The Anaconda Plan

[d714]

General Order #1 – The “Anaconda Strategy” will be the priority – to strangle confederacy economy without inflicting heavy casualties to either side. Full naval blockade combined with tactical amphibious operations to conquer key ports and manufacturing centers (Charleston and New Orleans). Conquer Mississippi River provinces in order to cut confederacy in half. Defensive strategy in east.

House rules– Play under June 1861 “The Coming Fury” historical scenario with all the Union production and manpower benefits. Level is at “2nd lieutenant”, power is at confederate +2. Confederate disadvantage in production to be overcome by these historical what-ifs:
1.) The DC province will be required to hold a defensive force of not less than 75,000 at all times (build up to this level by Nov 1861), they will not be allowed to leave the DC area but they can be called as reinforcements to adjacent provinces (return to DC area during next turn).
2.) Kentucky will be encouraged to join the confederacy.
3.) I will align western commands into two departments by the end of 1861. One will be used for offensive operations and sieges down the Mississippi river, the other will operate in the Ohio valley as a defensive and flanking force with roughly 50% of the force of the main offensive force to the west. To simulate the political military infighting of the time the two forces will operate independently of each other – they will not venture across the boundary of the Tn river or the Alabama state line, nor will they contribute brigades to each other, nor will they be called as reinforcements, if available, during detailed combat.
These rules will be in effect until the Anaconda plan has succeeded or until I get 12 negative victory points, at which point the union will unleash the full dogs of war.

I intend to write this AAR as a narrative in the manner of Shelby Foote from the union perspective. So will the unbalanced scenario allow the union to plow over the confederates? Will my house rules totally devastate the union ability to make strategic moves in the west and east? Will my amphibious invasion collapse into desertion and surrender due to lack of supplies?

[d714]

JUNE 1861 - Union VP 0, Conf VP 0

June of 1861 finds the Union calling to arms, with various brigades and divisions spread out on a 1,000 mile front between Missouri to Virginia. Some coherent divisions are in place along with a ragtag mix of unattached green volunteers. McDowell however has moved his force of 36,000 across the Potomac for the first offensive of the war and what is expected to be a quick victory and end to the war.

At this time Lincoln has decided to adopt “The Anaconda plan” for an economic capitulation of the south. As he studies the current situation with his war staff, he decides a direct assault into Virginia does not fit into the new overall strategy, he recalls McDowell to the defense of Washington. But as McDowell crosses into the sacred soil of Virginia, will it be in time?
Meanwhile the navy has ordered production of a new fleet and ships, such as to commence the union blockade of the south, and the army will order up some corps and divisions in order to get these unattached brigades into an effective fighting force. For the 3 fleets currently in operation, an immediate blockade is ordered for Norfolk, the Neuse River, and Mobile.

[d714]

JUNE 1861 cont.

Before McDowell can turn his forces about, his scouts note Robert E. Lee’s confederate “Army of the Potomac” force of 22,000 in his immediate front. The temptation is too great to tackle a force of inferior numbers. McDowell heads southwest to meet this foe and arranges his forces in a V formation as Lee’s forces come in view. Thinking he has good ground, with a strong center position on Hooper Ridge and forces on each side ready to flank, he sits and waits. Lee however has no intention of falling into his trap, sending his rebels to deliver one devastating volley into McDowell’s left flank before shifting behind the cover of forest to McDowell’s weaker right flank.

[d714]

JUNE 1861 cont.

It is McDowell that is now forced to react, leaving his defensive ridge position and moving his left flank to enfilade Lee. If the 1st Division on the right can only hold, he can still trap Lee. At first it appears it may work, McDowell has some brigades equipped with Springfield rifles, and his center forces that came off the ridge engage Lee with deadly long range enfilade fire, forcing one division to route. However, the bulk of McDowell’s forces on the left cannot reach in time, Lee leaving one “sacrifice” brigade behind to hold off 2 divisions of eager yet inexperienced troops. McDowell watches his right collapse, and his remaining forces soon rout as Lee turns about to meet the Union army on his right.
McDowell’s troops run back to the safety of the Potomac, 5,720 troops less. Lee’s casualties are 3,933.

[d714]

LATE JULY 1861, Union VC -3, Conf VC +3

Late July finds some initial reorganization: General Lyon, fearing a confederate Army of unknown strength in southern Missouri, retreats his “SW expedition” division to Jefferson and to the protection of the lower Missouri river. He arrives, albeit with a force weakened by disease. Fremont “The Pathfinder” assumes command of the Army of the West, bringing his force down to the Ohio River into neutral Kentucky. Lincoln wires him suggesting caution in any occupation of Kentucky, lest the state join the confederacy out of desperation. In turn, Pope intends to cautiously enter eastern Kentucky, while desperately requesting of the war department to turn his division to corps strength to integrate the 8 unattached brigades adjacent to his division of Indiana volunteers.

