PBEM: GraniteStater vs Patrick "Stonewall" Cleburne (Part Deux)

[GraniteStater]

OK, we started a new game, cuz I futzed up a resurrect of a file.

Rules: Historical - Attrition, Medium Delay, yadda yadda - see previous thread nearby for settings. Of greater note is, as of this writing, this agreement:

Financials - anything goes. It 's your economy, wreck it if you want.

Men

USA: Vols only until June of 62. Partial/Vols from then 'til June 63. Gloves are off in June 63.

CSA: Vols only 'til Dec61. Partial Mob from Dec61 to June62. Full Mob in June62.

A rough reflection of reality. Now, on to Turn One.

N. B.: IIRC, we have a "KY agreement" - was put off on PBEMs for a long time cuzza Jarkko's posts way back about the winning strategy being endless raiding, nuking coastal forts, etc. I was concerned about Cairo's vulnerability, so he won't attack it before Sept61 and I won't buy the token before Sept61.

[GraniteStater]

E Apr61

Decisions

POL - Blockade

ECON - LtIndy in NY, IL & MO (I can't help myself and Industrialization in general for me is...well, I've started some threads on the topic. I'm not kickin' my feet, it's just that, well, I wish I had been at the design meeting that day).

Some RR & Rvr.

FIN - 5% Bonds and Measured Excpt'l - the two lightest ones.

MEN - Free Vols only.

The idea is to keep the NM curve to something viable from the start - I don't need to put the pedal to the metal at the very start, most especially cuz I get another crack at it in three months.

Maybe I can learn how not to have everybody south of 49 degrees North latitude hate me.

[GraniteStater]

Late April - Early May

VA



Reinforce HF with anyone who can move. Oh, yeah, I was attacked at HF, almost lost it (two rounds, Defeat/Stalemate), but held on.

Build MIL in Border States, sprinkle with cost effective Inf. Get any ships that can move to mid-Lant ports. I like to put all the true frigates together under Palmer and use them as rovers - fast. I never build any more 'em, hardly ever. Beautiful vessels, but the stinkpots are the order of the day - we are in mid-19th century, after all.

Lessee, the Blockade roll went his way...eh.

Bella, my Himalayan cat who found me and my wife and moved in, took advantage of my inattention to camp at a place where we discourage her from - my coat on a chair. I would address this, but it would be deletrious to National Morale.

[GraniteStater]

Late May61

He Embargoed. Can't remember what FI is, usually I have to back out of the app, cuz if I Alt-Tab and accidentally bring the Desktop up, the app will freeze on return. Odd.

It loads fast, though - I've got 6GB RAM on this machine.

Nothin' really happened - militia are ready. He didn't pee in the Ohio, or anything.

Gettin' ready. Small, but important stuff. More Decisions & Options soon, then you live with them for a while.

Just Vols for the next year - I'm going to need some major moolah. Right now the low category is Men.

Patterson showed up and goes to HF by rail.

Get Leaders goin' to places - the pace picks up soon.

[GraniteStater]

Early June 61

VA



Take Manassas, now, idjut! Leaderless Bdes, anything built, not locked down goes to attack Manasas. He has a Leader - that's OK, there are two waves, one with Militia in a prelim Feint & then the next day with comparable strength, using Inf. Even if it doesn't succeed right away, I might knock him off his pins and set the stage for an early success here - ya gotta take and hold it ASAP, NM is huge here. I was considering bringing the boys in HF down for the party, but even against the AI, HF in Reb hands is cramping.

MO



Lyons gathers all he can & goes to attack Rolla in AllOut Crazy Posture. Usually works. I prefer to take the Tent over the Depot.

[deguerra]

like the idea with the open AAR, should probably be fine I reckon, obviously only so long as both players behave honourably, but I don't think that's in question.

I assume you mean Jefferson City, rather than Rolla. Rolla seems to be the one Lyon is not going to.

As a general question, what should the Union strategy in Virginia be for the beginning? It always looks to me like it is basically a 'defend and try to exploit any gaps' situation, but I'm never quite sure when to consolidate forces for a stack of doom and when to split them to be able to defend more. I find this especially hard before you can form Corps (and by that time the Union can usually have enough troops to have a decent force defending the line while still fielding a large offensive stack)

[GraniteStater]

Yes, you are correct. I was getting into the sleepiness zone.

