to square one with only one functional division in Arkansas, due to his troop presence and the city location, he basically controls all the land west of the Mississippi.
With retreat not an option, I am entrenched, and there is troops in the city, plus it is what I’ve been wanting, the Union to attack across the river, so I can’t do anything but hold on.
I’ve also made the decision to attack some idle division to the east of Manassas. If I can, Jackson will attack Alexandria by rail from Richmond. Jackson will also be in perfect position to support the Peninsula. If attacking Alexandria Johnston will be available to support. If I don’t attack, I already plan on relinquishing Manassas.
I kind of Chickened out… I wanted to send Jackson charging down the Peninsula this turn to next, but he doesn’t have any supply in his carts. So I decided to make a pit stop in Richmond instead. But this way I have the option open of Attacking Alexandria.
The weather in the Peninsula is kind of crappy, and I didn’t want to be suffering needless losses at this point, for it doesn’t matter if I kill a division per say, because he’ll have 2 more to replace it. If killing a division fits into my plans, as with Johnston, then why not.
Late December to Early January
The union made a lot of moves around the peninsula. I see it as a inconvenience only because I can’t send Jackson to Alexandria. If he only new I was planning on redeploying. So whatever surprise he was hoping for I think is completely lost on the situation. I feel I was ready.
I’m going to let him attack Richmond if he wants to. The only place I might lose next turn that I don’t want to lose is Petersburg. But there is a NC Depot and a NC Brigade being built that I don’t care to lose, plus I’m hoping that the Union will send troops someplace hoping to get some easy kills. This seems like a logical place for Hooker to attack. Besides, by moving Jackson South I may be able to caught off some sort of retreat by the Union. That would make my day.
So to some things up, and the extra kicker is I think my opponent is German, my response to the Union movements is….
“Nuts!” =)
[ATTACH]1030[/ATTACH]
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"most likely an all-out-defnesive tactic in the east might work " Most likely it could, but that's boring.
I want to win the war. Not steal it from sitting around.
Building a defensive line and all-out-defensive are also two completely different things. Every other post mentions attack moves on my part, some on which I have attacked, others the moment wasn't right. Some of which have sent the Union back months if not a season.
So as per the Union having initiative and me simply reacting... it's far from that point I feel. Adjusting, sure. Take the current turn from late December to early January. Sure the Union made moves. Moves I mentioned he'd probably make. Moves that have no real barring, in my unexpert opinion. Moves where I have a 50% chance of killing a corps. Moves he probably thinks I'm reacting to. Some, some are not. If he can take Richmond next turn, good for him, there's a strong force there. I'll applaud. =)
As per a cavalry corps... not likely but divisions, I say patience my friends, patience. But I'll take it under advisement, for I'm not one to push away suggestions.
As per WV, there are decoys, and then there are slight annoyances. With my style and his, a cavalry attack to WV would be a slight annoyance and lots of dead Southern Cavalry. It is something I have thought on though. But the opportunity is likely not in the coming months. I like how things have developed thus far.
I reread this and I sound a bit "defensive" don't I. Oh well, read as you will
I want to win the war. Not steal it from sitting around.
Building a defensive line and all-out-defensive are also two completely different things. Every other post mentions attack moves on my part, some on which I have attacked, others the moment wasn't right. Some of which have sent the Union back months if not a season.
So as per the Union having initiative and me simply reacting... it's far from that point I feel. Adjusting, sure. Take the current turn from late December to early January. Sure the Union made moves. Moves I mentioned he'd probably make. Moves that have no real barring, in my unexpert opinion. Moves where I have a 50% chance of killing a corps. Moves he probably thinks I'm reacting to. Some, some are not. If he can take Richmond next turn, good for him, there's a strong force there. I'll applaud. =)
As per a cavalry corps... not likely but divisions, I say patience my friends, patience. But I'll take it under advisement, for I'm not one to push away suggestions.
