USA Full - Cutting the Heart Out of Dixie

[Yellowhammer]

First game: played the USA, April – Full 2 Theater Campaign, default settings, patch 1.07B, graphics patch. Experience / knowledge base: BOA, ACW demo, forum. Not going to look anything up in the forum or manual as I play…

I kept a MS-Word ‘History’ (which eventually became hundreds of pages – lots of screen shots) of the details of each turn: policy, economics, reinforcements, movements, and battles - everything. The exercise was helpful in that it provided a ‘structure’ for each turn, but I won’t ever do it again. I recommend making a Plan, printing it out, and referring to it: ‘what gets measured - gets done’.

The STRATEGY is to develop successive Lines with thrusts at Richmond VA, Decatur AL, and Montgomery AL – Cutting the Heart Out of Dixie. Taking Decatur and Montgomery cuts the South’s East – West rail network. The strategy builds on Union strengths: Eastern Army at Washington; Midwest Army taking Nashville and driving to Decatur; South West Army pushing from Ft. Pickens to Pensacola (securing Gulf harbor) and Montgomery.

[Yellowhammer]

The PLAN for this campaign season (April to April): manage three theaters (East, Midwest, and West) and build three and a half armies (Butler counts as the half). East - Potomac line; reinforce Fort Monroe and Norfolk; take Manassas and Winchester. Midwest – hold the Ohio line; take Clarksburg KY and Lexington KY. West – hold Missouri line; reinforce Tucson; take Rolla MO, Jefferson City MO, and Charleston MO.

The Naval PLAN is to maintain the Gulf and Atlantic Blockades; hold Ohio and Mississippi River confluent; maintain force at Hampton Roads.

The Quartermaster PLAN is to build Depots along the Ohio River.

Keeping the rail and river transport systems at average to full capacity is the priority. Industrialization will focus on MD and NY, to see if that affects the money production; plus states that have Excellent, Very Good, and Good potential – as much as is practical.

[Yellowhammer]

I'm going to present the AAR by seasons - summarizing 6 turns into one post. The summary format will be: Headlines! Policy (as needed). Action / movement. Reinforcement - details just for this season. Industry - details as necessary. I won't post many screenshots - just major engagements.

Since President Lincoln didn’t call for Volunteers until mid-April, I won’t either. Maybe the war can still be avoided…

Fort Sumter Bombarded (garrison surrenders). Capt Brown Defends Harper’s Ferry (the irony!!!)! Baltimore Riots!

Call for Volunteers. Issue 5% War Bonds. Total Blockade. Martial Law in Texas.

Spread generals around: Hamilton &c remain in Washington, Milroy &c ordered to PA, Wallace &c ordered to the West. Keyes and Washington Brigade ordered to relieve Harper’s Ferry; Schurz cavalry ordered to join Keyes. Wallace &c receive individual orders for key posts along the Ohio River. Militia ordered to key cities. Patterson Command ordered toward Harper’s Ferry.

Lyon to Vienna MO threatening either Rolla or Jefferson City. Gunboats to key points. The Navy and the West are active.

Patterson &c crawling toward Harper’s Ferry. Lyon ordered to take Jefferson City – reinforcements forwarded from St Louis. Farragut to Hampton Roads. Foote to Cairo. Farragut and Foote recommended for promotion.

NVA activated. Time for housekeeping. Hooker forms Division. McDowell ordered to take Manassas with Tyler and Miles Divisions. McCall ordered to take the California Brigade to Norfolk. Patterson –still- crawling to Harper’s Ferry. Price (CSA) Division is attempting to relieve Jefferson City. The forces are almost evenly matched – Lyon has an edge – plus the reinforcements from St Louis should arrive in 2 days.

I won't bore you with the details each turn, but here is an example of the records:
Fill replacement pool. Request Militia: CA, (3) IA, (10) MO, (4) IL, (4) IN, (2) WV, (4) OH, (2) MD; KS infantry / volunteer brigade; IL infantry / cavalry brigade; OH infantry / artillery / cavalry brigade; NY infantry / artillery / cavalry brigade.
Fill replacement pool; request (2) River Transport (Evansville depot), New England Blockade Flotilla, Mid Atlantic Blockade Flotilla.
Fill replacement pool. Request CA / KY militia, (2) WV militia, (2) OH militia, (2) MD militia, KS infantry / volunteer brigade, (2) MO Riverine Transport (Jefferson City depot).

New York ($40) and Maryland ($65) produce money. Really, it’s NYC and Washington that make money. Good to know, but what factors influence money production, and where are the CSA money centers?
Hmm. More money from industrialization (NY +$3 and MD +$4).
Hmm. Less money in MD – riots?

[Yellowhammer]

Lyon defeats Price – Takes Jefferson City! Keyes throws back Johnston! McDowell takes Manassas! Paducah Falls – Kentucky Invaded! Farragut Victorious at Hampton Roads! McDowell Crushes Beauregard at Stafford - Union Papers Howl over lack of Offensive! Wood captures James City VA! McClellan Appointed Commander AotP! Col Fenwick and the Bowling Green Militia repulsed an attack by rebel cavalry – killing 147 men and taking no casualties!

The reinforcements and artillery arrived just in time for Lyon to defeat Price. Lyon is rewarded with command of the 6th Division.

Johnston (CSA) probably marched 10 days from Warren VA, outside our patrol range, in a surprise attack on Keyes. Keyes combat value was 106 compared to Johnston 111; Keyes had the superior ground, elite troops, and better command. Patterson arrived in force after the battle and Johnston retreated to Winchester. Johnston looks pretty weak in Winchester, but Patterson force is exhausted and Keyes may not be strong enough to attack. Keyes is rewarded with command of the newly formed 7th Division. Patterson forms Corps, composed of Hurlburt’s newly formed 9th Division.

BATTLE OF STAFFORD VA - JULY 2, 1861:





Nice to see how McDowell at Manassas supported Hamilton’s Corps at Stafford. Milroy forms Corps at Harper’s Ferry (Keyes and Hurlburt reform Divisions) – Mansfield ordered to Manassas to garrison. Shields forms 12th Division at Grafton. Jackson (CSA) Corps at Winchester; Holmes (CSA) Corps at Caroline VA. Wood &c ordered to take James City.

McDowell is besieging Manassas. Hamilton forms Corps in Alexandria, composed of Hunter 2nd and Hooker 3rd and Runyon 4th Divisions, ordered to Stafford VA to threaten Fredericksburg – the Corps is not fully fitted, but it’s good enough to strike if the opportunity presents. Wood and powerful French’s Brigade (Artillerist) ordered to Fort Monroe.

