Oh no, McClellan's in charge! Tullius (USA) vs Marquo (CSA)

[Michael T]

For your benefit TD I did a quick calc.

The starting forces of the July 1861 GC list the CP of the South as 53% of the Union, and conversely the Union as 161% over the South.

However if you exclude the fixed units and the fleets and add up the CV of all remaining active troops you get this:

USA CV = 2876

CSA CV = 3317

So actual active South % strength compared to the Union = 115% OR rather quite simply, you are the weaker!

I suspect this is the situation for most 1861/62. As I have found in my game v Q-Ball.

[TulliusDetritus]

Ahhhhh, that explains everything [:D] Thank you [8D]

[TulliusDetritus]

[center]Early November 1861[/center]

ORIGINAL: Michael T
So actual active South % strength compared to the Union = 115% OR rather quite simply, you are the weaker!

Well, these words did it [:D] The truth is I am hard-pressed, especially in the east (Potomac, the capitals), the part which really matters. Still, I was infinitely more pressed and under heavy stress as a Soviet trying to stop the German tide in 1941 and 1942. But losing Washington is not a pipe dream. It could very well happen if I don't pay attention.

As I see it, so far I detect two [not minor] strategic mistakes.

Union Mistake: McDowell should NOT have left Alexandria in the first place! NEVER! By doing that idiocy I allowed Marquo to intelligently grab it. And this truly jeopardised Washington itself. A big no that is.

Confederacy Mistake: not defending the Shenandoah Valley. He allowed me to grab Strasburg (recaptured, true) and now Winchester (this very turn). If I am not mistaken the valley is REALLY important. If you control it (Union) then I would say Washington is definitely safe because you directly threaten the flank and rear of the Rebel forces trying to storm Washington. A prudent withdrawal should come next.

As for the balance, as Kamil said very well, I reserve my judgement until 1864, 1865 [8D]

[TulliusDetritus]

The Potomac.

Banks and Hamilton assaulted and captured respectively Winchester and Leesburg (again). There is a good thing to mention in the Shenandoah area: rebel counter-attacks (two stacks) should be stopped by MUD! Or at least that's what we hope This should buy me time to reinforce Winchester.

Last turn Marquo had crossed the Potomac in two places. NW of Washington (McClellan was sent there and he seems to have the upper hand now ie more men) and Port Tobacco!! The big fat Rebel stack is there.

Plans, options? I guess retaking Alexandria and/or Manassas. The big stack from hell could not intervene there after all. Ships should block the Potomac and isolate Beauregard, I guess. I still haven't decided anything.

Oh, and four more regular brigades appear.

Ah, and the naval thing. Ships are truly fragile. You may remember that Farragut was in the Potomac River with bombard orders, to help ground operations in Alexandria.... well... I lost like FOUR ships [:D] Goes to show they were not built for naval bombardment! Goes to show I have to be more careful. In my defence, to say that er... I ignored this Honest!

Oh bis, McClellan is now Boss-In-Chief of the whole thing apparently (every man for himself!! ). He is the commander of the Potomac Army. McDowell is still in Washington, in command of the NE Virginia Army. If I Manage to stabilise the front I should send the latter to the Shenandoah Valley (if I manage to hold it): that army should press the Confederacy rear and flanks!

[TulliusDetritus]

Anyway, here is the weather:

EDIT: oh, I didn't mention Marquo TORCHED the depot in Strasburg (I didn't... er, I forgot [:D]). That's defeatism! And this of course is good news because I have to assume he does not plan to fight to death for this Valley. I WILL!!

[TulliusDetritus]

Enemies were kicked out of West Virginia. Floyd made it. I did not even pursue him (despite I have 3 cavalry regiments in this state). Along with Missouri, that makes two contested states under the Union before the end of 1861 [8D]

[TulliusDetritus]

Kentucky.

Marquo unlocked it. I guess to give McCulloch a chance to retreat if things go wrong: he defeated Grant, by the way In this state I always build two depots (AACW vs AI): one in Louisville and another in Bowling Green. Transport ships in the former will soon build the depot.

You may remember the "core units" I had mentioned: leader + regular infantry + cavalry + artillery + wagon train. First of all, the diverted Ohio forces to West Virgina are back. Now in Kentucky I have assembled three core units (in fact divisions now): Ohio + Indiana + Kentucky.

