AAR: Little Mac's War

[evwalt]

Early February, 1864

As winter finally starts to end, the Union armies in the west go on the offensive. The AoO, currently at Sparta, Tennessee, rails to Nashville then attempts to march to Fort Henry to finally capture that fort. General McClellan leads the AoT south towards Fort Pickering protecting the path to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Further west, General Williams detaches the IV Corps in Memphis to continue construction of fortifications to protect the newly captured city. He then leads the remainder of the AoM to the east to relieve Fort Holmes, currently under siege by the Confederate Department Number Two.

In other news, a new research school is ordered constructed in Brooklyn, New York at the request of the governor. A new barracks is constructed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the request of its governor. As the campaign season begins again, the Union discovers it needs more funds to prosecute the war effort. To that end, a new mint is ordered constructed in Cleveland, Ohio.

The next two weeks sees a great deal of movement around the country. In the east, the Confederate Department of Northern Virginia leaves Richmond and marches into the Shenandoah Valley to attack Fort Victory. Meanwhile, the Army of Central Kentucky marches west, re-entering eastern Kentucky.

In the west, Union sieges begin against Fort Henry and Fort Pickering. In addition, as the AoM approached Fort Holmes the Confederate Department Number Two fled southward back into Mississippi. Further to the east, the Confederate Department Number One marches into the Sparta region of Tennessee trying to cut the rail lines.

[evwalt]

Late February, 1864

As the Confederate Department of Northern Virginia begins its siege of Fort Victory, the AoJ remains on the defensive as planned.

In the west, the AoO receives a new commander, General Buford. General Buford replaces General Hallack, who is dispatched to Harrisburg to command a newly forming army. General Buford’s first command is to break off the siege of Fort Henry and fall back to Bowling Green to protect the rail lines against the Confederate Army of Central Kentucky.

Further west, the AoM pursues the Confederacy’s Department Number Two into Mississippi. The IV Corps marches south from Memphis to secure the Mississippi river lands south of the city.

In other news, the Union requires more troops to staff its newly forming forces. Despite the lack of support from most northern governors, the president orders voluntary musters throughout Massachusetts, Illinois, and New York. A new foundry is ordered constructed in Hartford, Connecticut at the request of its governor.

The next two weeks sees the Department of Northern Virginia storm Fort Victory, accepting nearly 11,000 casualties to quickly overrun the fort. In the west, the Confederate Department Number Two avoids the approaching AoM and marches northeast towards Nashville. Most surprising of all, the Confederate Army of Central Kentucky withdraws from Kentucky and marches south, destination unknown.

[evwalt]

Late March, 1864

The end of March sees little action by the AoJ in the east, outside of the arrival of several newly mustered brigades to strengthen the army.

The west, however, is a flurry of activity. General Buford leaves the 21st Division under General Rosecrans near Bowling Green, Kentucky to construct fortifications to protect the railroad. The remainder of the AoO then marches south to relieve Fort Cobble Hill near Sparta, Tennessee. South of Sparta, General McClellan and the AoT maintain their siege of Fort Pickering. Further west, the IV Corps marches against Little Rock, Arkansas while the rest of the AoM begins construction of fortifications near Oxford, Mississippi.

In other news, a new horse farm is ordered built in Kentucky at the request of the governor. In addition, the overwhelming response to voluntary musters at the beginning of March leads the president to make new calls for voluntary musters across most of the north. Only those areas mustered at the beginning of the month are spared. The only exceptions are in Kansas, where governor-supported impressments occur and in Ohio. The governor of Ohio, William Dennison, is Lincoln’s most vocal opponent, mostly due to the fact that the army has refused to assign an entire corps (!) to the defense of the state.

The next two weeks sees the Confederate forces besieging Fort Cobble Hill in Sparta flee before the advancing AoO, losing over 1000 men to desertion in the process. Hearing news of the AoO advance, General Ewell leads the Confederate Department Number Two back into northern Mississippi, though he does avoid combat with the AoM there. The missing Confederate Army of Central Kentucky reappears, marching into the Appalachia region of Kentucky.

[evwalt]

Early April, 1864

Little occurs in early April in the east, outside of the strengthening of the AoJ. In the west, the AoO again marches north to Bowling Green, seeking to protect the rail line north while the AoT continues its siege of Fort Pickering. Further west, the IV Corps begins its siege of Little Rock while the AoM continues its construction of newly designated Fort Gibson near Oxford, Mississippi. In addition, a newly formed division, the 25th Division is ordered to Memphis. The division is made up of all newly formed brigades and is currently only armed with muskets.

In other news, the War Department has announced the formation of an Ambulance Department to better move sick and wounded troops to the necessary medical care.

During next two weeks, the AoM finally intercepts the Confederate Department Number Two near Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels don’t even try to engage but immediately break-off contact, losing over 1000 troops in the process. In Kentucky, the 66,000 man Confederate Army of Central Kentucky marches upon Bowling Green with the intention to cut the Union armies in Central Tennessee off from supplies. General Buford anticipated the move, marching north with his 82,000 men. The two armies clashed near Bowling Green.