Sumner forms the 8th Division at St Joe and ordered to Jefferson City; transports sent from St Louis to Jefferson City to build Depot.

The wind gauge, the range, and the forces were with Farragut – the rebels lost men almost equal to the crew of a frigate (or two brigs). The Harriet Lane Squadron (CSA) retreated up the James – Farragut ordered to pursue. Gulf Fleet skirmished with Dodge Squadron (CSA); two new Blockade Squadrons ordered to Gulf.

Nelson 10th Division ordered to take Lexington KY. Asboth 11th Division ordered to take Clarksburg KY.

Fremont &c and Lyon &c ordered to rendezvous at Vienna MO then take Rolla MO. Col Fanning ordered to abandon Tucson and move to Ft Gibson – superior rebel forces appear to be massing for an attack. Rebels also massing at Columbus KY.

Burnside ordered to Philadelphia for recruiting. Ft Pickens FL under siege. Blenker to Washington to rendezvous with powerful NY Bartlett Brigade and Marines – either for coastal raiding or to Ft Pickens and Pensacola FL.

McClernand ordered to Chicago for recruiting. Evansville Depot completed.

Fremont &c ordered on offensive in Vienna MO against rebel force.

Rebel Beauregard Army and Johnston Corps (power 344) at Culpepper VA; Bonham Corps (power 399 + militia) at Fredericksburg. Facing them are McDowell (power 805) at Manassas and Hamilton (power 574) at Stafford. Even though both forces must cross the river (Hamilton has Marines), I must attack…

BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG VA - AUGUST 19, 1861





Hamilton Defeats Beauregard at Fredericksburg! Fremont Annihilates Rebels in Vienna MO! Kentucky Declares Against the Rebels!

Even though Hamilton won the battle, his force is weakened to 162, and the Rebels reinforced – Johnston Corps with Huger and Magruder Division (now 706 power). Hamilton will attempt to retreat to Manassas, recrossing the river in the face of superior force – good luck and godspeed.

McDowell (power 706) at Culpepper now faces Smith Corps led by Jackson (at least power 67 plus brigade of unknown power). McDowell shall go on the offensive.

Keyes 7th Division ordered to take Winchester VA. Milroy Corps of Hurlburt 9th Division ordered to Manassas. Blenker forms 13th Division at Washington and waits for naval transport.

Fremont annihilated three rebel militia units, killing 2201 men and taking 500 Prisoners, while sustaining 298 casualties. Fremont is congratulated for his action – Seniority 4. Jefferson City Depot built. Fremont and Lyon ordered to take Rolla MO. Lyon forms 6th Division.

Lexington KY Captured! Tucson Falls! Patriots Recapture Paducah!

Hamilton skillfully managed to advance to Manassas; Johnston (CSA) must have seen him leaving and rather than attack, Johnston moved to Charlottesville (threatened by McDowell). McDowell Army will stay at Culpepper, Milroy Corps back to Harper’s Ferry, Meagher Brigade to Manassas. Keyes Division was stung by Beauregard (CSA) himself commanding the Winchester militia (sustaining 200 casualties), but Old Bory left after the battle to avoid the siege.

Blenker 13th Division ordered to Ft Pickens FL.

Fremont besieging Rolla MO. Rebel raiders active at Gilead IL – cavalry ordered in pursuit.

[Yellowhammer]

Asboth captures Clarksburg KY! McClellan takes command of the Army of the Potomac!

McDowell forms Corps with 1st and 5th Divisions (835 power); Hamilton forms Corps with 2nd and 3rd and 4th Divisions (413 power); Milroy forms Corps with 9th Division (143 power) and detached 7th Division (188 power).

Asboth ordered to take Prestonburg KY.

Col Fanning arrives at Ft Gibson IT and retreats with the garrison toward Lawrence KS, under pressure from several units. Sumner 8th Division ordered to Hermitage MO to threaten Springfield MO, which may pull off some units (like Price - CSA) from Fanning.

Rolla Surrenders! Asboth captures Prestonburg KY! Rebels raid IA!

Porter forms 14th Division at Cincinatti and ordered to Louisville.

Sumner ordered to take Springfield MO.

YMCA! Sumner captures Georgia Supply (killing 199 men and sustaining 11 casualties)! Rebels take Ft Gibson IT!

Blenker 13th Division ordered to take Milton FL. Louisville Depot construction began. Besieging Winchester VA and Springfield MO. Chasing raiders in the East and out West. Positioning troops to hunker down for the Winter.

So far, the PLAN is progressing well. If the besieged cities fall and the Line holds, I will have achieved all goals except taking Charleston MO and keeping Tucson. The next campaign season PLAN shall be announced in April 1862.

Sumner Takes Springfield MO! McClellan defeats Beauregard at Culpepper VA! Trent Affair!

McClellan Army, with McDowell Corps supported by Hamilton Corps, total power1723, defeat Beauregard (power 9) at Culpepper. McClellan killed 1909 men while sustaining 191 casualties.

McClellan and McDowell ordered to take Charlottesville VA, which is lightly guarded. Hamilton Corps ordered to Stafford from Manassas. Meagher Irish Brigade ordered from Stafford to Culpepper.

McCall forms 15th Division at Norfolk.

Blenker took Milton FL, captured supplies and ammunition, then advanced back to Ft Pickens in the face of superior McCullough (CSA) Division.

Playing whack-a-mole in the West, hunkering down, and fixing to get organized.

Louisville Depot Complete!

Hamilton ordered to take Fredericksburg.

Charlottesville Surrenders – 1,000 Prisoners Taken! Milroy Takes Winchester!

McDowell Corps (power 795) remains at Charlottesville. McClellan Army (power 84) moves to Fredericksburg via Manassas to join Hamilton Corps (power 802) besieging Fredericksburg. Milroy Corps (power 357), comprised of Hurlburt 9th Division, ordered to Fredericksburg from Harper’s Ferry. Irish Brigade (power 189) ordered from Culpepper to Fredericksburg. CSA Beauregard Army (power 604) and Jackson Corps (power unknown) are at Louisa VA.

Sigel’s Brigade captured an AR Horse Artillery battery at Charles MO. The only units not sheltered are repairing rail lines or chasing raiders.

Call for Volunteers. Issue 5% War Bonds. Martial Law in MO (loyalty is between 1% and 61%). Total Blockade (Foreign help currently 12).

Out of War supplies…

[Yellowhammer]

Milroy Corps tangled with rebel cavalry at Clarke VA en route (sustaining 258 casualties and killing 287 men).