As per WV, there are decoys, and then there are slight annoyances. With my style and his, a cavalry attack to WV would be a slight annoyance and lots of dead Southern Cavalry. It is something I have thought on though. But the opportunity is likely not in the coming months. I like how things have developed thus far.
I reread this and I sound a bit "defensive" don't I. Oh well, read as you will
Eastern Theatre:
Primary Objectives
1. Protect Richmond
2. Hold Manassas Junction. Correction Hold the Manassas Depot.
Secondary Objectives
1. Destroy 40,000 Union Troops
2. Prep for ’62 campaign and assault on Washington
3. Capture Washington
Well I have Richmond, so A+.
Manassas gets a C. I captured some supply carts to compensate for my unintentional synchronized move. The worse part about that is it prevented me from attack Alexandria and other forces seriously. From that blunder Johnston's force at one point had reached like 10% cohesion, might have been lower. There was a point his 1000+ force was just below 100, mostly from cohesion loss. That move was almost a game killer, but I recovered nicely.
I had some nice victories, but not enough to reach the 40,000 troop differential. C-
Prep for 62 campaign and assualt on Washington A-. Sure I've given up some land. But I like where things stand. I've built my army and just need to finish putting my cavalry divisions together. The opportunities where almost there in winter. So I can only hope and expect them to be there in Spring. Not having Manassas might make things easier actually. For there is that nice little RR just north of Fredericksburg that connects alot around that city. So I can hit and move from a lot of different places.
I didn't capture Washington, but I never really expected to. C
Overall East. grade B+.
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Western Theatre:
Primary Objectives
1. Build an army of Tennessee army of at least 1600 points
2. Protect Corinth
3. Protect Memphis
Secondary Objectives
1. Hold Nashville
2. Hold New Orleans
Army of Tennessee. I have the Army that I wanted. And the 2nd corps is just waiting for command. A++
I have Corinth and Memphis and am in good position for a good fight. A
I held Nashville A
I held New Orleans. A
Overall West. A+ I can't complain. Price has been the Bomb so far in Arkansas. Though he is about to get whipped out, I hope he proves me wrong. Perhaps an experienced player might have seen more opportunity to capitalize on, but seeing as this is my second go as the CSA ever, first in PBEM I like what I've accomplished.
Primary Objectives
1. Protect Richmond
2. Hold Manassas Junction. Correction Hold the Manassas Depot.
Secondary Objectives
1. Destroy 40,000 Union Troops
2. Prep for ’62 campaign and assault on Washington
3. Capture Washington
Well I have Richmond, so A+.
Manassas gets a C. I captured some supply carts to compensate for my unintentional synchronized move. The worse part about that is it prevented me from attack Alexandria and other forces seriously. From that blunder Johnston's force at one point had reached like 10% cohesion, might have been lower. There was a point his 1000+ force was just below 100, mostly from cohesion loss. That move was almost a game killer, but I recovered nicely.
I had some nice victories, but not enough to reach the 40,000 troop differential. C-
Prep for 62 campaign and assualt on Washington A-. Sure I've given up some land. But I like where things stand. I've built my army and just need to finish putting my cavalry divisions together. The opportunities where almost there in winter. So I can only hope and expect them to be there in Spring. Not having Manassas might make things easier actually. For there is that nice little RR just north of Fredericksburg that connects alot around that city. So I can hit and move from a lot of different places.
I didn't capture Washington, but I never really expected to. C
Overall East. grade B+.
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Western Theatre:
Primary Objectives
1. Build an army of Tennessee army of at least 1600 points
2. Protect Corinth
3. Protect Memphis
Secondary Objectives
1. Hold Nashville
2. Hold New Orleans
Army of Tennessee. I have the Army that I wanted. And the 2nd corps is just waiting for command. A++
I have Corinth and Memphis and am in good position for a good fight. A
I held Nashville A
I held New Orleans. A
Overall West. A+ I can't complain. Price has been the Bomb so far in Arkansas. Though he is about to get whipped out, I hope he proves me wrong. Perhaps an experienced player might have seen more opportunity to capitalize on, but seeing as this is my second go as the CSA ever, first in PBEM I like what I've accomplished.
