Fight the War

Strategic Turn 4

September 1861

 

 

Update for the Campaign:

 

Recruiting has been sucessfully accomplished for both sides. Weapons Upgrade points have been awarded by the Presidents to their Generals. Reinforcements have been given by the Presidents to their Generals.....I am now incorporating these additions into all the OOBs as they come in.....Strategically, The Yankees were driven from the Valley by the combined force of Generals Whitehead and Huffman....that force is poised at Harper's Ferry. They also have a forces at front Royal under sean Turner, and Richmond under Kevin Payne...The Yankees retreated from there to Harrisburg and are now under the command of General Oakford,......The Yankees led by General Pasmore took Baltimore back from the Confederacy, and hold both Baltimore and Washington in unknown numbers. General Kaulbars has been made the overall commander in the East.....In General the East is in a state of crisis for the Union.

In the West, General Schlitte has taken overall command, and is laying siege to Generals Pinkham and Haynes for the South. Generals Weir and Zapp hold Nashville for the South. Ft Donelson is still in Union hands.....General Weierman is in command at Louisville for the Union, with General General Eagle (Nice patriotic sounding name) taking over Pope's command there also.......Generally the siege at Paducah makes the Southern situation in the West that of being in a crisis situation....so Gentlemen, there is the up to the minute update on the war and how it goes.....Regards, Hank

 

Errrrr, the siege is happening at Paducah.....I should have proofread the thing before posting it, I suppose.....Regards, Hank

 

Couriers are all over the place......There must be trouble brewing....remember that what you do in one scenario can haunt you in the next scenario.....Hank

 

Gentlemen,

Turn 4 (Sept61) has been executed.....There will be a lot of battles......Rebel commerce has been raided......There will be multiple battles this turn.......Nashville, Paducah, Baltimore, Harrisburg, and Harpers Ferry will all see hostilities (perhaps not exactly what some of ya'll were planning?????).......Notso and I are beginning preparations fer the fights as I type.....Regards, Hank

 

THE GRAND UNION PLAN

 

was to catch the Rebels at Harper's Ferry in a snaketrap. Three fine armies were to march from Washington, Baltimore and Harrisburg - there to crush the serpent.

 

But he forestalled us, and has sent armies, octopus-like, to Harrisburg and Baltimore, meeting our forces there. The great Army of the Potomac, marching from Washington under Gen Kaulbars, and numbering at least -CENSORED- thousand men, will therefore meet a Rebel army that was its inferior in number even before they split.

 

We have them! The cause of freedom burns bright! Onward to glory!

 

The Scribbler stood on the crest and scanned the hills and woods with his glass. The action had been sharp and decisive so the little gathering of officers were in high spirits as they approached him, they were quite unprepared when he turned on them is a rage.

 

"Damnation! Rot his flesh for all eternity."

 

"Sir?" ventured Col Burbank

 

"Damn, damn, damn!" The Scribbler spoke to no one in particular as he turned back to his glass. "I had thought to blind the Cyclops that we might do further mischief. Damn!" Then almost as an afterthought "Captain, I am to be put on report for contravention of General Orders and incompetence. I formally recommend to the President a Board of Inquiry into my fitness to command. Write it up for my signature."

 

He strode to his horse, mounted, and only then seemed to notice the assembled officers. "In case you had not noticed Gentlemen, the enemy is over there and is in need of your immediate attention. See to it" With that he trotted off.

 

The baffled officers turned beseechingly to the Shade of McDowell. Although he was dead, and a figment of the Scribbler’s imagination as well, as he was the Scribbler’s only confident they hoped he might explain the outburst.

 

"We have shown our hand too soon" explained the Shade "the badger is backing into his den. For the nonce we can do nothing but watch, and in this terrain even that will be difficult. By the time the Infantry come up and deploy it will be grim work to dig the Rebels out of those woods and hills ..." and then with a glance at the sun already past it’s zenith " ... if there is even time for it."

 

"But to put himself on report?" asked the Col "They were upon us and we had no choice."

 

McDowell massaged his jaw thoughtfully "Well, we could have screened with a brigade or two while drawing them on ... you know, lure them out of the hills and give the Infantry more time to come up. Instead he personally led the second charge that captured Gen Ashby."

 

McDowell turned his horse after the Scribbler "… and as you Gentlemen are well aware, that contravenes his own General Order concerning senior ranks needlessly exposing themselves to fire."