McClellan Army (power 86) ordered to synchronize attack on CSA Beauregard at Louisa VA. Hamilton Corps (power 900) attacks with McClellan from Fredericksburg. Irish Brigade will maintain the siege. Milroy Corps (power 303) attacks from Stafford. McDowell Corps (power 821) attacks from Charlottesville – and it may take him 13 days to march to Louisa.

Keyes 7th Division (power 310) ordered from Harper’s Ferry to Charlottesville.

Wood forms 16th Division at James City VA.

McClellan’s synchronized attack was successful – if you count occupying Louisa as success. McClellan arrived in advance of the rest of the Army and was forced to advance back to Fredericksburg; Hamilton arrived, then Milroy, then McDowell – the rebels ran when Hamilton arrived.

McClellan’s Army needs to rest and refit. Hamilton Corps ordered to Fredericksburg; McDowell Corps ordered to Tappahannock, Milroy Corps ordered to Charlottesville. Milroy Corps is the only unit that won’t have to take a town before it rests…

Brigadier General Thomas recommended for promotion to Major General. Housekeeping, whack-a-mole, and railroad repair...

BATTLE OF FORT PICKENS FL - JAN 17, 1862





I didn’t see this attack coming… Van Dorn (CSA) attempted an amphibious assault from steamers – Blenker repulsed the attack, sustaining 249 casualties and killing 2,541 men.

Sherman forms 17th Division at Louisville. Mid West generals ordered to Ohio line posts. Repairing rail and chasing raiders.

Foote ordered to escort steamers loaded with depot construction supplies from St Louis to Ft Leavenworth KS.

Longstreet attacks Norfolk – McCall Holds! General War Order Number One! French Intervention in Mexico!

Longstreet (CSA), commanding Sibley and Floyd Divisions, attacked Norfolk (power 413). McCall 15th Division (power 157) fought ten actions (1 victory, 4 stalemate, 5 defeat) and held the city, but at the cost of 2864 casualties, compared to 1706 rebel dead. McCall’s shattered division is ordered to evacuate Norfolk to Farragut’s Fleet offshore. Farragut is ordered to bombard enemy forces.

I think I should give the Rebels the city (I may not have a choice about ‘giving’ them the city), because the trigger for monitors has not fired yet, even though the Monitor vs Merrimac battle should take place next turn (March 1862).

McClellan takes Fredericksburg.

OOPS! I moved the wrong graybeard last turn. Heintzelman (power 151) is besieged in Charlottesville with empty supply wagons while Milroy Corps (power 622) is in Manassas.

OH river transports at Cincinatti are ready to construct Prestonburg KY Depot as soon as the river thaws.

The paperwork for Thomas promotion was lost (general can’t be in a stack?); the recommendation shall be resubmitted. The lieutenant responsible for the lost packet has been transferred to Thomas' command.

New England and Mid Atlantic Blockade Flotillas ordered to Gulf Blockade.

General War Order Number Two! Blenker repulses Van Dorn at Ft Pickens! Norfolk Lost!

General War Order Two requires 12 ‘brigades’ ‘around’ Washington by June. I wonder exactly what counts as a ‘brigade’ and what counts as ‘around’.

McCall successfully evacuated Norfolk and is ordered to Washington – GWO2 doesn’t specify that a brigade has to be able to fight.

Blenker (power 318) defeated Van Dorn (power 361) at Ft Pickens, sustaining 594 casualties and killing 3621 men.

Buell ordered to St Louis. OH transports ordered to Prestonburg KY.

Fremont forms Western Command. Halleck ordered to Louisville. Start construction of Ft Leavenworth Depot.

Ft Pickens besieged!

Franklin assumes command of Hamilton Corps; Hamilton ordered to command Washington Garrison. French – artillerist - forms 18th Division at Ft Monroe, comprised of the Garrison and Artillery and Batteries.

OH Transports building depot at Prestonburg KY; river refroze, so escort gunboat shelters in harbor.

[Yellowhammer]

Manage three theaters and build three and a half armies. Built two Armies – third HQ at Louisville needs appropriate Commander.

East - hold the Alexandria to Harper’s Ferry to Grafton WV line; reinforced Fort Monroe and Norfolk; take Manassas and Winchester. Held the Line, lost Norfolk, took Fredericksburg and Charlottesville.

Midwest – hold the Charleston WV to Ashland OH to Cincinatti to Louisville to Evansville IN line; take Clarksburg KY and Lexington KY. Held the Line, took Prestonburg KY.

West – hold Cairo IL to Saint Louis to Bloomington MO to Lexington MO to Fort Smith KS line; reinforce Tucson; take Rolla MO, Jefferson City MO, and Charleston MO. Held the Line, lost Tucson, failed to take Charleston, took Springfield MO.

Maintain Gulf and Atlantic Blockades; hold Ohio and Mississippi River confluent; maintain force at Hampton Roads. Gulf and Atlantic Blockades maintained at 20% - 30%, other goals substantially met.

Build Depots along the Ohio River and Missouri River; maintain rail / river supply at average to full. Mission accomplished.

Summary: need to address command structure immediately; East – great progress overall; Midwest – great progress and should have included KY Loyalty as a goal; West – good progress overall but MO is at risk; Naval – good performance but need to calibrate blockade fleets to ensure adequate coverage; Quartermaster – excellent.

[Yellowhammer]

The PLAN for the 1862 campaign season: build and maintain four armies (East, Midwest, West, and Peninsula). Hold the Potomac, Ohio, and Missouri River Line: build Washington and Cairo forts, maintain quick reaction forces composed of regularized state militia, and develop raider pursuit cavalry forces. Suppress rebellion in Missouri – raise loyalty and rescind martial law.

Advance and develop the Pamunkey, Cumberland, and Missouri River Line. Take Lynchburg VA, Nashville TN (springboard for advance on Decatur), Humboldt TN, Memphis TN, and Charleston MO. Retake Norfolk. Take and hold Pensacola FL (Gulf harbor and springboard for advance on Montgomery). Raid VA.

The Naval PLAN is to maintain the Gulf and Atlantic Blockades; hold Ohio and Mississippi River confluent; maintain force at Hampton Roads; improve shipping capacity.

The Quartermaster PLAN is to develop forward depots; ensure that all key garrisons have supply wagons (prevent capture, as at Norfolk); establish Charleston WV Depot; maintain rail / river supply at average to full.

[Yellowhammer]

Blenker repulses Bragg at Ft Pickens – Rebels Suffer Heavy Losses! Blenker killed 3378 rebels at Ft Pickens, sustaining 596 casualties (mostly among garrison troops).

I need money - raise $390,000 through Measured Exceptional Taxes.

Depot constructed at Charlottesville. McDowell Corps ordered to Louisa VA from Fredericksburg.