The Ohio force/stack is advancing towards Bowling Green and they will try to capture it before the end of the year.

[TulliusDetritus]

And now Mister we-are-very-disappointed-with-you-eh Grant. He was ordered to attack McCulloch and that's exactly what he did. But er... he was defeated [:D]

The only good thing is that I sort of annihilated a Confederate naval force (four or five ships sunk) in this area (Mississippi Confluent).

The other good (or bad, who knows) thing is that I am a stubborn mule and Grant is ordered (again!) to attack McCulloch. And IF that doesn't work he will try again (!!!), this time reinforced with three more regular brigades, available on next turn!!

McCulloch must disappear yes or yes!

[TulliusDetritus]

And some words about the "West".

Marquo is being very active here. He's sending cavalry thugs to Kansas to capture stockades here and there. Two enemy leaders were sent too.

The only regular forces I have is a Kansas regular brigade (2 elements) backed by an artillery unit. Oh, and two Kansas cavalry regiments (regular too). I ordered horse artillery to be built. It will be delivered to the cavalry in this area.

And we have the two Texas cavalry regiments (the Sam Houston thing). I had sent them to New Mexico. And this was a mistake: NO action in that state. War is in Kansas so there they go [8D]

This is indeed a sideshow but it creates an "atmosphere". And anyway, if you have forces in this area (Union or Confederate it's irrelevant), why should they be idle? [:)]

[TulliusDetritus]

And Carleton is finally active. He will try to storm the three enemy "boxes" under the Southeastern California box: western and eastern Arizona; western New Mexico.

[TulliusDetritus]

[center]Late November 1861[/center]

Hard times in Strasburg! [:D]

Since I was kicked out from that place the region has been systematically pillaged, plundered, robbed... by the Confederate! A depot had been destroyed (by them) HA HA. But now, I suspect the rioting masses forced Marquo to build another depot [8D]

[TulliusDetritus]

And what can I say... McClellan is victorious! [X(]

A small force led by Hamilton captured Manassas too. But we failed to grab the region between Manassas and Winchester. Reinforcing Manassas? Complicated (mud). Torching the depot, destroying the rail line (and then leaving)? The thing is I'd really like to stay here! Let's see what can be done [8D]

Banks has been heavily reinforced (CV = 612). But two brigades will join the force in the coming days. This horde CV could rise to almost 800. Kicking me out of here should be quite complicated.

Oh, and I did it again. I moved Farragut again to the Potomac river. No bombard orders (I thought that would spare them) but the ships were trashed again. I am learning how not to use naval units the hard way! [:-]

[TulliusDetritus]

In Kentucky both of us are on the move. The forces collided in Munforville. The Confederates won. The stack (1st Division) which was supposed to capture Bowling Green turns back and will try to destroy the victorious rebel forces.

[TulliusDetritus]

And the Mississippi River. McCulloch fled before I could even say a few words to him! Chicken!!

BUT Marquo avenged the annihilated Confederate naval forces (last turn). He's annihilated some Union units! He 100% controls the river now but I will soon have 4 ironclads. In fact I plan to splash a lot of money: I want a big mega river fleet. Now that McCulloch is out and Grant is here commanding a dangerous horde (CV = 800), I should start creating a big mess along the Mississippi River thing.

I stick to this programme: I will try the historical Anaconda Union plan.

Some people have said it doesn't work but I will try anyway [8D]

EDIT: oh, he leaves a nice depot behind (Metropolis).

[Wuffer]

ORIGINAL: TulliusDetritus

McCulloch fled before I could even say a few words to him! Chicken!!

not so harsh, it's an instinctive reaction. To become a member of the...

the Triarii or the last line, better armed, more experienced and wealthier citizens.

you must survive!

SCNR, veeery entertaining AAR (as usual)

[TulliusDetritus]

[center]Early December 1861[/center]

ORIGINAL: Wuffer

ORIGINAL: TulliusDetritus
McCulloch fled before I could even say a few words to him! Chicken!!

not so harsh, it's an instinctive reaction. To become a member of the...

Sorry to disagree, but McCulloch's survival is not on my plan [:D] Jokes aside, he obviously did the right thing: really outnumbered, a river behind him and the leader commanding that stack is The Beast, a guy with impressive ratings.

