Whistling Dixie : Gunnulf (Rebs) vs Q-Ball (Yankees)

[Gunnulf]

Howdy folks,

So we got ourselves a bit of a scrap on our hands here. I am taking on Q-Ball's northern oppressors in a bid to win states rights for our southern brethren. I used to play a bit of the original Civil war game back in the heady days of 2007/2008. When I picked up the game a few weeks ago it became apparent I'd forgotten just about everything, however after a couple of games against a worthy Celticid then I am back in the saddle. He was a very aggressive USA player who steamrolled Richmond in first game and caught me offguard, but our second game I used his aggression against him and was running amok in MD & PN, with Washington, Lousisville & St Louis in the bag when he declared. This new patch should tone down the CSAs resources a bit though so going to have to be careful not to get too carried away too early...

Anyway, to this affair. Pretty simple house rules. No biting, no gauging, no hair pulling. Basic gentlemens rules. I like to play historically, if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't. Also that "McClellan must command the largest army in the Eastern theater until either a) November 1862, or b) Washington is threatened or Mac loses some battles or basically proves he sucks". To be honest for the most part the game design penalises attempts to game the chain of command anyway so it makes sense to keep Mac anyway I think.

So, whats the plan Mr Davis? Well pull up a rocking chair and a pipe and i'll enlighten you.

The situation with our forces is projected to be pretty good initially. We have stout keen fellas, well led by the cream of the sons of the south who learnt their trade in the Mexican wars. We probably have 2 years to convince the northern public that the war is unwinnable before the tide truly turns against us materially. But while we are strong on land we are weak at sea and and the rivers potentially drive a wedge through our heartland that will be tough to resist indefinitely.
The enemy is numerous and has industrial might behind them, but their generals are not up to scratch yet. Activations are important and should hamper his offensives and tactical maneuverability early on. However strategically I fully expect to have to be ready deal with amphibious incursions before the end of the year and need to plan accordingly lest I suffer death by a thousand cuts.

Our mission for 1861: to consolidate our defenses in Virginia in order to provide a platform for future offensive operations. Also be prepared to exploit opportunities in the west particularly the neutral states.

So how are we going to achieve this? 5 key areas need to be defended in order of priority:
1) Manasas - the gateway to VA & Richmond. This will be held by Beauregards Army of the Potomac. However he has orders to go on the offensive within boundaries to exploit any opportunities. The bulk of re-inforcements will collect here, despite the 35% penalty negating much of this value.
2) Fredricksburg - without a strong blocking force here it will be too easy to outflank Beaugregard and threaten Richmond and force him to retire. Charles Winder (3-2-2) will build up a division sized force here to guard the crossing. Nothing short of a full corps will be able to cross and if Q-Ball commits that then he leaves Washington exposed.
3) The James river & Norfolk - given the unions naval dominance too tempting an invasion route. At the earliest a fort will be built at Norfolk and 2 small divisions will build up either side of the mouth.
4) The Shenandoah valley - Loss of this is not desirable but not critical at this stage. Johnson will maintain a small army to guard this route but will be low on priority and will stand by to support Beauregard.
5) So called 'West' Virginia is dead to us. With only our idiot son Floyd to hold the line for the moment its an unsustainable proposition for the moment. We will pull back to Lewisburg and deny this as an invasion route.

Out west we will consolidate and build forces astride the Mississippi and skirmish for advantage in Missouri and Kentucky to deny these states to the enemy by offensive action.

In the south establish at least 2 quick reaction forces to respond to amphibious incursions.

Thats the rough scheme anyway but as always 'No plan survives contact with the enemy...'

[Gunnulf]

Ok, so, we have already played out the first few months and are in Sept 61. All played out pretty standard until Early July when Kentucky saw sense and seceded. Given all the filibustering going on in Louisville we didn't expect this so soon. However the fighting Bishop was quick to respond and jumped on the next train out of Memphis with his small force to take control of Mumfordville closely followed by the Army of the West. 2 weeks later Q-Ball send in a small force here on offensive stance. Either he didn't have good enough intel that I was already there or was feeling lucky (suspect former). Anyway they were swiftly dispatched with heavy losses. Price tried to catch them next turn but they had already reached Louisville and been re-inforced, Price with offensive 0 decides to retire back to Mumfordville for now. Discretion is the better part of valour etc..