Depot constructed at Ft Leavenworth.

Rebels Recapture James City – Stevens Makes Them Pay for It in Blood! Huger (CSA – power 562) attacked Stevens and Wood 16th Division (power 200) at James City VA; Stevens sustained 1514 casualties and killed 4512 rebels; Stevens evacuated the city and advanced to Ft Monroe after the victory; 16th Division ordered to Washington, along with Butler.

McDowell Corps (power 1372) is at Louisa; McClellan Army (power 153) moves to Louisa; Franklin Corps (power 801) is at Fredericksburg; Berry Corps (power 718) is at Charlottesville. They are rested, supplied, and ready to advance as soon as Fredericksburg is garrisoned; Charlottesville is garrisoned by the Irish Brigade (power 199). Forces are assembling at Washington consistent with President Lincoln’s directive.

Prestonburg KY Depot operational. Grant Command (power 945) to Hard KY. Grant (power 713) at Hard KY ordered to relieve Bowling Green KY, under siege by Cheatham Division (CSA – power 124).

The West is crawling with Rebs and I can’t seem to get the Western Army organized, they’re bottled up in St Louis and protecting cities – maybe Grant will ease the pressure. The major CSA threat is Johnston Army (power unknown) with Polk Corps at Trigg KY. Fremont ordered to Louisville to reorganize his Army there; plan for Butler to organize at St Louis.

BATTLE OF LOUISA VA - MAY 2, 1862





McClellan Victorious at Louisa – Advances Back to Fredericksburg!
McClellan Army and McDowell Corps, supported by Franklin Corps (power 2183), defeated Beauregard (power 3435) at Louisa VA. Beauregard ‘outgeneraled’ McClellan (Longstreet, Jackson, Smith, and Magruder), but McClellan ‘outgunned’ (better artillery, Gatling Gun) and ‘outmanned’ (ten elite infantry plus one Zouaves regiment) and ‘ougrounded’ (favorable position) Beauregard. The rebels lost 13,037 men, including a Signal Company and an elite infantry regiment. McClellan suffered 5,776 casualties and took 300 prisoners and 1000 rifles. McClellan advanced back to Fredericksburg and Jackson holds the field at Louisa (power 1234) – since Jackson and Magruder are at full strength looks like McClellan made the right decision. McDowell (new seniority 8) and Hooker (new seniority 11) congratulated for their action.

McClellan Army (power 178), McDowell Corps (power 1069), Franklin Corps (power 587), and Parke Command (power 124) ordered to entrench at Fredericksburg. Keyes Corps (power 730) and Heintzelman Command (power 184) ordered to entrench at Charlottesville.

Col Fenwick Hero of Bowling Green! Col Fenwick and militia (power 40) defended Bowling Green KY against Cheatham (power 133), killing 883 rebels while suffering 401 casualties. Grant arrived in time to deter another attack. Asboth Division ordered to cut rail line at Whyte VA (sic - Wythe). Fremont forms the Army of the Ohio at Louisville and ordered to catch up to his army at Bowling Green – Grant (power 713). Thomas (power 322) at Hard KY ordered to Bowling Green and expects to arrive in 2 days. Johnston Army (CSA) with Polk Corps and Smith Corps at Clarksville TN in unknown strength.

Forces pacifying MO north of the Missouri River and forces ordered to pursue Watie (CSA) at Gilead IL.

Beauregard Army (Lee Corps, Longstreet Corps, Smith Corps), assuming that McClellan would attack Jackson at Louisa, tried to slip around from Richmond through Hanover to Fredericksburg. Fascinating animation. Beauregard is at Hanover with formidable, but unknown, strength. McClellan Army (power 183), McDowell Corps (power 1302), and Franklin Corps (power 755) are already back to full strength.

From Washington: Ord Division (power 340) ordered to Fredericksburg; Smith Division (power 309) ordered to Charlottesville. Twelve brigades remain in Washington.

Fremont Army (power 35), Grant Corps (power 780), Thomas Corps (power 322), Caldwell Division (power 225), and Col Fenwick Militia (power 14) at Bowling Green, face Johnston Army (power unknown) at Clarksville.

Beauregard makes a probing attack late on the 15th day, and the rebel advance troops get shot up pretty good by Ord Division. McClellan sustains 10 casualties while the rebels lose 780 killed.

Beauregard Army (power 2) is on the field at Fredericksburg with Lee Corps (power unknown) and Holmes Corps (power unknown); while Jackson Corps (power 1517) and Longstreet Corps (power unknown) are at Hanover. McClellan forces (total power 2789) ordered to dig deeper trenches. Keyes Corps (power 1165) ordered from Charlottesville, expected to arrive in 7 days.

Asboth ordered to destroy rail line at Whyte VA.

Butler ordered from Louisville to St Louis.

Call for Volunteers. Partial Mobilization. Issue 5% Bonds. Measured Exceptional Taxes. Total Blockade.

[Yellowhammer]

Blockade strongly displeases British (+13 EP)! Rebels negotiate with British (+4 EP)! Total Foreign Help equals 40.

Beauregard slipped away to Hanover. McDowell ordered to Louisa and Keyes ordered to Amherst; Franklin held at Fredericksburg with McClellan. Schurz cavalry ordered to Salem VA to cut rail line.

Asboth destroyed rail line at Whyte VA and ordered back to Prestonburg KY.

Butler forms Western Command and Rosecrans forms Corps at St Louis.

Blenker repulses Bragg at Ft Pickens! Blenker, while sustaining 384 casualties, killed 2748 rebels and took 200 prisoners during Bragg’s amphibious assault at Ft Pickens. Blenker is congratulated for his action (new seniority 99).

McDowell Corps entrenches at Louisa VA; Keyes entrenches at Amherst VA. A Monitor grows in Brooklyn - ordered to Hampton Roads. Burnside takes command of NYC Garrison for recruiting.

Reinforcements sent to Bowling Green.

Butler Western Command (power 121) and Rosecrans Corps (power 282) ordered to Hill MO (to practice marching and suppress rebellion in regions along the advance to Charleston MO).

Longstreet commanding Smith Corps (power 1227) and Lee Corps (power unknown) moved to Louisa VA, but haven’t engaged. Beauregard Army (power unknown) with Jackson Corps and Johnson Corps at Hanover. McDowell (power 1271) ordered to entrench. OOPS, looks like I moved Franklin to Louisa instead of McClellan. Keyes Corps (power 1114) ordered to Buckingham VA. Franklin (power 1176) ordered to Fredericksburg and on to Hanover VA. There will be a fight, unless the rebels retreat to Richmond.