Also, I misunderstood PC - he is not going to read this (pretty sure) - he started his own. An error on my part.

[GraniteStater]

Late June 61

VA

A Probe at Manassas



The first stack took some potshots, but were swatted away, losing many young fellows. The California Bde, seeing what had happened the day before, thought better of it, hearing of the size of the Reb force. Thank you, coding - saved needless digital lives from being wasted, especially from a premier Bde; I had found out what I wanted. Of course, I wanted to take the place, but Cleburne had rushed up many in butternut to beat me there.

SitRep



I need to be a calm, cool, collected Field Marshal. My blood gets stirred up, I get emotional and start making unsound decisions - but I don't want a repeat of last time; I cannot afford to let Stonewall C. be a wall of stone in northern VA. I am planning on taking every mother's son and storming into Manassas, now that the padlocks are off. Devil take the hindmost.

Being the player he is, Cleburne, I am sure, is well aware of this and has dealt with this before. I cannot afford to be wasteful of a move with him; give him the opportunity and he will be merrily digging away, making your life hell. I might as well assault him right now, Sun Tzu, Clausewitz and Liddel-Hart be damned. The indirect approach & the wisdom of the Master are not to be scoffed at, and never should be, but there's an old American saying, "You can't stop an elepahant with a BB gun." There is a time and place for force majeure; there are times when cold steel and grim resolve are what is needed.

Patterson gets retired soon, I hope, and his men consolidate in HF with the people under Schurz. Note the LightInf formation in MD - they shall remain there, not to stop Marse Robert or Stonewall Jackson, but to be a trip wire force. I have noticed that the Medium Delay setting seems to engender more pre-clash retreats than what I'm used to with Short, and these guys would probably do the same - maybe it's moot, but having someone there to shout "Hey you!" might not be a bad idea.

MO



Jeff City taken without a struggle. Shore up supply lines, establish MC, connect stuff up. A quick strike could work, but as Patton supposedly said to Monty, "I don't like to take the same ground twice." MO, IMO, is a more of a head butting contest and can wait, really, even until 62 if need be, when Johnny Reb could be forced to concede the field. Activity is required, though, especially against Cleburne - we won't ignore this theater or think it unimportant. Loyalty takes forever to change out here, so I shan't worry about things I can't change quickly too much- be alert, snap up opportunites or mistakes if they arise, but be prudent and stockpile men and materiel. Once you get a steamroller headed towards the Arkansas river, it cab be a done deal - western AR & Little Rock. You don't need any more than that, that's the objective. Don't rush, don't lose and the trump of doom will sound soon enough.

[GraniteStater]

Early July 61

Exec Summary

The results of choosing 8% Bonds, Exceptional Taxes ('middle' one), and $2,000 per company Volunteers:







I'm going to work on the Zoom - thought it was doing it, but I work with these tools all the time; just too lazy right now to do it right and besides, I don't want to make a career out of this. Apologies for now.

Bloody Bull Run and Winchester



Frustration doesn't begin to describe it. He has 204 Entrench, and 30,000+ guys. I lost too, too many; elements wiped out; I'm so mad I could spit.

Here we freakin' go again.



Punched in the face at Winchester. Patterson was Active, so I sighed and went for it - outnumbered 2:1.

What does he have, the decades long secret Southern breeding program?

VA



Current situation.

MO



Rolla falls - what the $%^& do ya know! Something goes right - but not really unexpected.

*****

It's enough to make you take up golf.

[hgilmer]

Good luck!

[deguerra]

It's enough to make you take up golf.

Hang in there.

[GraniteStater]

Late July 61

VA



OMG, something worked!

I don't know what happened here. Yes, I took a gamble and had McDowell drive for F-burg. It fell in a trice (what the heck is a trice, anyway?). Few things:

* I did it cuz he could make it in one turn, like 12 days or so.

* I had no Cav, no G2 on it. I was hoping it might be lightly defended - no rational hope, just a hope.

* The Papers Demand Offensive requirement - I would hazard that it is not met, because the message says Manassas, but IIRC, it could be within two Regions of Richmond. However, I have to hold the ground, wherever it is, by the time limit in September. That's my understanding.

* He can kick me out, I'm sure, but he has to leave his trenches to do it.

* Not the least consideration is that F-burg is a Strat City - important; Loyalty checks are triggered, I get brownie points, folks get drunk, soldiers get lucky.