In the east there has been some parrying, but otherwise a bit of a Mexican standoff between Beauregard and the Union forces deployed in a crescent around him. He has had non-activation rolls 3 turns in a row. Johnson sortied up the valley to cut the railroad and cause mischief but so far Harpers Ferry looks to strongly defended to assault yet.

The fort at Norfolk is built thanks to the great state of South Carolinas armouries and the blockade of Richmond is lifted which is a nice bonus.

Out west all looks (suspiciously) quiet around Cairo as we try to add to the defenses of Island No.10. Hopefully the early moves in KY will force him on the defensive here for a while and buy some time.

[Gunnulf]

Oct61

In the east the jockeying for position continues without too much blood being shed. We took a risk and left a small division in the valley under Bee while Johnson's army moves to cover Manasas releasing Beauregard to sortie and inflict a defeat on a force at Falmouth, and maybe intice either MacClellan down the valley and expose himself or MacDowell to leave Alexandria (less likely).
We are too slow at Falmouth but meanwhile MacClellan has advanced to Winchester, potentially allowing Johnson to sweep behind him into Harpers Ferry if he advances further south next turn. Johnson army of 15k catches Schutz with 8k at Leeburg and inflicts a small defeat, and we would be well placed for a strike on Harpers Ferry except Q-Ball hesitates and doesn't go further south. Will he pull back to cover his lines of communication this turn?
Its october so divisions can be formed so we take a pause to re-org. Johnson forms 2 divisions (Jackson/Smith) while Beauregard forms 3 (Longstreet/B.Johnson/Holmes). Elsewhere Winder forms a strong division to cover Fredricksburg, though thats not much at risk right now, Bee's division screens the bottom of the valley and in a raft of good activations Floyd, MacGruger and G.Smith form divisions in W.Vigininia, Hampton roads & Norfolk respectively.
Situation fairly secure, so maybe time to get a bit more offensive... famous last words!

Out west all pretty quiet. Albert Johnson forms an Army of Tennessee (in Kentucky) with 3 strong divisions in Munfordville KY. I think we are sucking in re-inforcements to Louisville but we need better intel. Cairo is quiet but our spies spotted a short scruffy bearded gent strutting about town. No doubt the Missisipi will get busy soon, but so far not even New Madrid has been attacked. We are strengthening island No.10 in anticipation.
Missouri is a stand off, neither army seems very strong.
And finally in New Mexico union loyalist militia have taken a few stockades. Time to sally forth probably pretty soon.

[Gunnulf]

Nov 61

So, things hotting up a little out west even as the temperature cools down.

In Kentucky I decided to send Shelby's newly formed cavalry division on a reconaissance-in-force to Lexington and test the defenses and cause a bit of confusion. He forced the light garrison to retreat to the structure but will not be strong enough to assault them just now especially with winter arriving.

Also in Missouri Price & Huggles divisions took the opportunity of a suspiciously light looking garrison of just 60av at Jefferson to take the city by coup-de-main just before winter. Not sure why so light, except it seems that it seems Q-Ball is pumping everything he has to secure the approaches to Washington right now.

In the far west we started some moping up operations in the forts around El Paso to secure our lines of supply before winter. Q-Ball had a couple of militia trying to cut El Paso off from Texas and we couldnt have that.

However, the big surprise from the Union was Grant made his move, not on the Mississippi as expected but on Fort Donelson. He has about 750av in 2 divisions while we have a reasonable garrison there, but not enough to hold for long without a decent commander I think. However snow has just hit the ground there which may just make the difference and make a siege difficult perhaps. But need to consider our options for a relief versus whether to accept that we can't hold everywhere forever... Also Lyon's force of about 300av has crossed into Columbus KY, a small move I was expecting for a while but no doubt the start of something larger. Island 10 is garrisoned well enough to face this threat for now though especially as Grant has shown his hand at Donelson.

Back in the East more jockeying for position before winter. Johnsons army of 2 divisions has swapped to secure Manassas and recover a little cohesion and plan for re-inforcements while the much larger Army of the Potomac of 4 divisions has moved to Leeburg. This puts it in a threatening position at the gates of Maryland and should give Q-Ball a lot to think about for when spring arrives. Or before if the weather allows. But generally campaigning in winter is quite rightly a risk not to be taken lightly...