McDowell, shamed at the defeat of his forces in Fredericksburg, is removed from his army and transferred to a somewhat smaller Department of Ohio in Gadsen, numbering 12,000 in strength. McClellan takes his place, with the majority of the forces in Norfolk moved to Washington. There, it is McClellan’s intention to both adequately train and arm these green troops before they are brought south of the Potomac again. Of course, Lincoln’s intention is to keep these forces in place in defense of the Capital until such times the Confederate Army, weakened by the Anaconda plan, is on the verge of defeat. One division is left in Annapolis, with Burnsides in command, and a division of 22,000 strong is left in Western Maryland, with Butler in command.

[d714]

LATE JULY cont.

With the Army reorganization underway, the Union picks up its production pace. The first battle and initial movements show where the Union is weakest, and the latest economy reports show where the union is strongest. Hospitals are ordered, siege weapons are ordered, armaments are ordered, camps are ordered to reinforce brigades depleted by bullets and disease, the war department begins to organize corps and divisions. Lincoln request mustered troops, believing volunteer forces raised by the state will, at this point, will be adequate to fight the war effort.

[jkBluesman]

You seem to use the advanced rules. Do you play general's historical or random stats?

[d714]

jkBluesman I am using advanced default rules, except for historical general stats and some power and level modifiers as noted in the first post.
This should be an interesting AAR because I have never played the historical scenario, I am purposely attempting some strategic decisions that are probably not the best choice, at least in this early point of the war, but could be the best "what if" choice given the complex political situation at the time. I have a feeling the Union will either crash or conquer real quick. I have no idea.
My tactical battles will be all out, I really was outstmarted by the AI (along with the superior confederate morale setting) in that first battle.

[d714]

AUGUST 1861, Union VP -3, Conf VP +3.

Jefferson Davis appears intent on removing the last vestige of Union occupation from sacred southern soil. Fort Pickens in Pensacola is under siege, as is Fort Monroe in the Rappahannock. The men isolated in these forts, with no hope of reinforcement, hold out for now, making the confederates pay a dear price with their 48 pounders. But their fate is sealed. Meanwhile the confederate siege in Virginia leaves a tempting vacuum in western Virginia. Union scouts note no confederate forces between Fredericksburg west to the Appalachians, leaving a door open into the southern heartland. Both Burnside and Butler beg to move into this vacuum, aided by supporting brigades from the Potomac. However, Lincoln, advised by his war department and the ever cautious McClellan, decide to stay put, not wanting to repeat a second offensive disaster.
Meanwhile, what Lincoln fears in Kentucky comes true. Fremont enters neutral Kentucky with 33,000 troops and prepares to starve out Louisville and it's rebellious "sucesh" population. As an abolitionist, he prepares to proclaim instant slave emancipation for the state. It doesn’t help that Pope enters the eastern portion of Kentucky as well with 17,000 blue coats. This decides it - Kentucky votes to leave the union and join the confederacy.

[Drex]

I'm interested in seeing the Anaconda gambit myself. I ususally just go for the full blockade without the amhibious component. Anxious to see how it works out.

[Missouri_Rebel]

Excellent AAR D17. I am really looking forward to seeing the rest of the war detailed as such.

Good Job

Mo Reb

[d714]

SEPTEMBER 1861, Union VP -3, Conf VP +3.

Lincoln, displeased with Fremont, sends a possible replacement under the guise of a second in command. The War Dept recommends the thorough Halleck, who is promoted to three stars, to balance out the impetuous Fremont,. Traveling west with Halleck are two brigadiers who are expected to lead the Army of the West down the Mississippi –Joe Hooker and, somewhat reluctantly appointed due to rumors of his fondness for the drink, a general named U.S. Grant.
In Eastern KY, Pope gets his corps, but not his additional star after his forces fail to move on Lexington as planned. Banks is chosen to lead the newly christened Army of Kentucky.

