Brother against Brother: An AAR

[Ingtar]

I am reading it.  [&o]

[Jonah]

Okay thanks, I just wanted To know if anyone was.

[The Gray Ghost]

I read it, too!... Well you know that...

I'm Jonah's brother, so I'll probably post AAR from time to time from a Federal perspective. Looking forward to getting into this...

[roberthardee]

i read it and thank you for it.i1m looking forward to you next post!

[Gil R.]

You've got 24 posts and 362 views of the thread, so I'd say you definitely have readers. Carry on as you were!

[Jonah]

[font="times new roman"]January 16, 1862[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Fredericksburg, Virginia[/i][/i][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i][/i]
[font="times new roman"][size=3[/i]]I woke up to a young courier in a massive overcoat holding an Envelope and looking startled, not as startled as me though.[/size][/font]
[font="times new roman"]“I’m sorry to wake you sir, but I new this was urgent.”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Urgent? Urgent enough to wake me up through my dream about eating those nachos like I ate after Chapultepec?   I doubt it. Those Nachos had Jalapeños too. With a ‘beat it kid’ or a ‘get out!’ I sent the boy running out of the tent faster than when he came in actually. I opened up the envelope, [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]January 14, Memphis, Headquarters of the Army of Mississippi,[/font]
[font="times new roman"]To General Tavelon Martimus, commander of all forces.[/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"]From General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding General of the Army of Mississippi, formally Department number two. [/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Dear Sir,[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"]I beg to report that on the 12 of this month, my army was attacked by superior forces under command of U. S. Grant at the battle of Hatchie...[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"] The battle of Hatchie[/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Bullets whizzed and hit the tree line and the rebel skirmishers as three federal divisions rushed through to the confederate positions. The battle started a half an hour ago when 47,000 men under General Grant in the army of the Tennessee burst out of the tree line, surprise attacking the confederate Army of Mississippi, 36,000 strong. The confederates were in a upside down V formation, with Polk commanding two divisions on the left, and Breckinridge with three on the right. On the wooded left, Pope and A. Porter led their two divisions out of the woods, Grant personally leading them. Polk and his men fled to the rear as the union burst through. William Joseph Hardee, commanding the far left, rallied his men in a last stand. Union troops fell in a volley, tripping over logs and twigs as the confederates in gray and butternut held firm behind the trees. Lovell and his Louisianans fled to the rear, Hardee led his men in one last fight.[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]“Stand fast men, Follow me!”[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Hardee and his division charge the federals, sending them scurrying to the rear. Grant rallied and sent Hardee back. Now only thousands of men were seen, running out of the woods to safety. The problem of the V formation was its own strength, while if one side falls the other does as well, it also make your enemy divided. On the right, Johnson, looking on through his field glasses summed it all up, [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]“We are beat bad, Let us retire to Memphis. This battle is over.” Polk, Johnston and Lovell rode with their fastest mounts to Memphis leaving the troops behind. Breckinridge and Hardee so different though. They agreed to “Fight it out for the commonwealth of Tennessee.”[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]And they did. Breckinridge and his three divisions dug in on the ridge line. Union divisions under Hunter and Fremont attacked again and again, with no avail. Union troops were cut down as they charged batteries of Howitzers. On the far right, Terry’s Texas rangers reported that troops under Halleck were trying to swing around the right. Terry dismounted and fought for hours defending against the union troops, all aiming on Terry. To the Left, Sterling Price came in the nick of time as his Missourians fixed bayonets and charged Pope’s line. Pope and his men fled through the woods as Hardee and price drove them back. Neill tried to change that as he and two brigades of U.S. Cavalry charged at Hardee’s line. Hardee held firm and only horseless riders came out of the smoke. The troopers put their hands up and were brought to the rear. Neill broke out, grabbing two pistols he fought through the confederates and back to safety. Grant reformed and fixed bayonets and drove price back but Hardee was stubborn. On the right, after all but destroying Terry’s rangers, the union went on. Terry bought time and Breckinridge was able to shift his reserve. So when Halleck came, he was ready for him. Halleck’s attack fell apart. The regiments were bloodied against his breastworks and the union fled. To the north, the federals abandoned their guns as Lee’s Forign Legion and the Pelican rifles fixed bayonets and charged down the hill. Fremont and his men were swept away, his men all surrendering. The union attack fell apart. The Lee’s Foreign Legion were heroes, as were the Pelican rifles. But it was Breckinridge who was the hero of this day. On the left Grant fled with his men through the woods, hundreds captured. Grant tried to rally but couldn’t. he lost control of his army. The battle was costly. The near union victory turned Rout cost Johnston 6,301 killed, wounded and captured.[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Grant lost 5,692 Killed and wounded and another 7,832 captured, total 13,524. [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"][/i]Promotion for Breckinridge was needed, no doubt but what to be done about Lovell, Johnston and Polk. All three were political appointees before I took charge. Polk will have to go, he knows that as well. He’s now a Brigadier. Joe Johnston will be demoted to a major General, as I can’t deny he won Manassas before I took charge and in a way this battle. No, this was Breckinridge and Hardee’s battle. Hardee might deserve a promotion. Who to take command? Beauregard? Lee? No, can’t spare him? Who will take command...?           [/i][/font]

