New Madrid and Island 10

[Hobbes]

Hi folks, my PBEM opponent Gene has been having a very hard time making any progress with his advance toward New Madrid or Island 10 as the marsh area around these locations takes 2 or 3 turns to move through and leaves his tired troops with hardly enough cohesion to erect a tent.

We were wondering if the time it takes to travel through these regions was a little excessive when I came across the article below which seems to suggest it is. “… having marched the 50 miles of Missouri springtime mud in three days.” I believe this was from the town of Commerce.


The Union forces in Missouri, previously occupied in the North-central and western parts of the state chasing Gen. Sterling Price, were now under the command of Major General Henry "Old Brains" Halleck. Halleck, known for his bug-eye stare and stern disposition, put together a plan for collapsing the Confederate western flank, which included the Mississippi River defenses at Island No. 10 and New Madrid. Halleck ordered Brig. Gen. John Pope, who was well connected with Lincoln Republicans, to move on the Confederate forces at New Madrid. Pope had been promised a "suitable command," and the combination of Missouri political impact together with a well-known military object suited the ambitious Pope. Gen. Pope arrived at Commerce, Missouri on February 25, 1862 with an escort of 140 men, and by the first of March Gen. Halleck had assembled an army of 12,000 for him to complete the assignment. By March 2nd his advance pickets arrived at New Madrid and the following day the remainder of the Army of the Mississippi arrived on the edge of town, having marched the 50 miles of Missouri springtime mud in three days.

Anyone have any thoughts? Should the travel time be lowered in these regions?
Cheers, Chris

[Le Ricain]

I find that the best way to attack New Madrid or Island No 10 is by amphibious landing. loading troops onto transports located in the Mississippi Rver takes 5 days and offloading them on the next turn takes 5 days. The troops arrive with most of their cohesion intact.