The Potomac. Oh well, I am puzzled. I don't know what to think. But first of all no battles at all in this area this turn. Ok then: Beauregard (the fat stack from hell that is) moved to WASHINGTON itself [X(]

Two options:
1) he plans to siege the capital
2) by capturing Manassas maybe I endangered his operations (the place has to be a vital juncture: rail and depot) and thus he is retreating to Alexandria, visiting the Union capital on his way back to safety (?)

The thing is I have 100% military control; McDowell is commanding a huge 45.000 men army; maximum entrenched level; and harsh weather on top of that. But according to the rules the Confederate stack should adopt an offensive posture and attack me on next turn (why didn't they attack me already?)?

And we have to face a sort of military coup in Manassas! Hamilton decided he did not like the place and was retreating to Leesburg (not even attacked, no battles at all here)! What the...!! [:@]

He is staying ONE more turn at least. Three brigades (5.000 men) have just arrived. Now the force has 8.700 men. Low cohesion but I have to assume the rebel stack must be facing the same or similar problems.

Whatever, this is not a tennis match, it's war. We're staying. NO SURRENDER!!!

[TulliusDetritus]

In Kentucky, so far two battles => two irrefutable, clear Confederate victories. Let's hope the last defeated Union force is not destroyed whilst they retreat [:(]

Bowling Green will have to wait. Louisville must be fortified.

[TulliusDetritus]

The Northwest Department (Mississippi, Illinois).

Wait and See [8D]

Grant captured Charleston though, using riverine transport [:D] That should have been a bad idea, I know, but no catastrophe. His archenemy McCulloch is on the other side of the river. Top-level insults are being shouted but that's all.

A huge [river] naval programme is underway. I will soon have 9 Ironclads and 13 Gunboats (+ many transports to transport big stacks).

[TulliusDetritus]

[center]Late December 1861[/center]

I think that I can confirm that taking Manassas has been quite decisive [:)]

1) Beauregard's mega stack is clearly heading towards Alexandria (recrossing the Potomac that is)
2) Marquo has desperately attacked Hamilton's forces in Manassas (twice)
3) another thick stack has advanced to Leesburg to cut Hamilton's retreat, and thus to recapture Manassas

In Leesburg, Milroy had been reinforced so we resisted. The low cohesion forces in Manassas prevailed the same. And oh, I ordered to torch the depot and destroy the rail line. Both orders were accomplished [:)]

I am pretty certain I CANNOT reinforce and stay in Manassas. BUT a new scenario appears. IF I manage to capture Clarke (the region between Manassas and Winchester), Strasburg and therefore the whole Shenandoah Valley might fall in my hands! Because I would be owning the rail line which should be supplying Strasburg.

And fresh new forces are ready: 8 regular infantry brigades.

[TulliusDetritus]

[center]Early January 1862[/center]

Peaceful Christmas? Not a chance. This has been by far the most fierce and bloody turn. And it's a good thing I was not on the receiving end [:D]

So let's seeeeee...

I don't understand why Beauregard did not attack my forces (100% MC). First on his way to Port Tobacco (didn't he cross Washington region to get there?). And then he's been two turns in Washington [again] and no attack [&:] Now he was recrossing the Potomac (and so he did). But... finally... before he definitely left he adopted an offensive posture and the big Union Mammoth was there patiently waiting [:D]

Apart from that, Marquo had ordered a Pantagruelian effort all over the Potomac area. Leesburg and Winchester were brutally attacked.

It's been a massacre though.

The only bad news (for the Union) is that Hamilton was supposed to leave Manassas this time. He was attacked whilst he was obeying those orders and now he ended up in a wrong region. Still, he's had acceptable losses (1.000 Union men vs 2.000 Confederate men).

So the overall toll is:

Union: 6.000 men; Confederates: 12.000 men

The region I wanted to grab (Clarke) has been grabbed. So now I am thinking that I should have stayed in Manassas. But of course I thought that Beauregard would NOT attack me and that he would be heading directly (via rail) to Leesburg, thus cutting Manassas.

Now I have another cunning plan. Beauregard has been trashed. The big Union Mammoth has been patiently waiting (in fact inmobilized to protect Washington). Now I consider this mega horde should be on the move! To Alexandria and let's see what happens!

EDIT: the Union losses were wrong [:)]