Economically wise everything holding up reasonably well for all except manpower. We just got the results of 2 drafts in S.Carolina but otherwise its been a real trickle of conscript companies aside from the 1.5 dollars we paid in bounty for volunteers couple months ago. Finances are ok and we have only just now signed new taxes. Not had the need to print money yet. War supplies are healthy and we have build new factories in Georgia to come online soon, while at sea we have 9 blockade runners working hard. Both boxes only at 20% so really does seem Q-Ball is throwing it all into the east right now. Or it could mean his navy is prepping to drop a surprise somewhere. If I had to guess I would say to expect visitors in Texas or Pensacola before the end of winter. As always I can't be everywhere though.

[Gunnulf]

Dec 61

Fort Donelson didnt last long at all but without a decent garrison or commander hardly surprising. Lesson learnt, I was too focused on the Mississippi axis. However the good news is we railed the Army of Tennessee into Humpreys TN, with 2 strong divisions and the next turn attempted a counterattack. The result was a stalemate but we inflicted enough damage that, given as he was deep in loyal CSA territory Grant for forced to retreat, bad news in the snow obviously. Would have been nice to get lucky with a kill or capture, but restoring the line (albeit with the fort razed to the ground) is a decent outcome all things considered. And Grants force will be out of action for a couple of turns I would think. All good breathing space. However in the process we lost Munfordville and had to pull back to Bowling green. Still early days and no doubt Grant will be back with a vengeance.

Elsewhere in the west no sign of any counter-move in Missouri. Still confirms the theory that he is ignoring this theatre for now and going all-in back East.

[Gunnulf]

Back in Virginia still been busy despite the weather. While Beauregard was off threatening Harpers Ferry then Q-Ball launched an unexpected attack on Manassas with McDowells army. I thought Johnsons army dug in there was enough to discourage that but obviously not. We are pushed back but not a disaster by any means as we are now well positioned to counterattack which is fine by us. Beauregard returns from the north and Johnson from the south. Unfortunately Johnson doesnt co-ordinate but still we get out victory and a small NM boost. Not war-winning but good to get some action out this way without having to go into the belly of the beast at Alexandria.

[Gunnulf]

East Jan62

So as 61 draws to a close and we are still enjoying the sweet freedom from the domination of Yankees. No march on Richmond, no big incursions elsewhere. As a last act of defiance Johnson, fresh after not engaging in Beauregard and McDowells scrap, sees a weather window to steal a march on Winchester and split the Union forces in the valley. We maul the 6th division a little in the process with our losses 600 to their 1200. But we get 1NM and control of Winchester.
The Army of the Potomac is 2600av and well entrenched so we have taken a small gamble that he will need both Union armies to a) be active b) arrive at the same time to stand a chance of success. Famous last words... We'll see what happens this turn. Q-Ball has shown he is willing to take such risks, but this is one I'd be very happy with. The other option is McDowell tries to take on Johnson in the valley. But with the river in the way and a snowy march its a gamble for sure.

[Gunnulf]

West Jan62

So here is the picture out west. Temporarily settled down as each side recovers cohesion and supplies I think. This theatre could well explode in the coming months, or he could continue to pump troops into the east. Time will tell...

Economically we are in ok shape. Manpower is very tight but we have the option of partial mobilisation, volunteers and new drafts, all of which we have taken along with new taxes and bonds. We need to build build build ready for spring. Still avoided printing money to try keep inflation down. There is a theory that its negligable in the grand scheme of things and better to take it but I cant be bothered to do the maths right now and will keep the option in reserve for a rainy day.
So next turn then probably

Still very quiet at sea. The blockade boxes are at 15% so his navy must be off plotting something nasty somewhere. My money is still on Pensacola or Texas, but he could just as equally aim for the east coast. With the blockade loose we are making hay while the sun shines and running that cotton out and cannons in.

[veji1]

Interesting to see that you don't do any "entrenchment spamming" in the east, where normally players have tons of militia digging everywhere to be able to entrench on the move. I like what you do, but in a strict game play sense, it might be to your disadvantage.

[Lowlaner2012]

Hey a good house rule would be that only militia with engineers attached would be allowed to build entrenchments in a region where an army is not present...

[Ace1_slith]

I see nothing wrong in militias preparing trenches behind the front lines. They historically did that, and they used slave work force to do it.
What can be discussed is the speed they build the trenches in the game. If you haven't noticed single militia takes more time to entrench than an Army. I propose that we widen this difference, so that militias take even more time to develop efficient fieldworks in comparison with the Army.