We shall see what the esteemed General Cleburne does. I must be on my toes. I'm amazed this worked. Sidling past the guards is a heck of a lot easier before Corps formation and MTSG. I need to be in a good position in VA before that, or I'm looking at the Defensive Net I saw the last game.

Patterson (yeah, he's still around) retreated from HF and left the garrison to their fate (Hold at all costs Posture) in the face of JJ's might - near 400 PWR.

Alexandria could be had, but ya can't have everything. See what happens.

MO



A Bde goes to start connecting stuff up; the Cav next to Price is a new unit, cycled in - the other one had to go to Lexington cuzza Supply. The Cav runs out fast without a Wagon (do Wagons slow Cav down?).

*****

More being built - money & stuff is OK, but Men are low - Volunteers for the next eleven months. Make 'em count, is all I can say. RR&R in 100%+ condition.

Could be much, much worse.

[Mickey3D]

The Papers Demand Offensive requirement - I would hazard that it is not met, because the message says Manassas, but IIRC, it could be within two Regions of Richmond. However, I have to hold the ground, wherever it is, by the time limit in September. That's my understanding.

To meet this requirement, you have to hold Manassas region. If not met you'll loose 10 NM.

The "two regions of Richmond" requirement is an event that will happen later in 1862.

[GraniteStater]

Well, IIRC the message says "threaten Richmond (Manassas)". You would think that I would have it memorized, after playing the game so much at a certain point (now, there's a nice feature! See Event Mssgs).

I asked P"S"Cleburne about it and he replied that F-burg would do it. 'Course, the ground has to be held. I am rather inclined to think that it must be Manassas. IOW, I don't really doubt your word.

Stick around for the next post, though - I haven't done the shots yet, but it's, well...interesting.

[gchristie]

The first Northern Papers push event in 1861 requires you to take and gain military control of Manassas. Fredericksburg won't satisfy this event.

The second Nothern Papers/Threaten Richmond event(s) occur in 1862, which was changed in ver 1.15 is as follows:

AGEod's American Civil War Update 1.15 release notes
October, 19th 2009

59.) McClellan/McDowell and the new "Threaten Richmond" events in 1862:
a.) Two new "1862 Threaten Richmond" events created to add political pressure on the USA player to threaten Richmond in 1862. One event expires 1862/06/30. The other expires 1862/10/30.
b.) If you satisfy the "Threaten Richmond" requirements prior to the first expiration, there is no NM penalty at all for 1862.
c.) If you don't satisfy the "Threaten Richmond" requirements before the 1st expiration there is a 10 NM penalty.
d.) If you don't satisfy the "Threaten Richmond" requirements before the 2nd expiration there is another 10 NM penalty.
e.) McClellan or McDowell (depending on the Army In Manassas outcome) will remain activated "every" turn throughout the "1862 Threaten Richmond" period up until the 2nd expiration or the successful completion of the requirements whichever comes first.
f.) The 1862 "Threaten Richmond" events will be made optional once Pocus provides the on/off support capability.

The thing that is still unclear to me, though I think it has been answered, is that you need a certain number of "units" adjacent to or one region from Richmond. A corps, a division, a brigade are each considered a "unit." So you would need to break down a division into separate brigades (or have 10 divisions!) in the target region to avoid the NM penalty.

That is my understanding after starting a thread several months back seeking clarity. If I am wrong on this, someone please clear this up once and for all.

Regards.

[GraniteStater]

Early August 61

VA



I've got him.

My understanding of the game isn't too bad - still have significant details to master, but I'm comfortable with my assesments of what can happen, of likekihoods. Never underestimate your opponent. Weigh the oppo's capabilities more than their intentions, but I feel that I can deal him a heavy blow.

He did what I wanted him to do. He attacked Alexandria. Now, on the turn, I saw Leaders and formations going to Richmond (sure looked like it, I presume they ended there - McDowell has no Cav with him, IIRC). So he spun off some of his strength to cover Richmond, which more or less confirms my feeling that his shield is up front and that once the shield is penetrated, the going is much easier.

Then he attacked Alexandria. He inflicted heavy, heavy, losses.



The garrison is still there, but, of course, are a perfunctory force. In HF, Jackson, on two succesive days, attacked a little over 5,000 with 9,700. After two days, I had lost the position and Jackson has about 7,900 left.