BATTLE OF BOWLING GREEN: General Buford drew up his line with his left resting on a nearby lake and stream. He placed only two divisions and his artillery in-line, keeping the entire I Corps in reserve. West of the lake he placed several brigades of garrison troops which he had pulled from guarding the rail lines.

Even before the Federal troops caught sight of the advancing rebels, the front line of the Union army had entrenched and been provided with full ammunition loads. The Confederates probed all along the line then hit with full force on the Union left, supported by several brigades firing from across the stream.

As the Confederate attack became committed to the Union left, General Buford ordered two divisions from his reserve to strike the rebel’s own left. As the divisions deployed, Union scouts detected a single rebel division marching around the lake, seeking to hit the Union rear. General Buford then committed his last reserve division, the 15th, to stop this attack.

The 15th Division did manage to halt the Confederate flanking maneuver, even as the rebel attack on the Union left stalled. As the attack stalled, General Ewell shifted his assaults further towards the Union center. When the Union right advanced, he was forced to commit his entire reserve to halt its advance. Fighting continued until night fell with the rebel units taking the worst of it.

After nightfall, scattered fighting took place by moonlight, especially on the Confederate left. Eventually, around 2 a.m., the exhausted Union troops halted. Under the cover of the remaining darkness, the Confederate army limbed away, leaving 13,600 casualties on the field. The AoO had suffered only 4000 losses.

[evwalt]

Late April, 1864

The end of April sees little action in the east outside of the arrival of a new division of recently mustered troops to reinforce the AoJ. In the west, the AoO begins construction of fortifications to protect Bowling Green. Further south, the AoT maintains its siege of Fort Pickering. Further west, the AoM continues to strengthen the fortifications protecting Oxford, Mississippi, while the IV Corps continues it siege of Little Rock. In northern Arkansas, the recently raised 25th Division invades the Crowley’s Ridge area of the state.

In other news, a new War College is ordered constructed in New York City. Impressments occur in the Topeka, Kansas region with the support of the governor.

Over the next two weeks, the numerous Confederate forces in northern Alabama unite under command of General Ewell. Ewell then leads Department Number Two northwards against the AoT, trying to relieve Fort Pickering. In addition, the Confederate Army of Central Kentucky marches south, also heading for Fort Pickering.

BATTLE OF FORT PICKERING: General McClellan’s scouts detected the movements of both armies and reacted quickly, marching his army south against the weaker Department Number Two. It was nearly 5:30 p.m. before he approached the rebels. The battle started with a brave, useless charge by an isolated militia unit. Within twenty minutes, nearly 2500 courageous but untrained Confederates were slaughtered. The few survivors quickly surrendered to the Union troops.

With the local militia out of the way, McClellan ordered a general advance with the V Corps on line, followed by the entire II Corps and all the army’s artillery in reserve. The 1st Cavalry Division was deployed on the Union left on the nearby hill of Adams Peak to observe the approaching Confederates.

Needing time for the Army of Central Kentucky to arrive, Confederate General Ewell decided to launch a furious attack on the Union right just before nightfall. He hoped such an attack would slow the Union advance and give time for his reinforcements to arrive. Just before 7 p.m., he launched his assault. The suddenness of his attack did halt the Union advance. McClellan ordered the II Corps up to extend his left, while he led the army’s artillery to support his right. He also ordered the 1st Cavalry Division to move from his left to his right to support that flank.

The rebel attack in the center only slowed the advance for a short time as the Union troops were too numerous. The Confederates had better luck on the Union right, slipping several brigades behind the flank using a nearby ridge to hide their movements. Only the timely arrival of the Union 1st Cavalry Division prevented them from descending into the Union rear.

As night fell, the Confederate attack ground to a halt. Now, however, the Union troops pressed in, not allowing the darkness to provide a rest for the rebels. All throughout the night, the more numerous Federal troops kept up the fight, shattering the Confederate center. Night did bring good news for the Confederacy however, the Army of Central Kentucky had arrived!

With these fresh troops, General Ewell launched an attack on the Union left at dawn, hoping to take the pressure off his center. The Confederates crashed into the Union left. Slowly, they began to push the Federals back and even slipped several brigades around the Union flank. Ewell’s attempts to reinforce his own left failed however, as the Union push through the center had all but isolated that flank.

McClellan was starting to worry. The shear mass of two Confederate armies was starting to wear his troops down. Then in midmorning a thick fog blew up. This fog actually saved the Union army. McClellan’s left was starting to crumble under the weight of the rebel reinforcements. The fog hid this weakness. After an hour of confused combat in the dense fog, the exhausted Confederate army broke and fled the field.

The death toll on both sides had been high. The Confederacy had lost 21,400 killed, wounded or captured. The Union casualties were 14,000. In addition, the Confederacy lost four brigade standards. Even more shocking, the Confederacy lost General Ewell, captured during the chaotic retreat through the fog.

Almost as important as the great Union victory at Fort Pickering, the IV Corps finally captured Little Rock, Arkansas. Immediately, a new pro-Union governor was installed.