[Gunnulf]

We did stipulate gentlemen's rules so I have tried to stick to a realistic strategy where possible. A checkerboard of militia digging in wouldn't appeal to me though of course there is some sense to it. If I am going to go down fighting against overwhelming odds I'd like to at least do it with a bit of style
Generally I have a small division or brigade guarding key or choke points that I will want to defend later. That includes behind the Rapahannock at Fredricksburg, Culpeper & Tappahannock; plus units straddling the Mississippi at various key points, and obviously I am building up at Nashville and Bowling Green. We have 6 small QRF divisions stationed along the coast to limit the amphibious threat, and a couple of cavalry regiments to guard the Knoxville railroad. The only spot that does have a screen of militia is the gap between the Mississippi and Tennessee to limit his ability a little to whip cavalry raids through to cut the rail. Even that won't stop a determined raid once they come but no point making it too easy for him.

All that aside I won't be building any extra militia bar what comes by design. Can really feel that the Union is pulling together bigger armies already and we struggle a bit for conscript companies more than we do cash or WS. Every Reb that picks up a musket or rifle needs to be serious about fighting for this independence thing, no space for part time militia cannon fodder.

[Gunnulf]

Feb 62 East

As expected after the fall of Winchester then Q-Ball evacuated the south of the valley, just before Jackson pounced. So that puts the front line back pretty much where we started the war. Nothing too unusual there obviously. However I am fairly certain Q-Ball will risk a pop at Winchester this turn, which is fine and expected. He has two armies so no doubt one at least is active and the temptation will be there to have a go despite the snow. No doubt Winchester will change hands many many times in the months/years to come. So far still 71% loyal to the cause which is good to see.
Lee is getting restless in Richmond so far from the action and is starting to make a nuisance of himself petitioning Davis for a proper command. Its only a matter of time... January builds were geared towards giving him a bunch more Virginians and Carolinians to add to his trainset. Though with a few more brigades out west too. With partial mobilisation and 1.5 doubloons per volunteer we finally had 400+ companies and 800+ cash to splash. No doubt the Yanks had more but still good to have options.

Feb 62 West

Not much new to see, but Grant has beefed up his battered force and given them a helluva pep talk as his AV (FoW withstanding) is up from 130 to 1400 in one month. AS Johnson has 1200av at Donelson so I suspect unless he is feeling particularly bullish we can expect the first push down the Mississippi very soon. We have a reasonable division dug into the swamps of Island 10 but not enough to hold that force off I suspect. We'll see how plays out. As always we can't be strong everywhere. However neither can he, if he commits to the south axis AS Johnstons army will be ready to take advantage... I just haven't decided how yet Answers on the back of a ration pack box to the usual address.

[Gunnulf]

March/April 62 East

A quiet march and april in the east. Much consolidation and re-organsation under the command of Lee. Johnson is sent west and the Army of Shenandoah effectively becomes Jacksons corps of Lee's army still based in the valley, while Longstreet forms a corps at Manasas. Not many opportunities to get this theatre active though. The Union appears content to dig in to screen Washington and Harpers Ferry. Looks like MacCellen and 4 corps of up to 2,000av each. No obvious chinks in the armour and they seem to be content to dig in a wait for an attack (which seems a bit suicidalish) or keep out-building Lee until inevitably they have overwhelming strength.
On the flip side the CSA is also pretty secure for the moment so perhaps there are opportunities elsewhere.

March/May 62 West

Out west things not looking too rosy, Grant is on the warpath with a fairly large horde. Island 10 falls quickly and we just screen Fort Pillow as there is no way we can hold it at the moment. The main line of resistance is Memphis where J.Johnson is gathering an army of the Mississippi, though he will hand over the reins to Beauregard when he arrives from the east. AS. Johnson is trapped on the other side of the Tennessee river by gunboat patrols, which was not unexpected. He will form a corps with 1 division at Donelson and move to Bowling Green to see if there is any damage to be done along with Polk in Kentucky. There must be a weakness somewhere...