Almost March...This getting more fun by the turn
To late February
The North has seemed to have encountered a real life epidemic, and is preoccupied at the moment.
To sum up the past couple turns…
With the Union forces appearing to be moving everywhere except Alexandria and Washington, I decided to improvise my previous attack plan with Jackson and Johnston to incorporate Johnston with PGT and Holm’s Corps.
Thus, Jackson was sent to take care of Hooker in Suffolk. And when ready the 4th Corps will give Butler a run for his money.
Johnston will march on Alexandria from Fredericksburg and PGT and Holms forces marched on the Divisions at Manassas.
How it played out…
Jackson attacked Hooker’s Division in Suffolk from the Carolinas. And pinned him temporarily in the city.
Johnston was defeated according to the game, I call it a Victory. But I can’t say I’ve ever seen so many failed morale checks and routing units on both sides. The men must not like fighting in the cold. The south lost 6000+ to the Union losing 7000 plus. But more importantly, I believe we startled those Yanks. The funniest thing on what I considered a success, Johnston was demoted, making it easier to use Lee. Not that I should be wishing for such things but its hard to complain.
PGT and Holmes successfully made it to Manassas but failed to start any battles, and worse their cohesion, is well, gone.
The Union, if aggressive, could likely eliminate two corps and an Army unit. I’m not really worried because the Texans Brigade, and the Carolina division I made are both here. So at worse, I have what I started with. Two big Corps.
PGT and Holmes will retreat to Fredericksburg, Johnston’s Corps, with Bonham’s and Longstreet’s intact Divsions will hold North of Frederick to aid the escape for Holms and PGT. Winder’s Division.
I believe the Union will try to land more troops at Suffolk to try and save Hooker, so I switched Jackson to a defense stance and am sending a couple more brigades to aid.
The 4th Corps is heading to take on Butler, while the Carolina Division will occupy space in Richmond.
The following turn….
I’m so happy, Johnston beats back the North, only losing 400 men to 3870. A minor victory, but big morale points in my book.
My 4th Corps led by Gustav Smith at the moment, beat Butler in the Peninsula, losing 1804 to 5978 Union Troops.
I’m not sure what happened to Hooker’s Division. Apparently if you switch to defensive stance the enemy can move out of a city via ships/transport. By any means, Suffolk is mine and there is no sign of Hooker. And from the lack of whimpering from my esteemed opponent, I can only gather that Hooker made it away safely.
I may have made a slight error with the 4th Corps. I sent them to attack without a supply cart. The 4th Corps and the Union Corps under Butler remain in New Kent, VA together. The worst part is I’ll likely suffer weather attrition. But I’ve decided to tough it out, and made the 4th Corps stay with attack posture to drain Butler’s resources, for he will be only supplied via his supply cart.
Meanwhile my Carolina division under J. Major will be attacking with a 400+ force from Richmond, bringing a supply cart along with him. So between the 4th Corps and Major, I should be able to send Butler packing. But just in case, Jackson has already been sent on the move with his near 37,000 strong. So if 4th Corp and Major can’t take care of Butler next turn, Jackson will be there 7 days later (1 turn) to do some mop up in the Peninsula and teach those Yanks what they are dealing with when they invade.
And I have even more brigades getting ready to join Johnston, and to round out my other cavalry unit, to complete 2 divisions of quick hitting terror, to help me with my favorite cut the supply lines, and hammer and anvil style of attacking.
Out west I need the Union to cross the Cumberland so we can have a “Shilo”. At present it appears my Corps under Polk, and the men under Johnston, outnumber Thomas and Grants Corps under Fremont.
At present I have about 45,000 men around Nashville, and if the Union wants to skip next turn in crossing, I can get another 30,000 troops sent over to the area from Corinth.