 

----

 

Kaulbars had slowed his horse to a walk as he crossed to the next line of hills and McDowell easily came abreast. They rode in thoughtful silence for some hundred yards before McDowell suggested "Still, they maneuvered as if on a parade and fought as smartly as any I have seen. All told it was a glorious bit of horsemanship."

 

The Scribbler broke into a grin "Yes, that it was. Don’t worry my friend, they will have their ribbons and commendations soon enough. But they must also understand that war has changed. Cavalry’s role is now more strategic than as a combat arm, no matter how magnificent it feels to charge with saber drawn."

 

"It is magnificent, isn’t it? You had not been in a Cavalry assault before?"

 

"The feeling as we closed on them was like nothing I have known. We did not gallop so much as fly. The din must have been fearsome, but I swear I heard nothing. Yes, that part was glorious."

 

"And then?"

 

"… He was just a boy. … I swear he could not have been more than a child … just soft down where a beard should have been. .. he was trying to bring up a pistol when I cut him down. … his look as I pulled my saber free … I pray to God we may finish this soon … finish this and send our children home where they belong."

 

Brig Gen Mike Kaulbars

 

The General brought his horse to a halt on a ridge look eastward toward Frederick, Maryland.  Down below he watched in the early morning light the long lines of butternut marched down the turnpike. The Army of Northern Virginia was moving eastward to take the fight to the enemy.  Somewhere to the west, probably at Falling Waters, the Valley Army was moving north to take Harrisburg and cut the Union rail links to the West.  Somewhere to the south a Union army was moving to take Harpers Ferry and cut communications to the south but to late to stop the southern invasion.  And, somewhere in the woods to the north could be heard Gen. McDowell’s ghost laughing at the idea that so few could march into the center of Union power and hope to win.  But these are desperate times and require desperate measures.  The Battle for Baltimore will soon begin.

 

BG. Kennon Whitehead

Chatham Grays

III Corps, AoM (CSA)

RICHMOND RAG – September 1861

 

SOUTHERN ARMS TRIUMPH IN THE EAST

Headlines from Yankee papers smuggled into Virginia say it all:

 

UNION ARMY DEFENDING HARRISBURG ROUTED AND CAPITAL OCCUPIED

 

BALTIMORE SURRENDERED WITHOUT A FIGHT

 

PHILADELPHIA IN A PANIC, GOVERNOR CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS TO DEFEND CITY

 

GOVERNMENT ARCHIVES MOVED TO SHIPS IN WASHINGTON HARBOR

 

WASHINGTON ISOLATED FROM REST OF COUNTRY, RAILS AND TELEGRAPH LINES CUT

 

REBEL CAVALRY RAIDS REPORTED NEAR PHILADELPHIA, ANNAPOLIS AND WASHINGTON

 

REBEL SIMPATHIZERS IN EASTERN MARYLAND CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN THE REBEL ARMIES

 

MARYLAND GOVERNOR JOINS UNION FLEET IN FLEEING THE NOW UNDEFENDED CITY OF ANNAPOLIS TO AVOID CAPTURE

 

RUMOR THAT MARYLAND LEGISLATURE HAS CALLED INTO SESSION A CONVENTION TO VOTE ON SECESSION

 

LEADERS OF WESTERN MARYLAND VOW TO FORM NEW STATE IF MARYLAND VOTES FOR SECESSION

 

CONGRESS CALLS FOR A COMMITTEE ON THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR TO BE FORMED TO INVESTIGATE WHY THE CAPITAL WAS LEFT UNDEFENDED

 

Headline Harrisburg:

 

STARS AND BARS FLYING OVER THE CAPITOL!!!

 

State government fleeing towards Philidelphia?

 

Union army routed!

 

From this reporters perspective, it was only through the most imaginative tactics that the commanding general, Gen. Oakford was able to save his army. At every opportunity the general directed his fleeing men to hide behind the many barns and smoke houses dotting the landscape which were near to bursting with the year's bounty. As anticipated, the hungry rebels paused at every site to fill their growing supply trains. Local farmers here are outraged that they have been forced to accept southern currency in exchange for their provisions.

 

Sources close to the military blame this newest reverse on Gen Freemont and Gen Sumner. But to date, all attempts to locate the latest in an ever growing string of scapegoats has come up empty.