[terje439]

I'm in here too, great work so far, so please keep it up!

[Jonah]

[font="times new roman"]April 17, 1862[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Fredericksburg[/i], Virginia[/i][/i][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]The past few weeks brought little action or events. A few months past with no action. Not a lot of things happened at all. I did decide what to do about the commander for the Army of Mississippi. Polk was relieved to Brigadier general in February. He didn’t resign though, realizing his failure. In March, Joseph Johnston was also relieved, demoted to major general. He was sent out west, taking command of the Missouri forces. To take his place, I chose Lieutenant General James ‘Pete’ Longstreet. Longstreet is my best Corps commander, No other General with the Exception of Lee in Virginia would I have more confidence in. Longstreet addressed his men and bid them farewell, the army will never be the same without ‘Old Pete’.  Much to my dismay, Longstreet’s promotion was blocked. The war department blocked it, not allowing Longstreet to take command and be promoted. Though two Full generals were demoted, he couldn’t advance. A solution was to create a new army, have Beauregard who is already a four star general, take command of this force called the ‘Army of Trans-Mississippi’, with a new container; the way is paved for Longstreet. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] The enemy advanced through Abingdon three days ago. After taking south Virginia, the Union had their eyes on Lynchburg, opening the way to Petersburg and Richmond. Over tables and desks Lee, Longstreet, Albert Sidney Johnston, Hill and Jackson debated the dilemma.  I began the meeting with the simple facts.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Gentlemen, we are a breath away from losing this war. It may not seem it, but that is the fact.”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Nonsense General!” Hill Barked. “Every time we fight the yanks always run. Why if we...”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Hear me out General Hill, It may not seem so on the field, but we are losing this war.”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Silence around the room ensued, and I resumed.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Nashville will most likely fall within the week, possibly by the end of the month If we are lucky, God willing. Despite reports from Richmond the Army of the Potomac is high in spirits, and by next month will have torn up rail lines, sacked Lynchburg and will be in Petersburg. William T. Sherman is organizing a new army in the west; two new enemy corps are in the making. The Army of the Ohio has captured Forts Johnston, Henry and Donelson. The enemy musters thousands of men each week. The blockade tightens, and politically they are breaking our ties with Europe. We beat them at Manassas, Port Royal and Hatchie, but they won’t stop coming. We need to end this war, this unbearable war. God knows, I’ve tried, but this needs to end with blood. We need an action to prove the rest of the world we are like our fore fathers, we need a strategic victory. No more minor scraps, we need a waterloo.” The room was silent, Hill puffed out some more smoke from his cigar, and Longstreet lit another one. [/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Gentlemen, we need a victory to destroy their army, force them from our lands, and maybe, after much blood, we just might have peace. Now with that said, what is to be done?”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Jackson spoke up,[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Bring the war to the northern invader. General Martimus, we must invade the north. Gather our strength and beat their army on their soil, burn their cities, take it to Lincoln’s front door. Then we can win this war sir. We must show them no quarter, No quarter General, none whatsoever.” Lee folded his arms,[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“General, I was thinking a similar movement, right here...” He pointed to the area near Grafton.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“See, we move up under cover of the Valley, cross the Potomac near Williamsport...”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]He continued tracing out his moves. “...And concentrate here sir, at Fredrick.”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Get between the enemy and Washington.” Longstreet replied.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Exactly.” I said, ending their exchange. [/font]
[font="times new roman"]“A thrust into Maryland is what we need. Maybe even bring them to our cause. With that said, most of our worries our in the west, so that’s not our whole answer.” I looked at Sidney Johnston.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Well General Martimus, I have close to 48,000 men In Knoxville. If we could maybe combine with Joseph Johnston...”    Longstreet interrupted.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Excuse me sir, I’m in command now.” Sidney Johnston was surprised.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Oh, good. Didn’t like the old fool anyhow.”   [/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Gentlemen...” I interrupted.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“...We digress. The issue is WHAT is to be done, General Longstreet, How many men do you have?”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Ohh, close to 41,000 men, all in arms. Not enough to face Sherman and Grant in Nashville area.”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Then it is decided. General Lee, take your 113,000 men, and sweep north, through the valley...” I traced the invasion route with my Cigar (See-guar) through Harpers Ferry and Winchester.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“And into Maryland. General Johnston, take your army north into Ohio. Have you a corps system yet?”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Yes sir, two corps, the I under Patrick Cleburne, and the II, under E. Kirby Smith.”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“General Longstreet, I want you to adopt the system as well, any suggestions on who?”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“I’ve been thinking on that as well. I figured on the I under Hardee, and the II under Wade Hampton.”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Good. This is it gentlemen, if we fail in this attempt, we may fail our cause. Let us pray gentlemen, General Lee?”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Lee began, [/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Our dear heavenly father, bless our plans, we pray for your guidance and providence. We face a mighty foe, but you Lord will help us conquer all. You decide our future , and you decide what is to be done. Because oh Lord, it is thy will be done.”[/font]
[font="times new roman"]I thought for a second, what more can I do. The plans are ready, the south is ready, I have done what I can.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]“Thy will be done...”     [/font]