One might think I’m neglecting Arkansas, but there is 31,000 troops there. 15k to 18k in New Orleans and I have my Middle Tennessee force up and ready at 16k. And those figures only include my field army’s and not the garrison forces. =) Then there’ s the crappy Texas division of about 5k that steel needs the artillery support and my conscript/militia force of 7k with artillery under W. Taliaferro. And more men coming for the East West and Far West and LA sectors as we speak. Lol. I’m waiting for the Union player to start asking where all these divisions and Corps are coming from. Paper money isn’t all the evil people say it is if used wisely I guess.
To keep my Middle Tennessee force from being bored under WHF Lee, I’ve decided to attack Lexington with them, then move them to Clarksville to get resupplied, then make a couple of stops in Ohio and West Virginia before moving back into Virginia/Tennessee. Thus I’ll be making a round the clock movement. This will likely allow me to meet any force that may be coming south, while also giving me ample opportunities to cause havoc to Fremonts Rear. For N. Forrest is about ready to take his force raiding. He will be using a similar a round the clock movement pattern. If both Lee and Forrest meet with success, the Union will be without supply trickling in for a turn or two, providing a great opportunity to put some lead into those Yanks.
This will likely, in one way or another, open up middle Pennsylvania and the Eastern and Northern Part of West Virginia for more than just a raid if I chose. But more importantly, it should allow McCulloch’s Division to operate more freely to get behind the Union forces, so I can send Jackson to destroy some divisions and or Corps if I choose.
But I’m slowly building the confidence that I’ll be able to have one good Jackson and Johnston strike at the Unions heart of Washington. If Johnston can lead an Understrengthed attack against an entrenched force at Alexandria, and for the most part prevail in my book, I can’t wait for the Union to be out of the Peninsula, for Lee will be available shortly after, and Jackson will be looking for something to do.
What I think the Union player will do…
Try and hold the Peninsula for starters. I can’t wait to see how that plays out. And then he is going to try assaulting via the North with McDowell, while his Harpers Ferry Corps moves either down the Valley or tries to hook around into Richmond. With McCulloch’s Division about set and Jebs too, I’m feeling really good about Holms and 4th Corp taking on either a Peninsula assault or a Valley problem while Johnston holds against the North to South thrust, for I should be able to get behind the Union to cause supply disruption and/or add 300 plus attack power in a jiff when need be with my cavalry. And then I can have Jackson take either the Valley or Peninsula, which ever the 3rd and 4th aren’t dealing with.
And I’ll be in perfect position to fall into a defensive line from Fredericksburg to Charlottesville as previously planned, when in need of a breather and idleness, and be in perfect position for thrusts to the North. But this isn’t really new news.
Every step, it seems the Union is only affirming my previous suspicions.
Edit: Oh ya, I forgot to mention I think... PGT and Holms are safe for now...warming around the fires of Fredericksburg while Johnston holds the northern border for 1 more turn at least.
The North has seemed to have encountered a real life epidemic, and is preoccupied at the moment.
To sum up the past couple turns…
With the Union forces appearing to be moving everywhere except Alexandria and Washington, I decided to improvise my previous attack plan with Jackson and Johnston to incorporate Johnston with PGT and Holm’s Corps.
Thus, Jackson was sent to take care of Hooker in Suffolk. And when ready the 4th Corps will give Butler a run for his money.
Johnston will march on Alexandria from Fredericksburg and PGT and Holms forces marched on the Divisions at Manassas.
How it played out…
Jackson attacked Hooker’s Division in Suffolk from the Carolinas. And pinned him temporarily in the city.
Johnston was defeated according to the game, I call it a Victory. But I can’t say I’ve ever seen so many failed morale checks and routing units on both sides. The men must not like fighting in the cold. The south lost 6000+ to the Union losing 7000 plus. But more importantly, I believe we startled those Yanks. The funniest thing on what I considered a success, Johnston was demoted, making it easier to use Lee. Not that I should be wishing for such things but its hard to complain.
PGT and Holmes successfully made it to Manassas but failed to start any battles, and worse their cohesion, is well, gone.