MCCLELLAN IN VIRGINIA - 1862





BATTLE OF LOUISA VA - AUGUST 1, 1862





BATTLE OF HANOVER VA - AUGUST 3, 1862





Victories in Virginia!
McClellan Army (power 3755) drove Beauregard (power 1438) out of Louisa VA – killing 3047 and suffering 2695 casualties. McDowell and Franklin (power 2214) defeated Beauregard (power 640) at Hanover, killing 2345 and suffering 1177 casualties. McDowell Corps (current power 1106) fought both actions – Keyes (power 1085) and Franklin (power 1018) are both full strength. McClellan Army ordered to entrench and prepare to support Franklin Corps engaged at Hanover.

Beauregard (power 517) and Jackson Corps (power unknown – June power >1500) at Hanover; Lee Corps (power 490) and assorted units (strength unknown) at Richmond.

Banks Union Army (power 676) ordered to Charlottesville, for an advance on Lynchburg. Crittenden (power 374) ordered to Fredericksburg. Shields Division ordered to Millboro VA for an advance on Covington.

Schurz destroyed rail line at Salem VA and ordered to Campbell VA. Schurz ordered to destroy rail line at Campbell VA.

Grant (power 792) ordered to Gallatin TN; Thomas (power 710) ordered to Clarksville TN; Fremont (power 184) in Reserve at Bowling Green. Reinforcements sent from Louisville.

Butler (power 67) and Rosecrans Corps (power 180) ordered to Cape MO; Wallace Corps (power 241) ordered from Cairo to Paducah.

Clarksville and Gallatin Captured!

Crittenden AotP Corps (power 367) ordered to Buckingham VA to support Keyes. Sedgewick Division (power 281) ordered to Buckingham from Washington. Irish Brigade ordered to take Tappahannock VA. Meade recommended for promotion.

Beauregard Army at Richmond with Longstreet, Lee, Ewell, and Johnson Corps (power unknown). CSS Manassas spotted at James River, Farragut ordered to find and attack.

Shields Division ordered to take Covington VA. Charleston WV Depot operational.

Banks Union Army and Dix Union Corps (power 432) at Charlottesville. Berry Union Corps (power 375) ordered to Roanoke VA, advancing on Lynchburg. Schurz destroyed rail line at Campbell VA and ordered to Charlottesville.

Bowling Green Depot operational. Fremont ordered to Clarksville. Johnston Army at Nashville with Polk, Smith, Van Dorn Corps (unknown power).

Butler Western Command and Rosecrans Corps (power 311) ordered to take Charleston MO. Wallace Corps ordered to take Columbus KY.

Fremont Victorious at Clarksville –Albert Johnston Suffers Heavy Casualties!
Fremont kills 4407 rebels, takes 800 prisoners, captures 1000 rifles, and destroys 3 regiments fighting Albert Johnston Army at Clarksville TN; while sustaining 679 casualties. Fremont (new seniority 3) and Thomas (new seniority 17) congratulated for action.

Fremont Army (power 367) and Thomas Corps (power 930) are engaged with Albert Johnston Army (power 53), Cheatham Corps (power unknown), and Van Dorn Corps (power unknown) at Clarksville. Grant Corps (power 827) faces Polk Corps (power 111) and Smith Corps (power unknown) at Nashville.

Wallace pushes back Joe Johnston at Columbia KY!
Butler Army takes Charleston MO. Wallace is as surprised as Joe Johnston Army meeting at Columbus KY; the meeting engagement resulted in 398 casualties for Wallace and 390 casualties for Johnston. Wallace held the field.

Shields Takes Covington VA! Butler takes Charleston MO!

Beauregard at Richmond with Smith, Lee, Longstreet, and Magruder Corps (power unknown). McClellan (power 178) and McDowell Corps (power 1272) are at Louisa; Keyes Corps (power 1092) and Crittenden Corps (power 755) at Buckingham; Franklin Corps (power 1175) at Hanover.

Schurz returns safe, but hungry – one regiment was forced to eat their horses, at Charlottesville after raiding VA. Dix Union Corps (power 432) to Bedford VA, threatening Burkeville.

McCook assembles forces at Sioux City and ordered to relieve siege of Ft Laramie.

[Yellowhammer]

BATTLE OF CLARKSVILLE TN - SEPTEMBER 16, 1862





Fremont Crushes Albert Johnston at Clarksville!
Fremont (combat value 2112) defeated Albert Johnston (combat value 683) at Clarksville TN, killing 9210 rebels, capturing 3000 prisoners and 4000 rifles, and destroying 13 regiments – including Marines and 20# artillery. Johnston Army and Van Dorn Corps retreated to Ft Henry. Fremont suffered 3032 casualties. Grant, Porter, Thomas, Nelson, and Asboth congratulated for action.

Nashville appears almost defenseless. Thomas (power 994) ordered to Humphreys TN, between Ft Henry and Nashville; Polk Corps (power 94) should be swept away.

Cherokees capture Salem IL – 600 Militia Surrendered!
It’s almost a good thing that the militia surrendered, while looking at the ‘Politics’ screen, I noticed that Lincoln has to ‘sign’ the Emancipation Proclamation – DOH! Too bad for the militia – I don’t know if it is a one-for-one swap or if it is a 600 for 4700 swap – so no exchange.

Wallace captures Columbus KY!

Sign Emancipation Proclamation. Emancipation reduces chance of British Intervention (-27 EP)!

McDowell Victorious at Bloody Buckingham VA!
Beauregard Army (CV 1697) sortied from Richmond to attack Keyes Corps at Buckingham. McDowell Corps (total engaged CV 3216) and Crittenden Corps rode to the guns and defeated Beauregard in a bloody engagement. McDowell killed 7553 rebels, took 200 prisoners, and destroyed an infantry regiment. McDowell suffered 6264 casualties. Keyes Corps (power 951) and Lee Corps (power 625) remain engaged. Longstreet Corps (power 625) is at Richmond; Beauregard Army with Jackson, Johnson, and Magruder Corps (power unknown) at Henrico VA. Keyes and Hurlburt congratulated for action.

Thomas Brilliant Victory at Humphreys TN!
Thomas (combat value 798) crossed the Cumberland River at Humphreys TN and defeated Albert Johnston Army with Polk Corps and Van Dorn Corps (total combat value 277) in two separate actions. First, Thomas killed 1231 rebels, took 200 prisoners, and destroyed an infantry regiment; Thomas sustained 588 casualties in the first action. Second, Thomas (CV 796) killed 2652 rebels, took 900 prisoners, captured 1000 rifles, and destroyed three infantry and one militia regiments. Thomas sustained 588 casualties in the second battle. Thomas, King, and Nelson congratulated for action.