[evwalt]

Early May, 1864

The beginning of May sees little action in the east outside of some minor re-organization within the AoJ. The west is yet again a flurry of activity. After hearing of the Battle of Fort Pickering, General Buford orders the AoO to march south from Bowling Green to reinforce the AoT. General McClellan and the AoT maintain their siege of the fort, hoping for the arrival of the AoO before the massed Confederate armies can strike again.

Further west, the AoM advances into the Yazoo region of Mississippi to capture the rail lines there. The army is destined to receive several reinforcements, including a newly raised Indian Cavalry brigade and the 25th Division.

After the capture of Little Rock, the far west theater was opened once again. The IV Corps was permanently detached from the AoM. A new army formation was planned for the region based around the army staff under the command of General Hallack. As the corps awaited the general’s arrival, it split into several division-sized columns and marched into the surrounding area to secure the countryside around Arkansas capitol.

In other news, the strain of maintaining several offensives is draining Union coffers. To that end, two new mints are ordered constructed in Louisville, Kentucky and one in Lexington, Kentucky and yet another in Columbus, Ohio. In addition, the Navy Department announces the opening of a Naval College at Annapolis to better improve ship’s officers.

The next two weeks sees an unexpected advance by the Confederacy against the rail lines in Sparta, Tennessee. The Confederacy’s Department Number Two’s 16,000 men have the misfortune to meet the AoO’s 85,000 men marching south to reinforce the AoT.

BATTLE OF SPARTA: When General Buford was informed of the Confederate’s advance towards Sparta, he drew up his army to protect the town. In his front he placed the two divisions not yet organized into a corps, the 18th and 21st. Each of their brigades were broken down into demi-brigades, entrenched and fully re-supplied. Each division had two demi-brigades in reserve. General Buford also refused his left, entrenching his troops at a right angle from his main line. Behind the main line in reserve lay the entire I Corps, which he planned to commit on his right when the rebel attack began.

The Confederacy launched no assaults on the first day, content to await the arrival of reinforcements from the Army of Central Kentucky marching north from Chattanooga, Tennessee. As the sun rose the next morning, the battlefield was shrouded in a thick fog. The fog helped cover the approach of the Confederate troops.

General McLaws, commander of the Confederate armies, launched a strong assault at the junction of the Union center and left. In addition, his cavalry probed the far end of the Union right, looking to slip around the flank. The cavalry found the end of the Union line and sent word to General McLaws. He immediately ordered an assault on that position, hoping to roll up the Union line.

As the Confederate assault grew all along the Union lines, the main Rebel attack went in against the Union right under the cover of the fog. Unfortunately for the Confederacy, the fog had also hidden the deployment of the Union I Corps, now marching to strengthen the right. The two joined together in a swirling melee. As the fog burned off midmorning, it became clear that the Confederate assault would fail. General McLaws ordered it halted and withdrew his troops southwards towards Chattanooga.

Confederate losses numbered 5700 men as well as two brigade standards and General Armstead captured in the pursuit. Union losses were 2200.

[evwalt]

Late May, 1864

The end of May sees the Union consolidation of its gains. In the east, the AoJ remains motionless at Washington. In the west, outside of the AoT and its siege of Fort Pickering, the armies remain motionless, content to rest and refit. Further west, the AoM begins construction of fortifications to protect the rail lines near Yazoo, Mississippi. In the far west, the various division columns continue to try to secure the hinterland of Arkansas while waiting for the arrival of the new army commander, General Hallack, and his staff.

In other news, the War Department announces the development of more efficient Artillery Discipline.

Over the next two weeks, things go as planned for the Union. Both Confederate armies remain motionless at Richmond, Virginia and Chattanooga, Tennessee respectively.

[evwalt]

Early June, 1864

The beginning of summer sees the Union armies in much the same position they were last month. In the east, the AoJ remains motionless. In the west, the AoO is content to rest, refit and protect the rail lines near Sparta, Tennessee. South of Sparta, the AoT increases pressure on the defenders of Fort Pickering, looking to end the four month long siege. Further southwest, the AoM continues construction of Fort Scott in Yazoo, Mississippi. In the far west, General Hallack and his army staff arrives at Little Rock, Arkansas. His first order is for the division columns securing the Arkansas countryside to continue their work and then return to Little Rock.

In other news, an Arsenal is built in Providence, Rhode Island at the request of the state’s governor. A new university <GAME NOTE: A School> is ordered constructed in Indianapolis, Indiana at the request of that governor.

The next two weeks sees a new offensive by the Confederacy. The Army of Central Kentucky’s 69,000 men march northwards yet again trying to cut the rail lines around Sparta, Tennessee. They are met by the well-rested and reinforced AoO, now numbering 94,000 men.

BATTLE OF BOWEN’S HILL: The Army of Central Kentucky was intercepted in the mountains north of Chattanooga by the AoO. General Buford placed his army across the pass the Rebels were using to march north. The Union center rested in a strong position on Bowen’s Hill. The Union left was secured by tying it into impassible mountains. The Union right was also protected by mountains, though a small pass cut through these mountains. This pass was protected by a detachment of Union infantry.