The Union, if aggressive, could likely eliminate two corps and an Army unit. I’m not really worried because the Texans Brigade, and the Carolina division I made are both here. So at worse, I have what I started with. Two big Corps.
PGT and Holmes will retreat to Fredericksburg, Johnston’s Corps, with Bonham’s and Longstreet’s intact Divsions will hold North of Frederick to aid the escape for Holms and PGT. Winder’s Division.
I believe the Union will try to land more troops at Suffolk to try and save Hooker, so I switched Jackson to a defense stance and am sending a couple more brigades to aid.
The 4th Corps is heading to take on Butler, while the Carolina Division will occupy space in Richmond.
The following turn….
I’m so happy, Johnston beats back the North, only losing 400 men to 3870. A minor victory, but big morale points in my book.
My 4th Corps led by Gustav Smith at the moment, beat Butler in the Peninsula, losing 1804 to 5978 Union Troops.
I’m not sure what happened to Hooker’s Division. Apparently if you switch to defensive stance the enemy can move out of a city via ships/transport. By any means, Suffolk is mine and there is no sign of Hooker. And from the lack of whimpering from my esteemed opponent, I can only gather that Hooker made it away safely.
I may have made a slight error with the 4th Corps. I sent them to attack without a supply cart. The 4th Corps and the Union Corps under Butler remain in New Kent, VA together. The worst part is I’ll likely suffer weather attrition. But I’ve decided to tough it out, and made the 4th Corps stay with attack posture to drain Butler’s resources, for he will be only supplied via his supply cart.
Meanwhile my Carolina division under J. Major will be attacking with a 400+ force from Richmond, bringing a supply cart along with him. So between the 4th Corps and Major, I should be able to send Butler packing. But just in case, Jackson has already been sent on the move with his near 37,000 strong. So if 4th Corp and Major can’t take care of Butler next turn, Jackson will be there 7 days later (1 turn) to do some mop up in the Peninsula and teach those Yanks what they are dealing with when they invade.
And I have even more brigades getting ready to join Johnston, and to round out my other cavalry unit, to complete 2 divisions of quick hitting terror, to help me with my favorite cut the supply lines, and hammer and anvil style of attacking.
Out west I need the Union to cross the Cumberland so we can have a “Shilo”. At present it appears my Corps under Polk, and the men under Johnston, outnumber Thomas and Grants Corps under Fremont.
At present I have about 45,000 men around Nashville, and if the Union wants to skip next turn in crossing, I can get another 30,000 troops sent over to the area from Corinth.
One might think I’m neglecting Arkansas, but there is 31,000 troops there. 15k to 18k in New Orleans and I have my Middle Tennessee force up and ready at 16k. And those figures only include my field army’s and not the garrison forces. =) Then there’ s the crappy Texas division of about 5k that steel needs the artillery support and my conscript/militia force of 7k with artillery under W. Taliaferro. And more men coming for the East West and Far West and LA sectors as we speak. Lol. I’m waiting for the Union player to start asking where all these divisions and Corps are coming from. Paper money isn’t all the evil people say it is if used wisely I guess.
To keep my Middle Tennessee force from being bored under WHF Lee, I’ve decided to attack Lexington with them, then move them to Clarksville to get resupplied, then make a couple of stops in Ohio and West Virginia before moving back into Virginia/Tennessee. Thus I’ll be making a round the clock movement. This will likely allow me to meet any force that may be coming south, while also giving me ample opportunities to cause havoc to Fremonts Rear. For N. Forrest is about ready to take his force raiding. He will be using a similar a round the clock movement pattern. If both Lee and Forrest meet with success, the Union will be without supply trickling in for a turn or two, providing a great opportunity to put some lead into those Yanks.
This will likely, in one way or another, open up middle Pennsylvania and the Eastern and Northern Part of West Virginia for more than just a raid if I chose. But more importantly, it should allow McCulloch’s Division to operate more freely to get behind the Union forces, so I can send Jackson to destroy some divisions and or Corps if I choose.