But I've got him, by cracky, I think I've got him.

Beuaregard is exhausted. His full cohesion PWR is probably near 500+, from what I can tell. His Cohesion right now, though, is very low and McDowell is 15 days away.

McDowell is at 523 PWR. The key is that he took F-burg without a fight, really, so he's in still in good, almost tip-top shape. He has this strength despite Heintzelmann (? - sp?) being sent with light forces SE down the peninsula towards Ft. Monroe (one Arty with him). Manassas is held by a corporal's guard.

I don't want Manassas, I want to crush PGT. I will attack him in Alexandria; if he withdraws to Manassas, all well and good - he will still be somewhat weaker than ideal (PGT is at about 250 PWR right now; yes, he will regain some Cohesion on the Turn, but if I confront him in Alexandria, I estimate it will be about 475 - 330, Union's favor) - all on open ground.

I hope to scatter him to the wind.

Cleburne is a solid general - I will be flexible and watch for the unexpected, but I may have a sterling opportunity here.

MO



Decided to assult Springfield - shoved Price right out. He was very weak. Gotta get supplies up, consolidate, hold on.

*****

My Production this Turn is about 125 - 135 for $$ and WS, but Men are scarce - only 44 Companies being recruited. I have about 89 total I can raise regiments from. WS and $$ are not a problem - starting to think about maybe shutting the Indy down, although I like to have NY's $$ production.

NM 85, his is 113, I believe - but FI is 72!!!! Uh - oh.

Not too bad, not too bad, though. Oh, BTW, I did surprise Cleburne with the rush to F-burg - he said as much in his email.

[GraniteStater]

The first Northern Papers push event in 1861 requires you to take and gain military control of Manassas. Fredericksburg won't satisfy this event.

The second Nothern Papers/Threaten Richmond event(s) occur in 1862, which was changed in ver 1.15 is as follows:

AGEod's American Civil War Update 1.15 release notes
October, 19th 2009

59.) McClellan/McDowell and the new "Threaten Richmond" events in 1862:
a.) Two new "1862 Threaten Richmond" events created to add political pressure on the USA player to threaten Richmond in 1862. One event expires 1862/06/30. The other expires 1862/10/30.
b.) If you satisfy the "Threaten Richmond" requirements prior to the first expiration, there is no NM penalty at all for 1862.
c.) If you don't satisfy the "Threaten Richmond" requirements before the 1st expiration there is a 10 NM penalty.
d.) If you don't satisfy the "Threaten Richmond" requirements before the 2nd expiration there is another 10 NM penalty.
e.) McClellan or McDowell (depending on the Army In Manassas outcome) will remain activated "every" turn throughout the "1862 Threaten Richmond" period up until the 2nd expiration or the successful completion of the requirements whichever comes first.
f.) The 1862 "Threaten Richmond" events will be made optional once Pocus provides the on/off support capability.

The thing that is still unclear to me, though I think it has been answered, is that you need a certain number of "units" adjacent to or one region from Richmond. A corps, a division, a brigade are each considered a "unit." So you would need to break down a division into separate brigades (or have 10 divisions!) in the target region to avoid the NM penalty.

That is my understanding after starting a thread several months back seeking clarity. If I am wrong on this, someone please clear this up once and for all.

Regards.

Thank you very much, sir. MickeyD also stated that the very first one requires possession of Manassas, nothing less.

We should definitely (a) get the full, authoritative, no bones about it, requirements fully spelled out, for both event chains, and (b) sticky it.

It's gotta be one the MFAQ around here. As much as I've played, I still find myself saying, "Now, what, exactly, am I supposed to do?"

I think ten elements may satify the criteria - I think. Could be just wrong on that, though - in that case, ten Bdes (Getch yer one element Bdes right here! One element Bdes! Goin' fast!) are the minimum, no doubt.

[gchristie]

GS,

What do you mean in the last part of your sentence from above?

"WS and $$ are not a problem - starting to think about maybe shutting the Indy down, although I like to have NY's $$ production."

Industrial investment does not increase money generated from a state, at least that is my understanding. Or do I misunderstand you?

[GraniteStater]

GS,

What do you mean in the last part of your sentence from above?

"WS and $$ are not a problem - starting to think about maybe shutting the Indy down, although I like to have NY's $$ production."