Confederate General McLaws had no choice but to try to push his way through the Union army by shear force. His men, while brave, had no chance. As they advanced against the well-rested, entrenched Federal troops, the Confederates were brought under a horrible fire. Taking massive losses, the brave men in gray tried to scale the hill in the face of the fire.

Though in several places the Confederates were able to close with the Union troops and deal their own damage in return, it was not enough to break their enemies. Even the attempt by the Confederacy to turn the Union position by using the pass on the Union right failed. As night fell, the Confederate troops withdrew from the field, leaving 13,200 casualties on the field. They had caused 10,200 Union casualties.

Even as news of the Confederate defeat ay Bowen’s Hill reached General McClellan and the AoT, the commander of Fort Pickering surrendered, opening the way to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

[evwalt]

Late June, 1864

Late June again sees no movement in the east. In the west, with Fort Pickering captured, General McClellan feels confident enough to order the AoO to leave its position protecting Sparta, Tennessee and march to the west to try to finally capture Fort Henry. Meanwhile, McClellan orders the construction of fortifications to protect the rail lines between Nashville and Chattanooga. Further west, the AoM marches on Jackson, Mississippi. In the far west, General Hallack’s divisional columns are starting to return to Little Rock. He expects his army to be operational shortly.

In other news, Impressments take place in Kansas and New Hampshire with the support of both governors. Due to a money shortage, no other construction is undertaken.

The next two weeks went smoothly again for the Union as all movements went as planned. In addition, General Hallack’s army is officially constituted in Little Rock, being designated the Army of the Red River (AoR).

<GAME NOTE: RECAP OF FIRST HALF OF 1864

The first half of 1864 has seen the beginning of the end of the Confederacy. The east is stalemated with the Union not having the force to meet the Department of Northern Virginia in open combat and the Confederacy not having the force to overwhelm the northern defenses in either Annapolis or Washington.

In the west, almost continuous combat is taking place in central Tennessee. Almost none of it matters to the survival of the Confederacy. While the Confederate attacks have slowed Union advances in this area, it requires the use of all available southern forces. Meanwhile, along the Mississippi, the Union advances towards New Orleans with nothing to stop them but garrisons.

At this point in the game:
Union VP- (+17), National Will- (+12)
Confederacy VP- (-9), National Will- (-7)>

[evwalt]

Early July, 1864

Independence Day, 1864 sees the beginning of several important sieges by the Union. In northwest Tennessee, the AoO begins an aggressive siege of Fort Henry, trying to finally capture this fort and open the direct rail lines between Nashville and Memphis. Further south, the AoM begins its siege of the capitol of Mississippi, Jackson. The AoT remains motionless near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, strengthening the defenses of the recently constructed Fort Jefferson. In the far west, General Hallack attempts to unite the remainder of his AoR in preparation of an advance south against the fortifications protecting the lower Mississippi.

In other news, Impressments again take place in Kansas and New Hampshire.

The next two weeks sees the AoO launch a massive attack on Fort Henry. Nearly 11,000 Union troops fall over the next two weeks but the pesky fort that has stymied the Union for years finally falls. In Mississippi, the AoM accepts 5,000 casualties to rapidly seize the capitol of Mississippi, Jackson. The Confederacy does not stay idle as the Army of Central Kentucky marches north to yet again try to cut the rail lines into Nashville. If they are successful, they hope to force a retreat by the Union northward and away from Chattanooga.

[evwalt]

Late July, 1864

Late July sees the east continue its stalemate with the AoJ remaining motionless at Washington.

In the west, the AoT is on the move, marching on Chattanooga, Tennessee. McClellan has decided to ignore the advance of the Confederate Army of Central Kentucky against the rail lines at Sparta, Tennessee because the fall of Fort Henry has opened up a new supply route to the west.

Further west, the AoM advances on Pearl, Mississippi while the AoR advances on Fort Garrott with gunboat support. In addition, as the weakest army group, the AoR is given first priority for individual replacements.

The next two weeks sees all Confederate mobile forces in the west rendezvous at Fort Cobble Hill near Sparta, Tennessee. There, the Confederates launch an Aggressive Attack against the fortress, losing 12,300 in the process. The vicious assault causes massive casualties among the defenders and it is expected that the fort will fall within the next few days.

The Confederate concentration in Sparta, Tennessee allows the AoT to advance without incident on Chattanooga, Tennessee. Elsewhere around the south, both the AoR and AoM advance against no resistance.

[evwalt]

Early August, 1864

The beginning of August sees several important sieges begin. First, at Chattanooga, Tennessee, the AoT begins its siege against the Confederate city. To the southwest on the Mississippi, the AoR begins its siege of Fort Garrott.

In other action, the AoO, having secured the western rail lines out of Nashville, Tennessee, moves to engage the mustered Confederate armies outside Sparta, Tennessee. To the far south, the AoM marches on Fort Pike in Louisiana. Only one another fortress lies between the AoM and New Orleans.