 

BG Ted Huffman

 

Ted,

 

Thank you for the lesson - and a very sound thrashing it was, too! I hope you took my example in retreat to heart as you retreat from Harrisburg (as you eventually must)...

 

I hope to be there!

 

Maj Gen Mark Oakford

 

RICHMOND RAG – September 1861

 

SOUTHERN ARMS TRIUMPH IN THE EAST

Headlines from Yankee papers smuggled into Virginia say it all:

 

UNION ARMY DEFENDING HARRISBURG ROUTED AND CAPITAL OCCUPIED

 

BALTIMORE SURRENDERED WITHOUT A FIGHT

 

PHILADELPHIA IN A PANIC, GOVERNOR CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS TO DEFEND CITY

 

GOVERNMENT ARCHIVES MOVED TO SHIPS IN WASHINGTON HARBOR

 

WASHINGTON ISOLATED FROM REST OF COUNTRY, RAILS AND TELEGRAPH LINES CUT

 

REBEL CAVALRY RAIDS REPORTED NEAR PHILADELPHIA, ANNAPOLIS AND WASHINGTON

 

REBEL SIMPATHIZERS IN EASTERN MARYLAND CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN THE REBEL ARMIES

 

MARYLAND GOVERNOR JOINS UNION FLEET IN FLEEING THE NOW UNDEFENDED CITY OF ANNAPOLIS TO AVOID CAPTURE

 

RUMOR THAT MARYLAND LEGISLATURE HAS CALLED INTO SESSION A CONVENTION TO VOTE ON SECESSION

 

LEADERS OF WESTERN MARYLAND VOW TO FORM NEW STATE IF MARYLAND VOTES FOR SECESSION

 

CONGRESS CALLS FOR A COMMITTEE ON THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR TO BE FORMED TO INVESTIGATE WHY THE CAPITAL WAS LEFT UNDEFENDED

 

Missy came running into the parlour clutching the latest issue of the Richmond Rag.

 

"Oh Pater, this is wonderful news. Surely the war will be over in no time! Why ever did you not tell us? You never tell us anything that you do in the War Dept! you can be so difficult."

 

"Ahh, yes, yes. Wonderful news indeed. Now you know my Dear that I cannot discuss these mattters until the Cabinet chooses to share them with the public. The Fate of the Confederacy rests on their shoulders and we must trust their judgement."

 

"Not even with your own family? it's so ridiculous! I think you are just being contrary."

 

"My Dear, now it is you who are being contrary. Run along and ask Emma when I can expect my supper"

 

Weariness flooded over him as he watched his daughters retreating back.

 

Tell his family indeed; how could he tell them what the President had apparently only just made up that morning for the benefit of the press? and he certainly could not tell them the truth. No, they must not know the truth - that Union forces had cut off pretty much the entire Confederate force in the East.

 

Attempts to link up or at least get some news found only Union Cavalry squadrons on misty lanes, batteries at crossroads, patrols on every forest track. A shroud had been thrown over the entire theatre and the Confederate Goverment could only peer futilely as through a dark glass into an unlit room, trying to guess what the darkness meant.

 

AS for Mortimer's braying for a force to break through and rescue the Eastern Armies, well there was simply nothing left in the East. A few token garrison forces, nothing that could be called an Army. Thus far they had not managed to get so much as a single rider through; reinforcement or supply was impossible; talk of a relieving force was utter idiocy.

 

Of course as the Secretary had said, for all they knew it could be true. Anything could be happening. Lincoln had not yet demanded immediate surrender so it was unlikely that the armies had been destroyed. Damnation! what was happening in the North?

 

Thaddeus reached for the decanter. To be sure they got news enough from the West, and that was perhaps worse than silence. Only defeat and disaster there; cities lost, generals captured, forces destroyed. Too much news from the West.

 

And from the North only this vast smothering silence.

 

Maj Gen Mike Kaulbars

 

My Dearest Stephania Belle,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that I have been captured by the Federals in the recent hostilities in defense of Nashville. I assure you that other than my pride I am presently uninjured. The Federals are not being particularly hospitable, as there are guards who observe my movements at all times, not withstanding my word of honor not to attempt escape, and to await proper exchange! But then, my dear, those people have never understood the meaning of honor, have they?