[Gunnulf]

Late May62 East

So, things unexpectedly on the move in Virginia.
Union I Corps under Sumner (1-1-2) with av 1742 has moved south to Falmouth.
At Alexandria is MacClellan with a small division & V Corps with an Av of 1125.
At Loudon is II corps with av 2106
At Harpers Ferry is II corps with av 1704

Maybe we are missing something, and certainly smells like he is trying to draw me out of Manasas. Very possibly Mac & V corps will follow south to try catch me when I corps is attacked. However with a bit of a re-org and by taking Longstreet under command as an ADC we can get 26 command points and amass a single stack of 4200 av in 7 divisions with 2 batteries in support.
In the valley Jackson has 2400 av. Too far away to co-ordinate with an attack by Lee on Falmouth, but maybe there is an opportunity here that won't be repeated.
So the plan is Lee attacks Falmouth personally, with a bit of luck and his fast move attributes we can smash into Sumner before he is re-inforced and defeat the union piecemeal. Then Jackson will reach Alexandria on day 13 and either catch V Corps there at 2-1, or maybe fairly empty if V corps did move south. Either way its probably the best chance we have to break the stalemate this summer. Or maybe our intel missed something and disaster looms.... Bordering on reckless? Probably. Would Lee have tried it? Maybe

[Gunnulf]

May 62 West

Things looking gloomy out here, except that maybe the Union is getting a bit cocky and overextending itself. Grants corps are pushing deep into the open ground between the Mississippi & Tennessee rivers, with gunboats patrolling their flanks. However by spreading thin we might be able to take a swipe at the lead Mississippi squadron. And on land we have gathered a decent army of the Mississippi at Memphis. Holmes will forms a corps of 4 strong divisions under Bragg, Cleburne, Pemberton & MJ Thompson and sally out and try catch much weaker force under Pope at Hardeman TN. There are 2 corps at Covington under Wallace (774av) & Lyon (446av). But Holmes corps will be stronger than all 3 stacks and might get a chance to defeat them piecemeal.
Meanwhile we are splitting a corps under Polk with an av of 1000 from the army of Tennessee at Bowling green and railing it to attack Corinth. Not tactically good to rail into combat but its a small cavalry screen (hopefully...) and should brush it aside (hopefully). Next turn Polk will come under Mississppi command and be ready for a proper counterattack if all goes well, or at least protecting Alabama from easy attack if it doesnt..
This leaves AS Johnson with 1300 av to face a similar force across that river which should be relatively secure for now.

In the far west J.Johnston has arrived to take control of Missouri and 3 good divisions we have slowly mustered out there. Looks like so far we are facing only 1 at Rolla. But maybe we are missing something in reserve in St Louis.

In the far south Q-Ball has started his Anaconda in earnest and is about to take the 2nd of the forts at the mouth of the delta to blockade New Orleans. She is well defended herself but the income will be missed.

[Lecivius]

Gunnulf, I am curious as to how the last patch is impacting your play. Do you feel like you have been nerfed badly in some way? Historical? Your playing a field I have not, yet. I would appreciate your thoughts.

[Gunnulf]

Last game the squeeze was definitely on cash, I was sitting on reserves of WS and concripts and the only constraint was waiting for the next treasury options. This time we are only a year in and its very much less troops even after 4 drafts (which i never had to do last time). Luckily I have not had heavy loses yet so not had too big a replacement bill (so far...) but for sure that will become more of a problem later this summer and next year. All said though so far, while I feel I have definately been outbuilt in the east, I am a long way from being overwelmed yet and haven't had to deviate yet from my original plan as laid out at the start of the AAR. In fact this last turn went well and I will write up the results later this evening. But as a sneak preview NM took a decent jump...

[Gunnulf]

Late May62

Brighter days for the glorious South. A very busy turn but will do my best to sketch out the results and build up the picture of what happened.
First action on day 3 was on the Mississippi at Hatches confluent. As hoped we caught the stretched out southern picket of their brown navy and inflicted a defeat gaining 1 NM. However unfortunately our Admiral Hollins died when he caught septicemia from a sharp rusty rivet on the bridge of the CSS Arkansas. Heath & safety are investigating.

[Gunnulf]

Next day out in Falmouth VA, Lee's army of 46k struck Sumners I Corps hard. They were just starting to dig in but outnumbered poorly led they started taking heavy losses from the aggressive rebel charges. Unfortunately MacClellan & V corps arrived late in the day just as I Corps were starting to flee and prevented a yankee disaster. However Lee still inflicted higher losses on the defenders, routing 11 regiments and forcing them off the field and back towards Washington with their tails between their legs. The newly formed CSA institute of studies & statistics concluded that this had a corresponding effect on national morale of exactly 1.00276.