In other news, a new replacement camp is ordered constructed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A new Academy is also built in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the request of its governor. In addition, the War Department announces a policy of Extended Service for all military personnel. The end result is an increase in the assigned strength of all brigades.

The next two weeks sees McClellan and the AoT rapidly overrun the defenders of Chattanooga, Tennessee, capturing the city. The Confederacy has its own success, however, finally managing to capture Fort Cobble Hill near Sparta, Tennessee. Before the 78,500 Confederates can move against the rail lines, they are confronted by the 71,200 men of the AoO.

BATTLE OF BREY HILL: To the southeast of Sparta, Tennessee lies a series of hills, the largest of which is Brey Hill. It is around this series of hills that the AoO draws up its battle lines, maintaining the entire I Corps in reserve. In addition, General Buford sends word to General McClellan of the approach of the Confederate army. Acting quickly, McClellan pulls his troops out of the recently captured Chattanooga and turns them northward, marching to reinforce the AoO.

General McClaws finds the AoO drawn up in its battle lines around 4 p.m. After launching some probing attacks, he orders a massive assault on the Union center. With the Union troops distracted, he orders an entire corps to march around the Union right, screened from sight by a series of hills. General Williams easily deals with the assault in the center. He is so confident of success, he orders the I Corps to strike the Confederate right. The blow will be slow, due to the existence of a stream that must be crossed by the advancing Federal troops, but when it falls it should overwhelm the Confederate right.

Around 6:30 p.m., the Union left reaches the stream and prepares to cross in spite of the arrival of several Confederate brigades to halt their crossing. At that moment, General Buford discovers the advance of the Confederate left. He immediately throws the reserves he has left to slow their advance, but the rebels slowly grind forward. The Union left’s advance is floundering in the face of rebel opposition, having a harder than expected time fording the stream in force. Only nightfall saves the AoO from a massive defeat.

Both sides settle in for a night of skirmishing. As dawn breaks the next morning, the troops of the Confederate left rise and prepare to resume their advance. To their surprise, they find their way blocked by the massed forces of the AoT!

Immediately, General McClellan orders an advance. The Confederate left is rapidly flanked itself and is soon forced to retreat. When the Confederate left breaks, the rest of the army rapidly follows, falling back to Knoxville. They leave on the battlefield 14,300 casualties the south could ill afford. Union losses were 8000.

The Battle of Brey Hill is not the only success of the Union. Fort Garrott in Mississippi falls to the Union, its garrison of 5000 men being overrun for a cost of 2300 Union troops. To the southeast of the AoR, the AoM finds itself unable to advance of Fort Pike because of problems securing the rail lines from rebels stirred up from the local Unrest.

[evwalt]

Late August, 1864

The end of August sees more movement in the west. Fresh from its victory at Brey Hill, General McClellan orders the AoT to advance yet again of Chattanooga, Tennessee. On the Mississippi, the AoR begins its siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Just to the east of the AoR, the AoM seeks yet again to advance against Fort Pike in spite of the local Unrest. At Sparta, Tennessee, the AoO seeks to rest and refit. At the same time, the army begins construction on new fortifications to protect the railroad.

Over the next two weeks, the AoR begins its siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The army will lose nearly 5000 men over the next two weeks but make great progress towards seizing the fortified city. Vicksburg should not survive another fortnight.

To the southeast, General Williams finally gets the AoM moving towards Fort Pike. Soon, his advance guard has reached the fortress and begun its encirclement.

The next two weeks sees yet another clash in the east as the Confederate Army of Central Kentucky’s 77,600 men march to Chattanooga to prevent its capture by the AoT 80,700 men.

BATTLE OF POWDER SPRINGS: Near the small town of Powder Springs, the Confederate Army of Central Kentucky draws up its battle line to prevent the advance of the AoT. Elements of McClellan’s 1st Cavalry Division spot the Confederate position around midday. After General McClellan examines the position personally, he immediately orders the AoO and its 65,000 to advance in support.

The rest of the first day is spent at rest, as McClellan is content to await his reinforcements. As the brigades of the AoO arrive, each is directed to division muster areas and is given a chance to re-supply. The next morning, the mass of the AoO moved up to extend the Union left. By mid-morning, the entire Union army advances in mass.

The center of the Confederate position is centered around Brook’s Hill near the town of Powder Springs. The actual clash of the armies is relatively short, lasting only three hours. Almost immediately, the Union left, led by the troops of the AoO, outflank the Confederate right and begin rolling up the entire Confederate army. With the brigades of the AoT pressing in a general attack along the line, few rebel troops can be spared to slow the advance.

An entire Union division, the 21st, advances against the town of Powder Springs. Held only by a single brigade of local militia, this Union Objective falls within an hour. With its capture, the Confederate army breaks and flees the field, leaving 15,000 casualties on the field. Union losses numbered 9200. With the retreat of the Confederate army, McClellan secures the area around Chattanooga, Tennessee. The stress of almost continuous marching and fighting finally catches up to both Union armies and both are struck by a vicious disease that carries away several thousand Union boys.