I will tell you that my capture was entirely avoidable, and I am utterly disgusted by the course of events that led to its occurance. I was ordered to a position holding the right flank of our army. I pointed out to General Dragan that our flank was in the air! He did not respond! I repeated to him thrice more that we were extremely vulverable with our flank in the air, and the first time he merely blinked. The second time he coughed.....the third time he venomously told me that I should obey his orders without question, and that he was in control of the situation.....I had no choice at this point but to do my duty....The Federals then advanced upon my position in heavy force (likely more than twice our total strength)easily flanking us....As they were doing this, I sent several messages to General Dragan informing him of the great peril we were in, and asking to be able to adjust our lines accordingly. Each time I recieved a reply ordering me to hold my position at all peril and forbidding me to save myself or my command. He even dared to question my bravery at one point! My boys fought gallantly as could be expected considering that they were assailed from every side by superior numbers, but we were overwhelmed! I can only hope we bought them enought time with our blood that they were able to save the rest of the army here. As I write you this correspondence, I must admit I am experiencing grave doubts as to whether he will have the cranial fortitude to manuver his forces to safety. He had better hope he does so though as I may be tempted to settle the issues I have with him if the Federals apprehend him!

Well, my dearest, give my children my love, and tell them that I shall see them again sometime in the future, if not in this lifetime, then in the next. Tell David to be vigilant in his duties on General Quick's staff, and please tell him how very, very proud I am of his decision to serve our cause at his tender age. I know he will do our family great honor. Please know in your heart that I am here in this situation physically, but in my heart of hearts, I am there beside you for now and all time.

 

Your loving husband,

General Henry M. Smith

 

My Most Precious Mary,

 

It is with heavy heart and heavy words that I pen this letter to you. Please rest assured that I am physically fine. It is what has been happening around here that lays a burden on my heart that I am not sure I will ever recover from.

 

Back in 1856, you and I had many discussions about what was best for our family. We both agreed that Maryland was not the best place to raise our 5 children as it was getting too crowded. You argued to move to Atlanta to be closer to your Heightower heritage. I begged and pleaded to move to Tennessee where we could establish a farm and provide our children with the best we could give them. Being the most compassionate and understanding wife any man could praise God for, we packed up every possession we had and moved west to the land of milk and honey.

 

We enjoyed 5 years of prosperity as we saw our little farm grow and prosper. We watched as our children grew to become the young men and women we always dreamed that they would be. We had everything we needed. And then the war came.

 

I know that we argued on that hot summer night in August. I was adamant that Nashville was not a good place to be as the war was coming our way. You begged and pleaded with me to not be sent back to Maryland. We were both trembling in fear for what the future might hold.

 

My love, my life, after what I witnessed today I have to be brutally honest to tell you that I thank God that I had the courage and compassion to send you and the children away. This morning when I awoke, I was getting ready to go out and feed the chickens. Oh how I do miss your coffee and eggs you fixed for me every morning.

 

While I was attending to them, a young cavalry officer rode up. He was a very polite young man. He asked me if I would help guide the Confederate army away from the heathen Union Federalist’s who were butchering their young boys.

 

Reluctantly, I agreed as I could not stand to sit back and watch the carnage and bloodshed. I saddled up old Mille and rode with the young officer to his camp. He introduced me to the commanding officer, Gen. Henry Smith. At first I was impressed with his stature and the way he barked out orders to the young lads in grey. But then I became very suspicious as he help pouring a suspicious liquid into his coffee cup. Being it was only 9:00 in the morning … I knew it was not right.

 

It was about noon when I received word that Gen. Smith had been captured by the Union. Everyone kept saying that is was Gen. Dragan’s fault that their beloved leader was captured. But in my heart I knew that he got captured because he was as drunk as a skunk. Not only that, but he got a lot of good boys killed and captured as well.

 

My most beloved Mary. I do not know how to put into words the carnage, the devastation, the disgust I have witnessed this day. I prey to our God that our children never have to experience such bloodshed and stupidity in a time of great anguish.

 

Please kiss and hug our children for me. Tell Christopher and Steve that there is nothing glorious in war and encourage them any way that you can to not join up. Keep them safe from the perils of humanity.

 

I dream and pray for the day when we will once again be united.

 

You loving husband and friend for life.