[Jonah]

[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]May 27[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]In Richmond, I irregularly received news of the operations. In Virginia, Lee’a Army crossed the Potomac and into Maryland. They besieged Fort Hill and after suffering some 1,789 casualties took it. Local militia in Fredrick surrendered, and Lee’s army of northern Virginia encamped there. A. Sidney Johnston’s army crossed into Kentucky and marched up through Richmond, (Kentucky).  By the 17, reports came from Lynchburg that the Army of the Potomac left and marched through the valley to Franklin. The whole room cheered at this news. A new addition to the Army was Lieutenant General John Bell ‘Sam’ Hood. Hood was promoted to take the Vacant I corps after Longstreet left for out west. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]All in this invasion was going as planned; Lee was firmly between the federals and Washington, now it was a matter of time. But suddenly, I received a telegram. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]May 24, Fredrick, Maryland[/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"]To General Tavelon Martimus, Commander of all armed forces[/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"]From General Robert Edward Lee, Commander, Army of Northern Virginia[/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Dear sir, [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]I beg to report on May 23, in the year of our lord 1862, I was engaged...[/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"]Extract from Walter Taylor’s ‘My service with General Lee’ I use this account of the battle due to my absence from the scene.[/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"]The Battle of Monocey[/font][/i][/b]
[font="times new roman"]The Enemy collums Aproached from the Northwest. Over 217,000 men concentrated here today. The union army was not complete: George Meade’s 48,000 men were still in the valley. The battle erupted as a volley of cannon fired on Hancock and Reynolds marching troops. A few skirmishes throughout the line ensued. Our army formed on the Catacoins, with General Hood on the left, guarding the river, Jackson in the center, and D.H. Hill on the right. Union troops under Irwin McDowell advanced on Anderson’s line, Anderson repulsed his charges with heavy losses. On the far right, Divisions under Ambrose Burnside and Israel B. Richardson advanced across the Monacy, Hood saw this and ordered A.P. Hill’s division to attack them while they were in columns of fours. Hill’s men fixed bayonets and charged, sending a shockwave down Burnside’s line. His men broke and ran as Hood and Powell Hill drove them on. Hill’s second wave went in and continued to press Burnside. Burnside’s men fired a volley and ran. hood waved his hat yelling [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]“Drive them! Men of Texas, follow me!”[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]The men fled, Burnside found hte fastest riding horse and fled. His men dropped their arms and fled to the rear.All of his division was now on the run until Richardson came up and stopped Hill cold. Anderson arrived on the scene and hit Richardson’s flank and he and his Zouves fled. The entire union right was fleeing then Reynolds called a retreat. The battle was over.   [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]  [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"] [/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Casualties on the union side amounted to 897 killed, 1,324 wounded and 1,739 captured. We lost a total of 703 killed, Wounded and captured.  From the reports, it appeared a few officers did distinguish themselves:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]R.E. Lee- Superb as usual.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]J. Hood- An excellent choice for Corps commander, very promising.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]L. Mclaws-Nothing new.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]George Pickett-Showed no skill but had no opportunity.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]