Industrial investment does not increase money generated from a state, at least that is my understanding. Or do I misunderstand you?

The clear answer would be, launch the game and mouseover NY on the Econ screen. Tell me what you see. I see X amount of $$, I assume it's production; it's in with the other output. As a matter of fact, MD used to have it too, in a lesser amount - as of 1.15 and even before, IIRC.

In rc4a, though, MD is 0. Also (a) LA has it, just capture N. O. and check it out; (b) it does take a bit before the $$ produced is greater than $$ spent in the state in a given Turn.

Unless I'm totally mistaken in my interpretation - but it's on the screen, I would swear to it.

In general, though, you might be aware that I have a grouse about Industrialization. It probably is just me, but I don't get it to some degree - the mechanics are OK, but I have my reservations about the per-Turn implementation; either the values are too high or it should be every six months, every Decision period.

From many other posts and posters, it boils down to this: there is very little incentive for the North to industrialize, very, very little. Against the AI, on vanilla, close to vanilla settings, if you start in 61 and Light Indy certain states and just leave it on, you will be swimming in stuff by mid-62. That's "Light". Why go Medium? Why go Heavy? As many seem to practice, why Industrialize at all?

I document software for a living - it just rubs me the wrong way. Why have a feature that is so "meh", that is very close to Totally Unimportant, Dude?

I just don't get it. The whole tradeoff curve for Northern Indy is just skewed badly, IMHO.

[gchristie]

Yes, I understand that NY produces money. My point is that industrialization doesn't increase the money produced in NY. Only general supplies, war supplies or ammo are increased from industrialization. That is what I thought you were alluding to. I remember that Maryland produced cash once upon a time. I also thought industrialization would increase cash production but I've never seen it happen, and I recall some of the sages on the forum say that it does not.

The only way I know to increase money, other than through the financial options, is to cram the Union shipping box with transports.

Regards,

Your Maine Neighbor

[GraniteStater]

Yes, I understand that NY produces money. My point is that industrialization doesn't increase the money produced in NY. Only general supplies, war supplies or ammo are increased from industrialization. That is what I thought you were alluding to. I remember that Maryland produced cash once upon a time. I also thought industrialization would increase cash production but I've never seen it happen, and I recall some of the sages on the forum say that it does not.

The only way I know to increase money, other than through the financial options, is to cram the Union shipping box with transports.

Regards,

Your Maine Neighbor

I would swear on a stack of Beecher's Bibles, that in previous games, maybe .09, .12, .13, whatever, that $$ in NY & MD had increased by mid-62.

And if it doesn't, then what in the name of UI design is a value for a category doing there, especially when contrasted with most other states that have zippo? What is the point?

See what I mean? It's just so irritating, especially in such a well designed game - nay, a game that could claim to be the stellar example of historical/realistic concerns balanced with playability.

It just really drives me nuts. I do Industrialization just to tick the electrons off.

[GraniteStater]

TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Early August 61



It occurred to me that Jackson in HF could join the fray.

There's a river he crosses, then he can pick up the RR, cuz my MC is 71%. I compared my trip wire force's in "Rockville" (I used to be staioned in Frederick, MD, so I think of it that way) travel time over the Potomac to "Loudon" - 7 days. If Jackson is comparable or the same (hmm, he's a Fast or Very Fast Leader, isn't he?), then I might, and probably should, push that LightInf of 127 PWR into Loudon - not to stop him (it might, I don't fully know how the rules treat an engagement on your journey) so much as to delay him, incurr Cohesion losses; mess him up, put a stick in his bicycle wheels.

> "Isolate the battlespace."

I'm almost dead sure I'm going to do it. Cleburne could very well reinforce Beauregard with TJ. I'm dead sure he will consider it.

[GraniteStater]

Late Aug 61

VA



Cleburne, being nothing if not a keen observer, withdraws to Manassas.

A quick mouseover showed that he is still weak, frankly; a rough estimate is at 33% of max Cohesion. Also - no trenches!

Jackson will have difficulties, now, coming to his aid. The MC in Loudon is now 100%, so he can't use the RR. I think I shall push the LightInf one Region to the SW, to interfere with movements by Jackson. Also, Schurz is in HF and Cleburne might be reluctant to abandon what he spilled blood for.