But I’m slowly building the confidence that I’ll be able to have one good Jackson and Johnston strike at the Unions heart of Washington. If Johnston can lead an Understrengthed attack against an entrenched force at Alexandria, and for the most part prevail in my book, I can’t wait for the Union to be out of the Peninsula, for Lee will be available shortly after, and Jackson will be looking for something to do.
What I think the Union player will do…
Try and hold the Peninsula for starters. I can’t wait to see how that plays out. And then he is going to try assaulting via the North with McDowell, while his Harpers Ferry Corps moves either down the Valley or tries to hook around into Richmond. With McCulloch’s Division about set and Jebs too, I’m feeling really good about Holms and 4th Corp taking on either a Peninsula assault or a Valley problem while Johnston holds against the North to South thrust, for I should be able to get behind the Union to cause supply disruption and/or add 300 plus attack power in a jiff when need be with my cavalry. And then I can have Jackson take either the Valley or Peninsula, which ever the 3rd and 4th aren’t dealing with.
And I’ll be in perfect position to fall into a defensive line from Fredericksburg to Charlottesville as previously planned, when in need of a breather and idleness, and be in perfect position for thrusts to the North. But this isn’t really new news.
Every step, it seems the Union is only affirming my previous suspicions.
Edit: Oh ya, I forgot to mention I think... PGT and Holms are safe for now...warming around the fires of Fredericksburg while Johnston holds the northern border for 1 more turn at least.
Death to the AAR =(
Alas, these things take more time than one expects. I hope previous posts were informative and interesting.... but higher priorities will prevent me from updating this more frequently. Not to say never, but if there were any devoted followers, which I doubt, don't be disappointed.
Where did my opponent go????
While I was still going to post once in a blue moon... my opponent has seemed to disappear. I wrote him an email saying I would be restricted to a friday through Sunday game play for awhile.
His pc apparently went the way of // Please insert good death analogy
Thus there hasn't been any gaming
leure: leure: leure: leure: leure:
Send out a search party....
current game time circa May '62
The south, I had troops, but managed to mismanage my replacements. Now I have troops dying for moving. Something I didn't realize would happen, most of my experience being against the AI. So let that be a lesson. Make sure you always have 10% replacements, or approximate.
I figured I just wouldn't be able to replace soldiers killed in battle. I figured wrong.
I managed to overspend on replacements at the beginning. I feel I would have been much better off spending more on militia and cavalry and then all of the replacements I purchased at the beginning.
Other advise, make use of purchasing and creating cavalry corps/divisions early. Something against my style of play somewhat, but they are quite affective and cheap. A decent sized, fast moving force is better than a large force. Can't attack what they can't catch.
Ditch supply carts when not in winter, move them with a linger smaller force (so as not to be easibly siezed by pesky cavalry or divisions)
Alas PT and Jackson are headed towards to the coast to take care of some trouble ... the outcome???????
His pc apparently went the way of // Please insert good death analogy
Thus there hasn't been any gaming
leure: leure: leure: leure: leure:
Send out a search party....
current game time circa May '62
The south, I had troops, but managed to mismanage my replacements. Now I have troops dying for moving. Something I didn't realize would happen, most of my experience being against the AI. So let that be a lesson. Make sure you always have 10% replacements, or approximate.
I figured I just wouldn't be able to replace soldiers killed in battle. I figured wrong.
I managed to overspend on replacements at the beginning. I feel I would have been much better off spending more on militia and cavalry and then all of the replacements I purchased at the beginning.
Other advise, make use of purchasing and creating cavalry corps/divisions early. Something against my style of play somewhat, but they are quite affective and cheap. A decent sized, fast moving force is better than a large force. Can't attack what they can't catch.
Ditch supply carts when not in winter, move them with a linger smaller force (so as not to be easibly siezed by pesky cavalry or divisions)
Alas PT and Jackson are headed towards to the coast to take care of some trouble ... the outcome???????
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