[d714]

OCTOBER 1861, Union VP -4, Conf VP +4
With little activity since the first Battle of Fredericksburg 4 months ago, the New England papers now talk of the “Phony War”. Lincoln pleads for patience; an additional blockade fleet is assembling in the ports of Boston. What little news there is, is not good news. Fort Monroe falls, Louisville is still under siege by Fremont, and the cotton-hungry European powers have increased their support for the rebellion.
The confederacy have been active however. Union spies report two armies assembling in western TN, one corps arriving by train from the eastern theater of operations after the fall of Fort Monroe. Fremont eyes this nervously. One force led by Longstreet is uncomfortably close to Paducah. Another force in Memphis is said to number 195,000 strong, although these numbers are not confirmed. The leader however is confirmed – an up and coming general said to be merciless in the pursuit of the enemy - T. J. Jackson.

[d714]

NOVEMBER 1861, Union VP -4, Conf VP +4

Louisville finally falls and Lincoln begs Fremont to advance to Cairo before Jackson’s rebel army. At this point Jackson’s intention is unknown, Longstreet has combined his forces with Jackson in Memphis. Will he assume winter camp in Memphis or advance? Lincoln is faced with a dilemma – Fremont, boisterous and arrogant as he is, has proved just as slow and cautious in his attacks and advances as Halleck is said to be. The time for caution has passed, if Jackson advances and sets siege to Cairo it will effectively cut a main union transportation network in half, isolating Lyon's SW Expedition in the west. The Army of the West must move into the central Mississippi river province before winter sets in, but the Army of the West needs a leader who will fight. The decision is made – both Halleck and Fremont are demoted, to be effective upon appointment of a new 4 star general.

Union intelligence reports disturbing information during an early November briefing to Lincoln. In spite of the manpower and production power north of the Mason-Dixon line, the rebel army exceeds the Union in both military manpower currently on hand and weapons qualities. While the European powers are apparently flooding the south through unguarded ports with modern British Enfield rifles, Lincoln is struggling to equip his forces with Mexican War-era Muskets. Lincoln is baffled - the north has surplus of labor, iron, and even horses. Advisors suggest several courses – conscription, building arsenal factories, and shifting resources to financial development (if you can’t make them, buy them)…and time. Lincoln eyes the reports of Jackson’s 20 brigades of well armed southerners gathering in Memphis. Time is luxury he does not have.

[d714]

DECEMBER 1861, Union VP -5, Conf VP +5

Both Fremont and Halleck resign in protest over news of their pending demotions. “The Pathfinder” Fremont intent on continuing his political goals (surely to be an opponent of Lincoln’s in the 1864 election), and “Old Brains” Halleck back to his literary pursuits. In spite of this, or, as some say, because of this, The Army of the West with Grant as the senior commanding general by default, travels west over the Ohio River, past enemy held territory, to it’s goal of Cairo in Central Mississippi. Lincoln is encouraged: “I like this general, he fights”, although it’s been a war of maneuver rather than battle. However, it has not been without casualties. The Army of the West, unable to find shelter from the elements before arriving in Cairo, falls victim to disease. Dysentery and small pox take 2,000 casualties throughout December before even one minnie ball is fired. As Grant arrives the epidemic spreads to Cairo’s garrison troops.

As the year closes to the end, Lincoln ponders his situation. The only blessing is that war casualties have been light. In the east it has been a stalemate – the capital, to his relief, is now strongly defended by 77,000 Union troops who, at the hands of McClellan, are growing in professionalism if not battle experience. Burnside and Butler maintain strong divisions in Maryland as well. One will be targeted for an amphibious invasion into New Orleans in early 1862.
McDowell is ordered to occupy Abington, but not to engage if challenged. The intention, after seeing Longstreet leapfrog from Virginia to Tennessee, is to cut off the railroad path between these two points.
4 fleets are active in blockade now. Yet Confederate runners continue to operate. Shipyards, although awash in materials, just do not have production capacity to build these vessels of war any quicker.
In the west it has been a war of maneuver. Bank’s Army of Kentucky, with little opposition in front of him, has taken Frankfort and, somewhat in competition with Grant, is intent on taking Lexington before the year is complete. The confederate forces under Jackson have, it appears, settled in for the winter in Memphis.