[font="times new roman"]P. Hill-Audacious, brave and full of power. The same material as Hood and Early. [/font][/ol]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]T. Jackson-Showed little skill.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]R. Rodes-Showed no brilliance.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]J. Magruder-Nothing.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]J. Walker-Nothing.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]D. H. Hill-Great as usual.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]H. Heth-Showed nothing.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]J. Early-Showed none of his brilliance.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]R.H. Anderson-Brilliant as always, My best division commander.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Well, the army is ready, we won another battle. Now they need to attack, this is our opportunity for a glorious victory...[/font]

[Jonah]

June third

The sun rises over the Catacoin range as Robert Edward Lee looked on at the two armies from a hill. Over 180,000 union were near this spot, 60,000 coming from the south under Meade, and 120,000 from the west under Reynolds and Hancock. Lee could concentrate around ninety thousand. The Confederates were dug in along the ridges and fords of the Monacey river, with Fredrick to their rear as Lee’s headquarters. To the southwest, Meade slowly advanced, the two converging on Lee. Lee has been dug in for weeks, dug in and entrenched. Under normal circumstances, the union wouldn’t assault, but they had to restore communications with Washington.

At 7:30 AM, the battle began to the south when Oliver Howard Advanced through the woods. The Confederate Line of battle began with Round Top in the south, followed by woods where Jackson was, then Brown ridge where Hill was dug in. Hill’s line stretched all the way to Blunt ridge, where Hood’s corps was. Finally, Walker was dug in past him. With Howard’s advance brought Robert Emmett Rodes’ ’Stonewall’ Division to stop them. The carnage was miserable, as Banks’ III corps with Sumner and Howard charged and counter charged through the woods. This raged all day as three confederate brigades held eight union at bay.

Further North, near Blunt ridge, Sedgwick rushed his men to the crest to defend the high ground. To counter this, Hood brought McLaws and Pickett up and smashed Sedgwick, the ridge now being a graveyard as each side funneled reinforcements to be thrown into the meet grinder. Franklin brought his men up but were stopped cold by a charge from the Texas brigade, sending him reeling back.


The Struggle for Blunt Ridge



To the south, more south then Jackson, General George Gordon Meade slowly advanced his four divisions: Hooker’s large Green division, Wadsworth’s Division of New Englanders, Burnside’s much depleted command and W. F. Smith’s heavy division. Burnside moved first, followed by Hooker, then by Wadsworth, and lastly Smith. The union II corps moved up as well, but was further away. To oppose them: No one. The Confederate rear and flank were empty.

[Jonah]

Even Further North, J. Wallker and His division of Virginians were encamped, hearing news of the battle, they began to prepare to march towards blunt ridge. Then, a strange thing happened. He looked to the North West and saw A column of blue troops across the river. He seized the Initiative and rushed to the river to stop any crossing. That Column Was Israel B. Richardson’s Division of Veteran troops. Wallker took up position and dug in, waiting for the worst. Richardson ordered the men to rush the river, and they tried to ford. Heavy casualties ensued as the river was run with blood. A few brigades poked through and got across the river, only to be cut off and torn to pieces.