[Joram]

Real life does that sometimes.&nbsp; Keep it up, interesting read.

[evwalt]

Early September, 1864

The beginning of fall sees the Union strengthen its hold on Chattanooga, Tennessee as the AoT begins to rebuild the fortifications of the city. The AoO, fresh from assisting the AoT, turns and marches north to protect the rail lines in Sparta, Tennessee.

To the southwest, the AoR continues its siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi. To the east, the AoM begins its own siege of Fort Pike.

As it had for the last two months, the AoJ remains motionless at Washington.

In other news, the War Department announced a standardized Signal System for use by all brigades.

BATTLE OF EDWARD PASS: During its march northwards towards Sparta, the 69,000 men of the AoO camped in the mountains near Edward Pass. They are rudely awakened the next morning by the 62,100 Confederate troops of the Army of Central Kentucky!

Confederate General McLaws had developed a daring plan to sweep aside the AoO and descend upon the rear of the AoT, driving it from Chattanooga. His surprise attack against the AoO was initially successful. Sweeping uphill and into Edward Pass, the Confederates overran nearly a third of the AoO supply wagons as well as several infantry brigades.

Immediately, General Buford rallied his men. Quickly forming a line, the Union troops halted the rebel advance near the crest of the pass. Once the initial rebel charge was stopped, General Buford dispatched the 21st Division to the north. There, a small mountain stream discovered by his scouts the night before cut through the mountains, forming a very small pathway around the mountains and into the Confederate rear.

As the two main armies smashed each other at close range at Edward Pass, the 21st Division marched along the stream, climbing up, then back down the small path, one brigade at a time. After the last emerged, the division formed line, hidden from the rebels’ view by the mountains. At mid-morning, the 21st was finally ready, whereupon it advanced around the mountains and into the Confederate rear.

By blind luck, at nearly the same time as the 21st began its advance, two Confederate brigades on the northern part of the pass broke and fled the field in the face of the harsh Union fire. General Buford exploited the hole by throwing several brigades from various divisions (both armies now lacking any type of organization in the slugfest at the pass) into the breach.

As General McLaws led forces toward the northern part of the pass to throw the Union troops back, he discovered with surprise the 21st Division descending on his rear. Immediately, he ordered several brigades forward against the 21st, seeking to slow their advance. Though brave, the rebel brigades from various divisions had problems organizing a line due to their command confusion. The 21st had no such problems and quickly overwhelmed the uncoordinated rebel brigades.

The Confederate army was now in danger of being destroyed. General McLaws quickly called upon two of his best generals to save his army. General Joe Johnson was given a brigade and told to delay the 21st Division, while General Jeb Stuart was given another brigade and told to hold the pass against the main Union army. General McLaws then ordered a wholesale retreat.

Both Confederate generals performed brilliantly. In the face of their furious resistance, both Union advances slowed, allowing the main body of the Confederate army to retreat. Though both generals and most of their troops were eventually captured, their actions allowed the Army of Central Kentucky to escape.

Tactically, the battle was essentially a draw. Though the Union held the field, the AoO had lost over 15,000 men. The Confederacy lost nearly 14,000 as well as Generals Johnson and Stuart captured. Strategically, it was another defeat for the Confederacy. General McLaws’ grand plan to drive the AoT away from Chattanooga had failed.

The loss at Edward Pass was not the only bad news for the Confederacy. On the same day as the battle, Vicksburg surrendered to the AoR.

[evwalt]

Late September, 1864

The end of September sees no movement in the east, the AoJ content to remain a threat against Richmond to hold the Confederate Department of Northern Virginia in the area.

In the west, the exhausted AoO settles into camp near Sparta, Tennessee to rest and refit. The AoT remains near Chattanooga, Tennessee. To the far south, the AoR begins its siege of Natchez, Mississippi while the AoM continues its siege of Fort Pike in Louisiana.

The next two weeks sees the fall of Fort Pike in Louisiana. Along the Mississippi, the unfortified city of Natchez, Mississippi puts up a stiff resistance, causing nearly 9000 Union casualties for the loss of 3000 Confederate defenders. Despite heavy Union losses, it is expected that the city will fall in the next two weeks.

In a surprise advance, General McLaws leads the Confederate Army of Central Kentucky against Bowling Green, Kentucky. This advance sets off panic throughout Northern Kentucky and southern Ohio as many of the garrisons of the regions had been stripped to support the advance of the AoR and AoM.

<GAME NOTE: RECAP OF THIRD QUARTER OF 1864

The third quarter of 1864 ends with a surprise. The Confederate advance into Bowling Green threatens Frankfort and Louisville, Kentucky because I had stripped the garrisons to support the drive down the Mississippi. I guess next turn will see if this was a mistake.

At this point in the game:
Union VP- (+18), National Will- (+13)
Confederacy VP- (-10), National Will- (-10)>

[evwalt]

Early October, 1864

The advance of the Confederate Army of Central Kentucky against Bowling Green, Kentucky provokes a response from both the AoO and AoT. The AoO immediately marches north, seeking to engage the Confederate army before it can advance into northern Kentucky. The AoT begins its own advance against the Confederate base of operations, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Along the Mississippi, the AoR continues its siege of Natchez, Mississippi. The AoM finally sees the end of its long journey as it approaches New Orleans at the mouth of the Mississippi. Only one other fort lies between the AoM and the city.

