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Howdy all. ShootMe and I are starting another PBEM game. This time the teams are switched, I'm playing as the Union while has is now the Confederacy. We are still going to continue the other game until the end. This game should prove to be more challenging and interesting, we have become more familiar to the game from our mistakes and victories.

The settings remain the same as last game, here they are nonetheless:

Turn 1

I am here to preserve the Union and crush this petty rebellion of the Southern States. My plan is to be aggressive yet decisive in my movements.

To start things off, here's a look at the positions of all units:

I move the Army of Kentucky of 50,000 men out of the state and over to the Ohio River. Once Kentucky leaves neutrality, for better or worse, this army will be standing by to move.

I'm not too sure of the enemy's strength in Kentucky. I'm guessing around 40,000 to 50,000 men divided up into various Divisions and Brigades.

I'm leaving the Army of Illinois of 23,000 men at the Central Miss. River along with the gunboats. Once Kentucky loses it's neutrality I want to be swift and take out Ft.Henry to hasten my grip on the Tenn. River.

Next the Army of Missouri of 22,000 men. I'm going to kick these two confederate brigades out of here and then try to make a push into Arkansas. I also have several brigades coming further north from the Missouri River to go to Black River. These brigades form 10,000 more men so once they join the Army of Missouri (AOM) they will be at 32,000 strong.

The enemy force here is around 15,000-20,000 men. If I can take out at least one of his brigades scattered in Missouri that will be very good.

I'm moving the 15th and 16th Divisions, 15,000 men, over to the East Ohio River to capture Wheeling before the Confederates manage to get a garrison over there.

There are two CSA divisions scattered in West Virgniia of about the same strength. No doubt they will try to pursue those two divisions before I can take them over to Wheeling.

Further in the East I have the AOP and the 17th Division. I want to reinforce my units over in the West so I'm moving the 17th Division over by rail to join the Army of Kentucky (AOK). This brings the AOK up to 60,000 men strong.

Now for the Army of the Potomac (AOP). The AOP stands at 150,000 men strong. I bring over the Siege Artillery to join up, they will be essential for any attacks on forts I make. I'm going to leave the AOP where they are for now to train while I promote generals.

I'm going to promote McClellan to Army Commander for the time being. There isn't a very good choice of commanders right now. I was thinking of promoting Gregg to an Army Commander and McClellan to a Corps Commander, but I think I'll stick with McClellan for the time being.

One thing I'd like to do with the AOP is ditch the Army containers and get some Corps containers. Currently all three sections of the AOP are split up because they are all army containers. If I replace them with Corps containers not only will it improve my army's hierarchy but it will give the army better rating. I think I'll start doing that this turn by beginning recruitment of a Corps Container in Harrisburg.

I'm also sending over 3 generals to take command of the Army of Kentucky (AOK), Army of Illinois (AOI) and Army of Missouri (AOM).

The ANV sits across the river at Fredericksburg at approx 100,000 men. There is also a force of approx 15,000 men at Richmond.

Finally I join my two fleets together and send them further into southern waters to try and engage the Confederate Navy.

Here's a look at my Generals. As you can see it's not the best lot you can hope for.

Here's a quick look at the Governors. As you can see the Governors of both Maryland and Delaware really hate me, I hope I can stop them from causing trouble.

Onto Diplomacy and Economy. I've started ahead and focused 2 points of money for each foreign nation. Hopefully then I will get further support and keep the CSA's flag down.

Next I'm going to start building some Horse Farms. I can't depend on Kentucky joining me and furthermore supplying me with enough. I'm building one Horse Farm in both Hartford and Indianapolis. I'm going to be needing as many promotions for my Army's as possible so I'm building an Academy in Trenton which will be a start. Also, as mentioned before, I'm building a Corps Container in Harrisburg for the AOP. Finally I'm using the rest of my stockpile for Brigade Artillery in one of my high-quality brigades within the AOP.

To u

That's it. Before ending the turn here's the most recent shot of the Overview Map.

Thinking about it a little further I decide to promote Gregg to Army Commander of the AOP. There's really no reason I shouldn't, he's a good general. I'll just use McClellan as a Corps Commander. Keyes will be the Army Commander of the AOK and will be promoted next turn; he's just as good as Gregg.

Should be interesting, an will also help with the debate on weather or not the Confederacy is overpowered in PBEM games.
good luck, you deserve it after the desieasefest of the last few turns in the other game/universe

I agree with GH, this will be an interesting commentary on this game.
 
If JR wins, he'd probably prove he's a top shelf player but if SM wins fairly easily, it could possibly point to the South being too strong.
 
So yeah, this will one to watch!![:)]

Also agree that this will be interesting to watch.  Having played both sides a few times, I now disable the European diplomacy to better balance the game.  IMHO the South was gettin' way too many goodies.

Turn 2

Events 1/2

Events 2/2

As you can see I've already lost a battle. My 2 divisions heading over to Wheeling were attacked and I lost 3,000 men including the surrender of a whole brigade. The CSA only lost 500 men and managed to steal some of my guns. Ugh.

The Confederate raiders already begin their destruction of supplies. I would like to end their scrawny lives as soon as possible so I'm going to start recruitment of a Cavalry brigade as soon as I have the resources.

I have a head start in Diplomacy and Missouri installs a new governor.

Over in the West the CSA Brigades managed to get away. The Confederate force is getting way over to Mephis. I don't think I can pursue because of the weather and the fact that Winter will be here very soon. I'm forming all my units at Black River. I have only one division and too many brigades so I'm sending a spare one over from the East. I still have 2 spare brigades so I send them over to join the AOI. The AOM is now at 25,000 men strong.