Thomas (power 744) and Johnston (estimated power 120) remain engaged. Asboth Division ordered from Clarksville to reinforce Thomas. Grant ordered to cross the river and take Nashville – defended by militia. CSA Smith Corps (power 103) is at Carthage.

BATTLE OF BUCKINGHAM VA - OCTOBER 17, 1862





BATTLE OF APPOMATTOX VA - OCTOBER 22, 1862





McDowell Destroys Lee at Bloody Buckingham!
Keyes Captures Beauregard HQ at Appomattox!

McDowell broke Lee at Buckingham followed by Keyes Annihilation of Beauregard at Appomattox. The rebels lost over 30,000 men killed or captured.

Bloody Buckingham – McDowell killed 17,501 of Lee’s rebels; took 3100 prisoners; captured 4000 rifles; and destroyed 13 regiments (9 regulars, elite, Zouaves, sharpshooter, and militia). McDowell suffered 5,677 casualties. Keyes, Richardson, Smith, Hurlburt, McDowell, and Hooker congratulated for their action.

Keyes killed 8141 of Beauregard’s rebels; took 3400 prisoners; captured 16,000 rifles and Supply unit; and most importantly, destroyed 22 units (Beauregard’s HQ, Balloon, half of artillery and several infantry). Keyes sustained 678 casualties. Crittenden and Sedgewick congratulated for their action.

Richmond appears to be defended by militia and generals. Lee with Magruder Corps and Jackson Corps (power unknown), is at Henrico.

Franklin Corps (power 1253) at Hanover ordered to take Richmond. McDowell Corps (power 970) ordered with siege guns to Richmond (Hunter Division detached for refit). Keyes Corps (power 598) at Buckingham (minus Richardson Divison), ordered to Henrico. Crittenden Corps (power 581) at Appomattox ordered to Henrico.

Dix Union Corps besieging Lynchburg.

Albert Johnston Crushed in TN – Nashville Besieged!
Thomas defeated Albert Johnston at Humphreys, who retreated into Grant at Nashville. Thomas killed 2261 rebels, took 1000 prisoners, captured 1000 rifles, and destroyed 4 infantry regiments. Thomas sustained 540 casualties. Grant killed 735 rebels, took 200 prisoners, and destroyed an infantry regiment. Grant, Porter, Thomas, and King congratulated for their action.

No significant rebel formations spotted in Cumberland theater.

Fremont Army ordered to Nashville. Thomas Corps (power 683) ordered to take Ft Henry (minus King and Morell Divisions remaining Humphreys).

Butler Army with Rosecrans garrison Columbus KY and Wallace Corps ordered to garrison Paducah. It would take a month for forces to reach either Island 10 or Humboldt TN in the mud.

Victories in Virginia! Richmond Besieged!
Keyes Corps and Crittenden Corps raced to Henrico – Keyes got there first and defeated Lee in a hard fought action – killing 3921 rebels, taking 1800 prisoners and 2000 rifles, and destroying 6 infantry and 1 Zouave regiments. Keyes suffered 2061 casualties and retired to Buckingham.

Franklin Corps supported by Meade Corps at Louisa, defeated Smith at Richmond, besieging the city. Franklin killed 728 rebels, took 200 prisoners, and destroyed one militia unit. Franklin sustained 143 casualties.

Franklin Corps and Crittenden Corps defeated Lee in a second action at Henrico. Franklin killed 2157 men, took 1000 prisoners and 2000 rifles, and destroyed 4 regiments (2 infantry, Zouave, cavalry). Franklin suffered 1032 casualties.

Crittenden (power 297) and Lee (power at least 460) remain engaged at Henrico. Longstreet command (power unknown), comprising Ewell Division and Sibley Division, is at Petersburg.

Keyes, Hurlburt, Crittenden, and Sedgewick congratulated for their action.

McClellan Army, McDowell Corps, and Keyes Corps ordered to Henrico. Franklin maintains siege at Richmond. Meade Corps ordered to Fredericksburg.

Banks Army and Berry Corps besieging Lynchburg; Dix Corps ordered to Burkeville.

Grant promoted to General – Nashville Liberated!
Grant and Thomas defeated rebel forces at Humphreys TN: killing 694 rebels, capturing 500 prisoners and 1000 rifles, and destroying two infantry regiments. Grant sustained 2 casualties. King congratulated for his action. Clarksville TN Depot operational. Ft Henry besieged. No significant enemy forces spotted. Grant ordered to Maury TN threatening Pulaski TN. Thomas besieging Ft Henry. Halleck ordered to Nashville to organize forces.

Milroy command defeated rebel forces at Union MO, killing 302 men, taking 200 prisoners, and destroying a cavalry regiment. Milroy sustained 11 casualties. Columbus KY Depot operational. Milroy congratulated for his action.

McArthur besieging Salem.

BATTLE OF HENRICO VA - NOVEMBER 16, 1862





McClellan defeats Lee at Henrico!
McClellan Army crushed Lee Command at Henrico, killing 6519 rebels, taking 2600 prisoners and 4000 rifles, and destroying 11 regiments (8 infantry, Zouave, cavalry, sharpshooter). McClellan suffered 2111 casualties. McDowell, Hooker, Franklin, Runyon, and Miles congratulated for action.

McClellan Army (power 186), with McDowell Corps (power 729) and Crittenden Corps (power 480), faces Lee Command with Stuart Division and Magruder Division (power 298) at Henrico. Ewell Command and Sibley Division (power 38); with Early, Floyd, and Jackson Command (power unknown); are at Petersburg. Keyes Corps (power 535) ordered to Henrico.

Ft Henry Surrenders - 4000 Prisoners!
Fremont Army Grant Corps and Thomas Corps ordered to Nashville. Albert Johnston Army (power unknown) spotted at Coffee TN.

Peoria Massacre – Citizens Defend Town!
Peoria Massacre – 10 days of Vicious Fighting! Cherokee Indians surprised a troop of new cavalry recruits at Peoria, killing 202 troopers, taking 200 prisoners, and destroying the regiment – the troopers killed 150 rebels. The militia responded and in actions over 10 days killed 465 rebels, while suffering 1099 casualties. The Indians took the surviving 200 Militia prisoner on day 13, destroying the regiment. Citizens hold the city, but are besieged.

Salem liberated. Rousseau killed 289 rebels, took 400 prisoners and 1000 rifles, and destroyed an infantry and cavalry regiment. Rousseau sustained 107 casualties. McArthur Division ordered to relieve Peoria.

McCook suppressed the Sioux Uprising in three days of fighting at Ft Laramie, killing 1185 Indians and destroying 3 war band regiments, while sustaining 236 casualties. McCook congratulated for his action.