Wallker defends on the Monacey

[Jonah]

To the south, more south then Jackson, General George Gordon Meade slowly advanced his four divisions: Hooker’s large Green division, Wadsworth’s Division of New Englanders, Burnside’s much depleted command and W. F. Smith’s heavy division. Burnside moved first, followed by Hooker, then by Wadsworth, and lastly Smith. The union II corps moved up as well, but was further away. To oppose them: No one. The Confederate rear and flank were empty.

[Jonah]

Back near Jackson, Howard and his men doubled their efforts and began to force Jackson back. By 9:00, they had him on the Run. Rodes attempted to rally, but to no avail. Howard continued his bayonet charge. Then Jackson picked up the colors and began to rally the men. His men were reforming, but now they were pushed back. The up came Hill and his division, Hill’s brigades with Rodes counter attacked and by 9:30, both sides were in the exact same positions as two hours before.




Jacson rallies the 13th Virginia.

[Jonah]

In the North, near the center with Brown Ridge, D. H. Hill’s long line began with Magruder, followed by Anderson, then Early, Heth and A P Hill’s division. Opposing them were the union V corps, with McDowell’s Veterans, followed by Hentzilman’s Germans then Doubleday’s division of crack troops. Orders were no action, but McDowell moved first. The entire line surged forward at the confederates to rush their position. Hill countered as he poured his fire down on them. They reeled back but then The Iron Brigade broke through, only to be charged and pushed back by the Palmetto rifles.



Doubleday leads the Irish Brigade

[Jonah]

Near Blunt ridge, both sides gathered reinforcements. On Blunt ridge itself, Sedgwick and Mclaws were having at each other. At the bottom of the hill to the south in a small Valley, Pickett and Porter were engaged in a brutal combat. Heth sent two brigades and Franklin offered his two cents. After charge and counter charge up and down the hill, Mclaws personally led the Texas brigade in a charge that broke Sedgwick’s back (quite literally, saying a shell fragment hit him) and sent his division off the ridge for Good.



Mclaws leads the 1431 men of the Texas brigade and smashes Sedgwick

[Jonah]

After the struggle near Blunt Ridge, the union continue their advance under Meade into the confederate flank and rear. The rear wasn't empty anymore, defended by the single brigade from Magruder's division left behind to guard the flank and trains. The florida brigade under Robert F. Hoke. Hoke dug in near a small pond, detirmened to force Burnside back long enough until reinforcments arrive. Burnside through his brigades in piecmeal, slowly being defeated one by one. For an hour this happened until Hooker arrived. going in with the entire division, Hoke began to break. For an entire hour longer he held. Giving the confederates valuable time to win on the main front with most their forces. Out of amuiton, the supply wagons sent to a safer spot, Hoke ordered a bayonet charge that broke Ellensworth's avengers and sent Hooker's division back.


Hoke's brigade defends the confederate rear to the last round.

[Jonah]

Eventually, Hokr's brigade is on the run. But in the nick of time A. P. Hill sends two brigades, Rodes sends another and Anderson sends one more. These reinforcments led personally by Robert E. Lee. While tempted to defend, Lee counter attacks and drives Burnside back. Meade brings up reserves and it's Lee's battle to lose. With 25,000 men and more on their way, Meade has over enough to destroy Lee's pitiful 11,000. Meade slowly drives Lee back but then Lee rallies the men and reform. The defense is stubborn and the battle fierce, the confederates have an edge in the battle. Hancock, Reynolds and Meade need drastic action or the battle is lost.


Lee rallies Hoke's brigade.

[Jonah]

To the north, a new development occurs. In D. H. Hill's center line, Doubleday advances again but is beaten back. But one division, Hentzilman's, advanced too far forward and is caught in an exposed position and in collumns. Hill, sees an opurtuinity and orders Magruder to assault Hentzilman. Hentzilman is shocked and routs as Magruder and Ewell leads a bayonet charge and sweep the entire division. A bullet whizzes and hits Hentzilman in the stomach, and he topples to the ground. Mcdowell arrives and charges Magruder and both lines run at eachother in a desprate meele. The confederates still have momentoum and throws his line back. McDowell flees with his division and soon the entire union center has retreated for over a mile. Sigel takes command of Hentzilman's division and directs a rearguard as they pull back to theheights.


Magruder and Mcdowell charge eachother in the fiercst meele ever seen in the war.