There were no battles. Longstreet pursued down the Peninsula, but no engagement - without looking at it, I think Heintzlemann withdrew from what was probably unfavorable odds and scurried into the Monroe region - I don't think he entered the Fort, I just caught all that 'on the move'.

I am almost 100% sure I shall advance on Manassas. I don't think he can prevent its seizure now, unless he reinforces from Richmond. I shall scope it out and weigh what measures he has at his disposal.

I may have discovered an 'opening' here, akin to chess - but a lot is specific to time and place.

Tactical Comment (Addendum)

No, on reflection, that was a gross error by me. I was so focussed on crippling PGT's Army, that I overlooked the importance of Manassas. I should have made a fight for it; it was the perfect time for it. If PGT had stayed in Alexandria, then I essentially have him cut off and forced to retreat, most probably towards Jackson. I was so bent on his Army that I forgot that a 10 NM hit, especially right now, can't be idly risked. As it turned out (see below), yes, I suffered the hit. I shan't forget this lesson - I did a good job of maneuvering and then made the wrong choice. Finish the play off!

MO



Things need to be connected and consolidatd - where is Price? Cav shall poke their noses into places.

*****

Men are up to 100 Companies to draw from. His FI is still 72 - man, oh man. His NM is 125 - aarggh. We need to keep things going, always keep some momentum going, don't let Cleburne "take over the game". He's just too darn good to give him a break.

[GraniteStater]

Early Sept 61

KY Joins CSA

Ingrates. "That Ole Kentucky Home/Gonna burn right to the ground/Them Yankees,/ They's dancin' in the square...

Catchy, don'cha think?

VA

Third Manassas



Sorry, forgot to crop.

Yes, he reinforced. *sigh * What was I supposed to do, do nothing? At least it wasn't as bloody as last time. So...see VA pic immediately below.



OK...we'll do the F-burg shuffle again. If he stays in Manassas, I have enough coming up from the Northern cities to make a go of it. Numbers are building up. I think his restriction to Volunteers is apparent, at least from what I'm seeing - his strengths aren't quite as bad, quite as early. Yes, we are going to take a 10 NM hit...aaarrgh. I hope I can force this before late November.

A Peninsular campaign is not out of the question...Farragut is big enough and we just might have enough spare Bdes to do it - maybe spring? Ideally, catch him napping - maybe drop the force right on Richmond, maybe...if not held lightly, one Unit at a time disembarking would have trouble.

Schurz is on Def/Retreat. We'll see if Cleburne is thinking of Invading.

Central KY



Almost, but not quite. McClellan was Inactive, Robinson force gave it a go, Stalemate, a Defeat by a single CSA Cav Regmt (you gotta be kiddin' me) - tomorrow, tomorrow - split off leaderless 60+ PWR Bde & Assault, hoping everybody wants to party - get the Tent!

Clarksburg held out - do it again.

Western KY



A moderately strong CSN force of what must be all his Gunnies & TPs stalemates Foote with superior numbers. I have several USN riverine forces and three 'clads descending on his watery brass.

Milroy is aggressive, but Inactive. Griffin, on the Wabash, is still locked.

MO



Consolidate - Price is about 165 PWR, Lyons an edge up; Cav goes to show some scruffy types who's boss.

*****

Things could be better - NM is going to suffer - could be worse. Maybe I will have a numbers edge for the next few Turns before he Partially Mobilizes in 62.

[GraniteStater]

Late Sept 61

VA



* Took F-burg, again - quite a bit of Supplies there.

McDowell is moving on. On to Richmond!, they cried! A gamble - not just to take it outright, but am leaving my major Army exposed to isolation, Supply trubs, etc. Why? Well, he is not expected to oust Jeff Davis immediately, but shall (a) force Cleburne to bring guys from Manassas, and (b) distract from the Richmond Expeditionary Force being assembled in DC with Farragut as the skipper. I'm sure Cleburne saw the naval movement to DC and is probably wondering why. He might suspect Richmond, maybe. Longstreet is sieging Ft. Monroe, but his strength is less than mine locally. I am either going to land directly, or try a Peninsular Campaign - McClellan's real fault is that he gave up on it, politics, Pope, and other stuff got mixed in, Second Manassas, etc. Strategically, it wasn't a bad idea - same as driving from Charlottesville - no impeding rivers.

I'm going to try something - his FI is 78 and climbing. I will try to achieve local superiority somewhere - if all I do is come out in the end with a better position in VA before winter, then good.