Lynchburg Liberated! Rousseau Relieves Peoria!

[Yellowhammer]

The PLAN for the 1862 campaign season:
1. Build and maintain four armies (East, Midwest, West, and Peninsula) – Four Armies built: (Potomac, Union, Ohio, and Western); James Army stand up; Grant ordered to Washington to stand up Army.
2. Hold the Potomac, Ohio, and Missouri River Line. The Line held, except for serious raids in MO / IL (Salem and Peoria).
3. Build Washington and Cairo forts – capturing Ft Island 10 and Ft Henry overcomes need for Cairo fort; Washington has 12 brigade defense force.
4. Maintain quick reaction forces composed of regularized state militia, and develop raider pursuit cavalry forces – Kearny IL Cavalry and Mitchel WI cavalry (both have 4 cavalry regiments and Horse Artillery)
5. Suppress rebellion in Missouri – raise loyalty and rescind martial law – Failed – MO Loyalty 5% to 56%.
6. Advance and develop the Pamunkey, Cumberland, and Missouri River Line – Success
7. Take Lynchburg VA, Nashville TN, Humboldt TN, Memphis TN, and Charleston MO – Failed to take Memphis TN. Retake Norfolk – Failed – when Petersburg falls, Norfolk is threatened. Took Richmond VA, Burkeville VA, Tappahannock VA, William VA, James City VA, Covington VA, Livingstone TN, Pulaski TN, Winchester TN, Ft Henry TN, Decaturville TN, Ft Island 10 TN.
8. Take and hold one Gulf harbor (New Orleans LA, Galveston TX, Pensacola FL, Tampa FL, St Josephs FL, Berwick LA, Gulf MS) – Failed – forces assembling in Washington.
9. Raid VA – Success – Schurz cut key rail lines at Salem VA and Campbell VA, assisting in the liberation of Lynchburg VA. Schurz lost one cavalry regiment in the raid.

The Naval PLAN:
1. Maintain the Gulf and Atlantic Blockades – Acceptable – blockade ranged from 10% to 30%; usually maintained at 20%.
2. Hold Ohio and Mississippi River confluent – Success.
3. Maintain force at Hampton Roads – Success.
4. Improve shipping capacity – Ships built; need to develop metrics.

The Quartermaster PLAN:
1. Develop forward depots – Success – usually operational within month of liberation.
2. Ensure that all key garrisons have supply wagons (prevent capture) – Acceptable.
3. Establish Charleston WV Depot – Success.
4. Maintain rail / river supply at average to full – Success – capacity brought to full each turn.

[Yellowhammer]

The PLAN for the 1863 campaign season:
1. Build and maintain 6 Armies: McDowell at James, McClellan East Maneuver, Banks Tennessee Valley Maneuver, Fremont at Cumberland, Butler Western Command, and Grant Gulf Army.
2. Hold the James River, Cumberland River, and Missouri River Line.
3. Advance and develop the James River, Tennessee River, and Missouri River Line.
4. Take Petersburg VA, Carthage TN, Suffolk VA, Norfolk VA, Garys NC (cutting off Norfolk), Decatur AL, Tuscumbia AL, Savannah TN, Corinth MS, Covington TN, and Memphis TN.
5. Take and hold Pensacola FL.
6. Raid Holmes MS; Guilford and Orange NC; Richmond LA.
7. Suppress rebellion in MO (14%) and TN (4%) – raise loyalty and rescind Martial Law.

The Naval PLAN:
1. Maintain the Gulf and Atlantic Blockades; standardize fleet rotation / composition.
2. Hold Ohio and Mississippi River confluent.
3. Maintain force at Hampton Roads.
4. Recon in Force to New Orleans LA.
5. Improve shipping capacity; develop metrics.

The Quartermaster PLAN:
1. Develop forward depots.
2. Ensure that all key garrisons have supply wagons (prevent capture).
3. Establish Depot at Bloomington MO, Humboldt TN, Winchester TN, and James City VA.
4. Maintain rail / river supply at average to full.

[Yellowhammer]

Runyon Division destroyed Naval engineer detachment at Charles City VA, killing 102 rebels and taking 2000 rifles, while sustaining 6 casualties.

Schurz ordered to Guilford VA.

Logan, detached from Thomas at Winchester, ordered to Jackson AL. Rousseau Corps ordered to Madison AL.

Petersburg Liberated – 4000 Prisoners!

Destroyed raiders in VA. Two Rebel militia units evacuated Petersburg onto the James River. No significant formation spotted in VA. Army of the Potomac and Army of the James and Union Army reorganizing at Petersburg , Richmond, and Lynchburg. Schurz ordered to Orange NC.

Rousseau Corps ordered to take Decatur AL.

Grierson fought a bloody engagement at Holly Springs MS, killing 392 rebels but suffering 245 casualties. Sumner Division ordered to meet Grierson at Hardeman TN. Lyon Division ordered to Madison TN. Wallace Corps to Madison TN.

Albert Johnston Army (power unknown) with Van Dorn Corps spotted at Corinth.

Pinkerton ordered to Lynchburg.

Grant embarks for Pensacola.

AotP Franklin Corps (power 1509) and Keyes Corps (power 1371) ordered to take Garys NC.

AotJ Crittenden Corps (power 872) ordered to Waverly VA.

Union Army Berry Corps (power 550) ordered to Mecklenburg VA. Dix Corps (power 514) ordered to Campbell VA. Schenk Corps (power 377) ordered to Whyte VA.

WC Milroy Corps (power 395) ordered to Dyer TN. Sumner Division and Grierson ordered to Humboldt.

Destroyed raiders in MO and TN. Kearny congratulated for his action.

Decatur AL Liberated! Carthage TN Liberated! Foote Cruises to NOLA!

Organizing and positioning Armies. The rebels are fleeing Norfolk through the swamps.

Draft Riots in New England - Buell ordered to Boston MA!

Rebel Capitol at Mobile AL!

Grant Army (power 1512) ordered to disembark at Pensacola FL – appears to be defended by militia. Sherman and reinforcements embarked at Washington.

Rebel Generals abandon their troops at Norfolk… Rebels appear to be massing to relieve siege at Garys NC.

Foote’s cruise of the Mississippi River discovered that New Orleans is weakly defended and that Vicksburg has artillery batteries positioned on the bluffs overlooking the river.

West Virginia Admitted to Union! Tuscumbia AL Liberated!

Humboldt TN depot operational.

Grant forms Army of the South West while besieging Pensacola, comprised of Meade Corps (power 362) and Hooker Corps (power 737).