In other news, the Union is yet again experiencing a money shortage. To alleviate this shortfall (as well as begin the re-integration of the previous Confederate states into the Union), four new mints are ordered constructed in Jackson, Mississippi. In addition, the sudden advance of the Confederate armies into southern Kentucky leads to emergency voluntary musters throughout southern Ohio and northern Kentucky.

The next two weeks sees Natchez, Mississippi fall, the siege destroying much of the city in the process. The entire state of Mississippi has been devastated by the advance of the Union armies, a fact not lost upon the terrified residents of Louisiana who now face the wrath of two Union armies.

Further north, General McLaws prepares to lead the Confederate Army of Central Kentucky further into the state with plans to drive northward to the border of Ohio. General McLaws knows the military situation is dire for the Confederacy. He hopes a successful offensive that threatens Kentucky and Ohio will turn the tide on the political front, causing frightened westerners to throw their support to Lincoln’s rival; the Republican-turned-Democrat Ohio Governor William Dennison, now campaigning hard to win the 1864 election only three weeks away. <GAME NOTE: This is the only governor who is actively opposing me, all because I won’t station a corps of troops in Ohio when the war is nowhere near there!>

Unfortunately for General McLaws, his lack of cavalry prevented him from maintaining a proper screen to cover the AoO. As a result, his 63,400-man army is caught only a few hours march from Bowling Green by the hard-marching AoO and its 66,700 troops.

SECOND BATTLE OF BOWLING GREEN: As General Buford led his army against the rebels, he realized he had no time for fancy maneuvers. The Army of Central Kentucky must, at all cost, be prevented at marching north against defenseless northern Kentucky and southern Ohio. To that end, he formed up his troops as they came up and threw them against the rebels.

Here, the experience of the Union troops paid off against Confederate ranks filled with green replacements, the results of a year’s continuous battles. With a ferocity not seen by these inexperienced men, individual Union brigades are thrown against the Confederate forces in a haphazard manner, charging against the rebel line and throwing it into disorder. Slowly, the rebels gain the upper hand, surrounding nearly a division’s worth of Union troops on three sides and pounding their formations apart with heavy fire.

General McLaws is starting to have hope of crushing the Union are when word arrives from both his right and left flank. The Union charge was a ruse! Only a division’s worth of demi-brigades were in the Union center, being destroyed by nearly the entire Confederate army. Their blood had bought valuable time for General Buford; time he had used to organize the arriving troops and launch attacks on each rebel flank.

Immediately, General McLaws ordered a retreat before the Union flanks surrounded his entire army. His forces managed to escape the trap, losing 11,400 men in the process. Union losses, concentrated in the lone division that had attacked the Confederate center, were 7500.

[evwalt]

I just realized I never finished this AAR. The end to follow.

[evwalt]

Late October, 1864

The defeat of the Army of Central Kentucky at the Second Battle of Bowling Green was devastating to the Confederacy. General McLaws immediately turned his forces back to the south, retreating towards his Knoxville base. Every step of the way, his army was harassed by small sections of Union cavalry. These units proved too small to prevent his retreat, though they did slow its progress.

For days, the Confederates slowly marched through the lowlands of Kentucky, finally arriving at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. There, the exhausted army paused to rest. The pause lasted only a single day until the lead elements of the pursuing AoO forced the army to retreat further south into the pass leading towards Knoxville. General McLaws had a vague notion of retreating into the narrow pass and making a stand somewhere along it, where the high mountains would prevent his smaller army from being outflanked.

The Army of Central Kentucky was nearly half down the pass when shocking news reached General McLaws. General McClellan had not remained at Chattanooga as McLaws had expected but instead was marching with the entire AoT on Knoxville. Suddenly, the pass which had represented safety was transformed into a trap. General McLaws ordered the army to force march, hoping to beat the AoT to Knoxville.

It was not to be. Arriving at the end of the pass, a horrified General McLaws found the entire AoT entrenched blocking exit from the valley. Knowing that his smaller army had no chance to breach the defenses, a desperate General McLaws ordered a retreat up the pass, hoping to exit before the main body of the AoO arrived at the other end and trapped his entire army.

It took two days of exhausting marching for the Army of Central Kentucky to reach the northern entrance to the pass. There, General McLaws found elements of the AoO trying to block the exit. Without pausing to rest his exhausted army, General McLaws ordered an attack.

BATTLE OF HEARTBREAK PASS: The 52,000 man Army of Central Kentucky had only one option, a frontal assault against the AoO elements on the field. Forming up his divisions on-line, General McLaws ordered an advance. His forces easily pushed back the northern skirmishers, reaching the base of Tail Ridge. Beyond the slight rise lay the decent out of the Appalachian Mountains and the safety of open ground. Standing between Confederates and open ground stood elements of the AoO, rapidly entrenching on the near side of the ridge.