 

Larry Quick

Civilian

 

My Dearest Henry,

I must say that I was saddened and broken hearted to hear of your misfortune. I believe this may be a long war, and I will not be complete untill the day comes when you are returned to us safely. Your having been gone these 11 long months has been almost more than I have been able to bear. I am truly proud to hear of your heroism (not to mention that you were actually able to stay sober.....I know how you tend to freeze in stressfull circumstances....), and that you did your duty as well as could be done under the circumstances confronting you. We pray for your safe return.

However, there is more news for you from home. A few days ago I was in the parlor when I thought I heard the cry of a child. I went to the front porch and there in a basket was a newborn baby girl. We do not know from where this child came, but I must tell you that I have become quite taken with her. She does bear a striking resemblance to our neighbor and your old friend General Van Dorn. He, as you know has been serving our fledgling nation also, having left within 3 months of your departure. She also seems to have eyes the same color as mine and her hair is also the same light red as mine. What a strange coincedence. I have decided that we shall raise her as if she was our own. I will not hear any argument on this matter, and consider it closed. When you are exchanged, hopefully you will be able to get a brief furlough home and I shall present her to you.

On a side note I must tell you that I seem to have had some unexplained weight gain. Your little Stephania Belle is not so slim and trim as she once was, but I shall endeavor to lose the weight before your return.

Your ever faithful wife,

Stephania Belle Smith

 

 

******************GENTLEMEN OF THE SOUTH*****************

 

In times of trial and peril it is the duty of every Free and Honorable Citizen to step forward and do his part to protect the sovereignty of this beloved and cherished land.

 

THIS IS SUCH A TIME!

 

The Confederacy has seen a wasting away of its political heads, the Vice President and Secretary of War positions are currently vacant.

 

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT

 

Protect your freedoms!

Preserve your God Given Rights!

Answer the Call and serve your Country!

 

*********** JOIN THE FTW! ***********

 

Brig.Gen. R.A.Weir

 

OK how do I join the war??

 

CPT D.H. Smith

 

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Originally posted by D.H.Smith

OK how do I join the war??

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Report to Cincinatti for placement in a Union prison (saves everyone time and trouble). Your assignment and orders will catch up with you there.

 

Failing that, contact Hank Smith who's email is inconveniently not on the Jefferson Davis posts; then you can report to prison later.

 

Maj Gen Mike Kaulbars

 

The Hound apologizes for the late arrival of this issue: he has been embroiled in a dispute with the landlord. At this point we cannot say if the Hound will have to move to new premises, but his loyal readers can rest assured that he is alive and well.

 

The late summer's campaigning is almost over. The results of it have been more than satisfactory for the Union. Nashville, Paducah and Harper's Ferry have all fallen to our arms, while the Rebels have isolated themselves in Baltimore and Harrisburg; a long column of looting and theft in their wake. Emergency measures have been declared, and destruction of all foodstuffs and other supplies useful to the Rebels is underway in the relevant areas.

 

The President made the following brief statement:

 

'The Rebels sought to isolate Washington and sow panic in the East. They have failed. Soon the cold winds of winter will be upon us, and the Rebels must move South again. When they do we shall be waiting. They will leave behind every barrel of ale and ear of corn they have stolen, and they will leave behind a hill of their dead.

 

To the citizens of Baltimore I say this: remain calm. Any who sympathise with the Rebels' cause should leave with them when they depart, as soon they must. Their property is forfeit, and their persons no longer protected by the laws of Maryland or of the Union. We do not love traitors: for them, justice will be swift and harsh.

 

Northern News Hound

 

Gentlemen,

The body of General Edwin Sumner wounded and subsequently captured at the late battle of Harrisburg is being passed through the lines as General Huffman ordered him returned to his family for burial after his recent death from wounds recieved in said late hostilities. Confederate surgeons did all they could for him, but he was too severly wounded to recover.........Hank

 

BG Hank Smith

 

 

I have cleaned up all battles, with the exception of the Battle at Nashville which is nearing a conclusion......Harpers Ferry, Nashville, and Paducah are all in Union hands.....Baltmore and Harrisburg in Confederate hands.....what a mess!!!!!.....Larry and I are continuing work on the new strategic engine which we hope to begin using this turn....it may cause a slight delay in the next turn being made however....I will try to post in the next day or two, some of the features of the new system....I will tell you now the Bob Wier is making one heck of a map for it! Regards to all,

 

Hank Smith