[Yellowhammer]

Three of Schurz cavalry regiments have eaten their horses…

Sherman Command (power 697) ordered to disembark and take Milton. Pensacola Surrenders – 1000 Prisoners! Milton FL Liberated! Grant expands the beachhead. Sparta AL Liberated! Blakely AL Liberated!

Longstreet with two Divisions and Pender with two Divisions brushed back Berry’s weak Corps at Mecklenburg, advancing to Henrico and Dinwiddie. McDowell and McClellan respond.

Richmond Lost – This is an Infamous Day!
The garrison at Richmond retreated in the face of superior forces.
McClellan and McDowell moving into positions to assault Richmond. Sedgewick Division besieging Norfolk. Rebel raiders cut the rail line at Alexandria right in front of the garrison, who stayed in their trenches, perhaps thinking it was Longstreet’s advance guard. Reinforcements are bottled up at Washington.

Longstreet (power 498) slipped out of Richmond and around Fredericksburg to Stafford VA. Richmond is defended by militia. Lee (power 293) is at Mecklenburg.

Banks besieging Garys NC. Suffolk VA Liberated!

Covington TN Liberated! Fulton AL Liberated! Savannah TN Liberated!

Wallace Corps defeated Stewart at Corinth, killing 1087 rebels, taking 800 prisoners and 1000 rifles, and destroying 3 infantry regiments. Wallace suffered 499 casualties and is besieging Corinth. Wallace and McPherson congratulated for their actions.

Milroy defeated Alexander at Memphis, killing 769, taking 200 prisoners; while suffering 692 casualties. Milroy besieging Memphis. Milroy congratulated for his action.

Sheridan destroying the rail line at Richmond LA, in an amphibious raid with Foote.

Hooker (power 1175) ordered to take Montgomery – defended by Heth (power 120+). Pensacola Depot operational.

Blunt engaged with raiders at Cherokee IT.

Proceed to the Next turn...

[Yellowhammer]

What? Did I miss something? I knew that the Union NM was at the Victory threshold, but RETAKING Richmond crossed the goal line.

I won, but they weren't totally crushed (SCORE: Union 3054, Confederate 2434). I saw my enemies driven before me, but I didn't get to hear the lamentations of the women...

AGEOD - GREAT GAME!

Merci!

[Yellowhammer]

The PLAN for the 1863 campaign season:
1. Build and maintain 6 Armies: McDowell at James, McClellan East Maneuver, Banks Tennessee Valley Maneuver, Fremont at Cumberland, Butler Western Command, and Grant Gulf Army – Sloppy, but Acceptable.
2. Hold the James River, Cumberland River, and Missouri River Line – Bent, but not Broke.
3. Advance and develop the James River, Tennessee River, and Missouri River Line – Success.
4. Take Petersburg VA, Carthage TN, Suffolk VA, Norfolk VA, Garys NC (cutting off Norfolk), Decatur AL, Tuscumbia AL, Savannah TN, Corinth MS, Covington TN, and Memphis TN – Taken or Under Siege – Success.
5. Take and hold Pensacola FL – Success – besieging Montgomery AL.
6. Raid Holmes MS; Guilford and Orange NC; Richmond LA – Success.
7. Suppress rebellion in MO (14%) and TN (4%) – raise loyalty and rescind Martial Law – Failed – MO at 16% and TN at 16%.

The Naval PLAN:
1. Maintain the Gulf and Atlantic Blockades; standardize fleet rotation / composition – Success – Blockade ranged from 10% to Consistent 35%.
2. Hold Ohio and Mississippi River confluent – Success.
3. Maintain force at Hampton Roads – Success – except for period spent transporting Grant to Pensacola.
4. Recon in Force to New Orleans LA – Success – but Useless.
5. Improve shipping capacity; develop metrics – Fail – but Acceptable - Did Not have Capacity to Transport Army and Trade simultaneously – didn’t appear to hurt Money or War Supplies.

The Quartermaster PLAN:
1. Develop forward depots – Success – but Slower than desired.
2. Ensure that all key garrisons have supply wagons (prevent capture) – Fail at Richmond (of all places).
3. Establish Depot at Bloomington MO, Humboldt TN, Winchester TN, and James City VA – Humboldt Depot operational.
4. Maintain rail / river supply at average to full – Complete Success.

[Yellowhammer]

The STRATEGY is to develop successive Lines with thrusts at Richmond VA, Decatur AL, and Montgomery AL – Cutting the Heart Out of Dixie. Taking Decatur and Montgomery cuts the South’s East – West rail network. The strategy builds on Union strengths: Eastern Army at Washington; Midwest Army taking Nashville and driving to Decatur; South West Army pushing from Ft. Pickens to Pensacola (securing Gulf harbor) and Montgomery.

Developing successive lines of key defensible cities and a network of depots - Anaconda by land - works for me - it prevented deep raids except in the West - it kept troops supplied.

Thrusting to Richmond and crushing Beauregard's / Lee's Army won the war. Taking Nashville / Decatur, in addition to cutting the northern East – West rail, provides a springboard to swing West to support action in MS or East to GA. Taking Pensacola provides a usable Gulf harbor (without having to worry about running hostile forts), plus a springboard to Montgomery - cutting the southern East – West rail.

[gchristie]

Yellowhammer,

While I appreciate all the great work people have done on the other AAR's, I still struggled with how to put all the pieces together into coherent strategies. I've found your "cutting the heart out of dixie" AAR to be the most helpful because it was so explicit in laying out annual goals. It really opened my eyes to the importance of developing annual grand strategies for each region.

It is so easy to get lost in the details of this game, and the tactics. But actually writing out a plan for each region every year helped me to put all the pieces together and implement (ie. remember) my strategy more effectively. And comparing my progress at year end to the plan proved quite insightful.

Without your AAR, I think I would have given up on this jewel of a game.

After completing the tutorials and a few shorter scenarios, but many false starts at the Union April 1861 campaign, I employed your approach to setting annual goals for each region and for the navies (using my own strategies though) and I just completed my first full campaign with a victory in February 1863.

Looking forward to taking on the 1.13 patch at a harder level soon.

[Yellowhammer]

gchristie - thank you for your kind words.

I'm pleased that you stuck with the game, I agree with you that it is a jewel. There is a bit of a learning curve (I'm -still- learning myself, usually by making mistakes).

Congrats on your win! If you can manage it, I'd suggest a PBEM game. I just finished my first one (in the Tournament), and it's a whole 'nother world playing a human

BTW, I used to travel through Portland (working at Bath Iron Works). There used to be a place called Three Dollar Dewey's (?) that had the best chili in New England, plus great music. Also made the pilgrimage to LL Bean while in college. I like Maine.

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