The massed Confederate brigades surged to the rise, only to be met with devastating fire from the Federal troops. Confederate counter-fire had limited effect due to the entrenchment of the Union forces. On first the right flank, then the left, the Confederate advance slowed then halted. But in the center, where the largest concentration of the most experienced brigades still remaining in the army were clustered, the rebels pushed forward, eventually breeching the Union lines.

General McLaws personally led his small reserves in support and with a final effort, the charge pushed to the ridgeline itself and General McLaws saw the road to freedom lying below him. His elation lasted only a moment. From his position at the top of Tail Ridge, General McLaws could see the arrival of more troops of the AoO. Even as he watched, he saw a Union division rapidly move from column to line formation and march forward to halt the Confederate advance. Other Union brigades moved up on both the right and left flank of the breech, rapidly bringing the advancing Confederates under fire from three directions.

Not even the best troops of the Army of Central Kentucky could stand such fire for long. The advance slowed, halted and then fell back under the withering pounding, carrying a dispirited General McLaws with it. By nightfall, the Army of Central Kentucky was back at its starting position, having lost nearly 10,000 men. Hoping for a miracle, General McLaws ordered his troops south, praying that General McClellan had marched on the Knoxville and left the southern exit to the pass open.

It was not to be. After nearly a week of exhausting marching and fighting, the Army of Central Kentucky arrived at the southern end of the pass to find the stationary Army of Tennessee baring its escape. As elements of the AoO advanced on his rear, General McLaws called a staff meeting to ask for suggestions. Many officers suggested that the army be disbanded, that the men be ordered to take to the hills and escape, to harass and fight the Union as best they could.

General McLaws refused, stating “such orders would place men out of control of their officers. Each would go their own way and fight as best they could. Such a war would also bring Federal troops to many parts of our country they would have no cause to visit. And I am too old, gentlemen, to live such a life. We have placed our fate in Divine Providence and been found wanting. I will accept such a fate as our victors will determine.”

In the light of General McLaws refusal, talk of continuing the war in the west through guerilla action ceased. The next morning, fighting between the Army of Central Kentucky and the Army of Tennessee ended. Later in the day, General McLaws surrendered to General McClellan.

Further south, both the AoM and AoR arrive at the Mississippi-Louisiana border. The AoM immediately marches towards New Orleans, its way bared only by a small rebel fort. The AoR marches towards Baton Rouge, capitol of the state. The city, indeed all of Louisiana, is in a state of panic at the Federals’ approach. Everyone has seen the devastation inflected on Mississippi and most Louisianans want desperately to avoid it.

To that end, the Louisiana governor, Thomas Moore, sends a delegation to General Hallack to seek terms for the surrender of the city. General Hallack refuses to negotiate. In desperation, Governor Moore offers the surrender of all Louisiana forces, not only throughout the state but across the Confederacy. A stunned General Hallack agrees. Within days, Union troops enter Baton Rouge and New Orleans, accepting the surrender of the Confederate forces (all Louisiana brigades) in the state.

[evwalt]

Early November 1864

A stunned General Cocke, commanding general of the Department of Northern Virginia, and President Jefferson Davis, receive word of the surrender of Governor Moore and all Louisiana forces. There were few Louisiana regiments in Virginia, but their commanders felt compelled to follow the surrender order. Only personal intervention of President Davis and General Cocke delayed the troops’ departure home. The northern elections were only days away and both held out hope that an exhausted north would remove Lincoln and replace him with Ohio Governor William Dennison.

Two days before the election, word reached the east from an isolated pass in eastern Tennessee. General McLaws and the Army of Central Kentucky had surrendered to General McClellan and the Army of the Tennessee. Jubilant voters in the North swept Lincoln to a landslide victory, even handing Governor Dennison’s home state of Ohio to the Republican.

A week later, and the Department of Northern Virginia had lost nearly half its strength. The Louisiana regiments left in mass, while desertion drained the rest. Seeing no other option, Confederate General Cocke and President Davis journeyed north under a flag of truce to Washington, D.C.

Ushered through the growing throngs of onlookers outside the White House, the two men were greeted at the entrance by President Lincoln and the newly promoted five star General-of-the-Armies, George McClellan. As they walked up the steps, both were warmly greeted by their counterparts. Before disappearing into the White House, President Lincoln turned to the onlookers and said, “we welcome our fellow countrymen home. Our long civil war is over!”

<GAME NOTE: The game ended at the end of late October, 1864 with a Union victory!
Union VP- (+20), National Will- (+10)
Confederacy VP- (-10), National Will- (-10)

The turning point in the game turned out to be the hardest battle I fought in the entire game, the Battle of Nashville, in late October, 1863. My victory at that battle allowed me to reduce Fort Donelson and the Nashville defenses by siege over the winter. If I had lost the battle, I doubt I would have advanced on the city until February, 1864. This two month delay may have prevented my victory.

I had a blast. Hope everyone enjoyed reading my adventures playing a great game.>