[d714]

JANUARY 1862, Union VP -5, Conf VP +5

As Union troops continue to drill, safe in winter camp, Grant lays out his spring offensive plans to Washington. Grant, nonplussed by the force of superior numbers currently in Memphis, will move to the east of Jackson and draw his forces away from his river fortresses, using Bank’s Army of Kentucky as reinforcements if needed. Meanwhile, Lyon’s 14,000 troops of the SW division will move south, through Missouri, to lay siege to Little Rock and, if all works well, to travel east via the Arkansas River. In conjunction with this, the war department has planned to send an amphibious corps strength invasion into New Orleans. Cairo, still an important key to the Mississippi, will be fortified and garrisoned before Grant heads into rebel territory so as to at least block Jackson temporarily if he decides to, in turn, invade the Union.
The intent is to have Jackson divide his forces. But the plan is not without weaknesses – The SW division with an untested Lyon, will be marching through the wilds of Missouri and Arkansas, across the Ozarks, with a fragile line of supply. The New Orleans invasion will also have a tenuous line of supply by ship across the straights of Florida up to Maryland, and if Jackson chooses to move his forces to face this invasion then the Union beachhead will be driven into the sea.
Finally, the Army of Kentucky, with the political savvy and connected Banks in charge, will certainly not cooperate with Grant. The professional politician Banks has his own priorities and glory for him will not be achieved by being Grant’s reinforcements.
Grant’s Army of the West (at the time, unofficial command since he still does not have his 4 stars) now number 74,000 as mustered brigades from the neighboring states move in, this includes some badly needed artillery and cavalry brigades. Banks, ever the politician, is using his connections in getting his fair share of troops. For every 2 brigades that Grant has, at least 1 brigade is being assigned to the Army of the Kentucky.
As the plans of the Union unfold, another confederate surprise appears to the south of Grant. During the dead of winter Johnston arrives in the theater in corps strength into the very province Grant was planning to invade.

[d714]

FEBRUARY 1862, Union VP -4, Conf VP +5

Again Jackson surprises. His combined forces, outnumbering the sum total of all Union military under arms west of the Appalachians, move into the TN River. Now the Army of the West, the Army of Kentucky, and the Ohio valley are threatened.
Again, the Union Army of the West is stuck down by disease, taking its toll in both manpower and morale. On the surface Grant remains optimistic, in private chambers the turn of events leaves him despondent. He cannot move with Jackson threatening his flank and sources of replacements and supplies. Already, partisans are active behind his lines in southern Illinois, stealing weapons and damaging his supply trains.

[d714]

LATE FEBRUARY 1862, Union VP -4, Conf VP +5

Washington again decides to reshuffle command. McDowell is demoted and, like Halleck and Fremont before him, resigns in protest. Grant is promoted to full general and, at his request, receives his hand picked selection of badly needed brigadier and major Generals from Washington – Hancock and Sherman join his command.
Lyon moves his division west of the Mississippi in accordance with plan and keeping in range to reinforce Grant if needed. Banks occupies Lexington and prepares to move deeper into Kentucky. Apparently moving on his own agenda, he also eyes Jackson nervously.
Other divisions are ordered south to do what they can to divert some of Jackson’s massive army. Rosecrans, now in command of the Army of the Ohio, marches south unopposed to Knoxville, although they are ordered not to engage or siege the city. A division in Maryland moves into the Shenandoah, again unopposed but otherwise ordered not to engage.
The amphibious invasion, to be commanded by John Reynolds, is ordered to immediately launch off to New Orleans. Reynolds, a general eager to get into the fight, agrees. Although he warns Lincoln this will mean leaving his siege artillery behind.

[d714]

MARCH 1862, Union VP -4, Conf VP +5

March finds the union advancing, if not in battle.
Reynolds’s and the 5th fleet float down to the Mississippi bayous and lands his 18,000 troops without incident in early March. However, he finds his way blocked by well fortified earthen works outside of New Orleans manned by 10,000 rough and ready confederate Cajuns, in spite of Washington reports that he will be able to “just walk in” to the Louisiana port city. Reynolds now wishes he had time to bring his siege cannons. He encircles the fortress and settles in for a long siege while the offshore fleet does it’s best to keep Reynolds’s in supply of both bullets and hardtack.
The SW Expedition slowly makes its way to Little Rock. As expected, General Lyon’s deals with both supply problems and desertions as his undisciplined soldiers, some crossing over the land of their Missouri homes and farms, decide to skedaddle.


Bank’s, seeing Nashville as the next star on his political resume, marches into the Cumberland River and prepares for a siege.

[d714]

LATE MARCH 1862, Union VP -4, Conf VP +5

For once, Bank’s Army of Kentucky initiates an advance to Grant’s benefit by moving closer to Jackson’s Army. With Jackson in the middle and Cairo now fortified, Grant decides this is the moment to move to Memphis. Jackson, with the superior force, can strike in any direction, but he will be risking his supply lines as much as Grant will be risking his own. It’s a risky move, but it works. He arrives in Memphis in late March and prepares to set siege to Island #10 – and Jackson falls back south and …disappears. Scouts note his force gone from both Hatchie and the Tennessee River, but where did he go?