KY



Lexington falls - secure the Harbor next door; Milroy pushes to #10 (19 days to go); Grant is coming up. Again, more guys coming. A strategic naval victory with no battle - he withdrew, I lost gunboats, but now I have four 'clads with supporting vessels at the confluence of the Mississippi & Ohio. Griffin is still locked.

Push!

MO



Smacked the wannabe raiders around; go back to join Lyons and Supplies - more guys coming. Not bad.

*****

He's feeling pretty good about himself on NM; FI is yikes!; I'm gonna take an NM hit, no doubt - but maybe, just maybe, I might catch Cleburne up-ice and get an odd-man rush.

[GraniteStater]

Mods, please. This a commercial free AAR - will delete this post afterwards - thanks.

[GraniteStater]

Early Oct 61

Stout Defense



Even a blind hog finds an acorn once in a while. Scattered units, no real organization - the boys pulled on their britches today!

VA



Richmond is strongly held - an amphibious landing or debarkation at Monroe is probably on tap - gotta watch out for PGT, joined by Jackson, Jackson is at 450PWR. A strong force in Richmond could well beat McClellan (thanks, "authenticity") to Charlottesville - heck, the blind hog could, for that matter. Best to go to F-burg and be flexible. Already lost the NM, no use losing the Army.

KY

[

Polk is at 600 PWR or better. Milroy exercises prudence and rejoins Grant. Griffin goes there, too - no need to press on BG, goodly forces are building up in northern KY. Clarksburg is still Reb, but all in good time. Naval forces ensure safe passages.

MO



Put four Cav Bdes together for oomph. With a Wagon, they go to connect stuff up. Keep the Supplies up, don't lose, keep an eye on Price. Some aggravation of the Rebs could well be in order.

BIG PICTURE



Oooh boy - well, overall, I'm doing a little bit better against esteemed opponent, but that FI - how about a crate of lobster to Prince Albert? Has he ever had that? Lobster and steamers, beer and chips - can't be beat.

[GraniteStater]

Late Oct 61

VA



OK, I'm going to do it. Redeployed McDowell to DC. Formed Divs under Lew Wallace and Runyon. Meagher is there, too, with the Irish Bde. One more Leader, Inactive; some Militia and two Cav Bdes. We are a bit light on Arty, but each Div has two. Sail around and land at Williamsburg, I think; the initial landing will take time - I hope to seize W-burg right away & then park Farragut next turn. Other naval forces go to support and help clear the James river. We then consolidate and march. AoP under McClellan (and first Hooker) will help and also try to interfere with any relief ideas. Jackson is about 1 1/4 times the forces holding Alexandria. I'm confident they will hold out long enough so as not to be a Problem and a Half.

Hooker goes to recon Richmond - he has two Cav Regmts in hs Div. The RR west from Richmond is of no avail to the oppo; 100% US MC. James City, next to Monroe, is held by a light garrison and one Bde. Butler, at about 130PWR, goes to give them a bad day and generally mess things up, but he is Inactive, so do what you can do, Ben.

DC is strong enough that I'm not worried (but not complacent, either).

I already lost the NM hit; go for it! Maybe, just maybe, this sets him back on his heels and changes things in my favor. Do it quick, winter is a-coming soon.

KY



Polk is strong enough to push Grant right out. One more Bde steaming to Paducah and landing. Fitz Porter and other forces get ready to march to BG.

MO

Supply can move to all points - rest, refresh, be alert and look for ways to make Price & Co uncomfortable.

*****

FI at 80; his NM at 125; mine improved a tick to 77.

[GraniteStater]

Early Nov 61

VA



Landing at Williamsburg. He reinforced Jackson - Longstreet railed up to NoVA. AFAIK, he can't rail back to Richmond (Hooker), but for a longer way around.

Weather still OK; Lee is in Richmond with 600 PWR; locally, with all crashing the doorstep, I could muster about 900, maybe a bit more.

KY



Polk is near 900 PWR; Grant at 600. Dunno...shall I stay or shall I go?

MO

Will scout some with Cav near Price and Stand Watie (in Ft. Gibson).

*****

FI 82; CSA NM 126; mine is back to 80.

Sept62 and the EP is a loong ways away.

[enf91]

Beware the buddy pass. That's all I'm going to say.