War Between The States - Official RP

[The Blood]

The date is July 1st, 1861. After decades of tension, compromise, and divide, the North and South of the United States are at war. With the election of Abraham Lincoln from the anti-slavery Republican Party to the Presidency, the Southern planter class and secessionists no longer saw it fit to stay in what they saw as a conditional Union of states, opting to leave the Union and form the Confederate States of America, with 11 states successfully seceding and joining the new nation. Of course, the Lincoln Administration would not accept this sudden tear in the American project, leading to a heated standoff ending with the bombardment of Fort Sumter by Confederate forces in South Carolina on April 12th, 1861, officially beginning the American Civil War. Thus far in the war, only limited action has been seen, with both sides primarily preparing their forces and skirmishing for minor strategic goals. In the east, Union and Confederate forces have amassed, with the Union preparing for a major offensive into Virginia, and the Confederacy preparing to hold its ground. In the west, a divided Kentucky has opted for a policy of neutrality, and beyond the Mississippi Missouri has fallen into chaos, as elected Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson and his Missouri State Guard have been forced into the southwest corner of the state following confrontation with Federal forces. Beyond these preparations and limited action, neither side has mobilized to their full strength, with focus on a decisive victory in the east. It will be up to the twists and turns of war, however, to decide how bloody and committed each side must make itself in this still infant conflict. This is the American Civil War.

 

The Presidents:
Representing the two Presidents of the conflict, Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, the players taking this role will be tasked with managing the mass recruitment, policy, and general war effort for the side they are the head of. This means announcing a new call for troops, proposing new policy, or even making diplomatic overtures, all of which will be rolled on with a D10. They will cooperate with the other players of their nation(In a Discord or forum group chat, depending on the variation of players for the game), and will be given 4 events per turn(One month in the war) to govern as they please.

 

Abraham Lincoln(Union) - @Richard

 

Jefferson Davis(CSA) - @Pringles

 

The Theater Commanders:

These players will represent the backbone of the conflict and military action of the game. They will be tasked with commanding the field armies in their theater, ordering them to attack, move towards objectives, or simply recruit/stay still every turn. They will also be able to skirmish and launch small raids without specification of a field army, as smaller formations of men were a common sight in the raiding and skirmishing of the war. They will also be able to form field armies, as many are not currently in operation. Here is a solid list of field armies for both the CSA and Union players to potentially organize at the war goes on. These players may change commmanders of field forces as the war goes on, and may base their campaigns on historical movements or try out radically new motions and strategies. Commanders will have 3 events every turn.

 

Eastern Theater:

In the East, the Union Army of Northeastern Virginia has amassed in Washington DC for a campaign against the Confederacy, under the command of Irvin McDowell, with the intentions of defeating the Confederate army and taking their capitol of Richmond, Virginia. To the northwest, stationed in Harper's Ferry, Robert Patterson is commanding a force with the goal of tying down the Confederate forces opposite them for the invasion of Virginia. As for the Confederates, opposite McDowell is P. G. T. Beauregard's Army of the Potomac, defending Manassas Junction as a key point to block the Union advance towards Richmond. And to the northwest of Beauregard, Joseph E. Johnston's Army of the Shenandoah faces Patterson's Command, hoping to neutralize this Union force and join southwest for the defense of Virginia.

 

Union Eastern Commander - @WVProgressive

Union Armies:

Army of Northeastern Virginia - Washington DC - 35,000 men - Irvin McDowell

Patterson's Command - Harper's Ferry - 18,000 men - Robert Patterson

 

Confederate Eastern Commander - @Timur

Confederate Armies: 

Army of the Potomac - Manassas Junction - 23,000 men - P. G. T. Beauregard

Army of the Shenandoah - Winchester - 12,000 men - Joseph E. Johnston

 

Western Theater:

To the immediate west of the preparation and planning of Virginia, silence has fallen on the land. Kentucky has declared her neutrality, and with that both sides have preoccupied themselves with recruitment and organization. It is not clear how long Kentucky's neutrality will last, or who will strike first if the state asserts its position, but for now the front is quiet, with the clash of major forces being left elsewhere for the time being.

 

Union Western Commander - @Hestia

No Standing Field Armies

 

Confederate Western Commander - @Cal

No Standing Field Armies

 

Trans-Mississippi Theater:

To the west of the Mississippi, Missouri quickly fell into division over the question of secession, and relations between the pro-secession Governor and Federal troops rapidly broke down after skirmishing and a particularly bloody incident between Federal militia and rioters. This has led to the newly formed Missouri State Guard led by Sterling Price and the elected Governor being forced into the southwest corner of the state by the Union Army of the West, under the command of Nathaniel Lyon. While not yet officially seceded from the Union, Governor Jackson and his fleeing government are now clearly aligned with the Confederacy against the Union advance. Now, the State Guard is organizing and training, while Lyon plans out how to continue his advance and ensure Union hold over Missouri. Meanwhile, to the south in Arkansas, Benjamin McCulloch is forming the Western Army in Little Rock, collecting volunteers for what he hopes will be an effective fighting force against the Union, and in San Antonio, Texas, Henry Hopkins Sibley does the same, with dreams of Colorado gold and California ports. In the Indian Territory, multiple Native American tribe leaders have demonstrated interest in an alliance with the Confederacy, however the situation looks to divide the tribes, and the future of the Territory is not final.

 

Union Trans-Mississippi Commander - @Zenobiyl

Union Armies:

Union Army of the West - Jefferson City - 6,000 men - Nathaniel Lyon

 

Confederate Trans-Mississippi Commander - @Kitten

Confederate Armies:

Missouri State Guard - Southwest Missouri - 7,000 - Sterling Price

Western Army - Little Rock - 5,000 - Benjamin McCulloch

Army of New Mexico - San Antonio - 2,500 - Henry Hopkins Sibley

Current War Situation, original map here.

Manassas Campaign Situation

Edited January 7, 2022 by The Blood

[Kitten]

I will join as a CSA member.

[The Blood]

2 minutes ago, Kitten said:

I will join as a CSA member.

What Theater would you like to command, General Kitten?

[Kitten]

38 minutes ago, The Blood said:

What Theater would you like to command, General Kitten?

Out West in the Land of good ol Arizona and New Mexico. 🙂

 

[Kitten]

Just now, Kitten said:

Out West in the Land of good ol Arizona and New Mexico. 🙂

 

If that makes sense lol

[The Blood]

4 minutes ago, Kitten said:

Out West in the Land of good ol Arizona and New Mexico. 🙂

 

Trans-Mississippi it would be, then.

[Timur]

Confederate Eastern Theatre

Edited January 3, 2022 by Timur

[Zenobiyl]

Nathaniel Lyons, Trans-Mississippi

[WVProgressive]

I’ll take the Union forces in the Eastern Theatre.

[Richard]

Can I throw my hat in for honest Abe. 

I joined the forum from the more perfect union kick starter. But this looks pretty interesting as well. 

[Cal]

I’ll take the confederate western army if it’s still possible.

[The Blood]

@Richard @Pringles @WVProgressive  @Timur @Hestia @Cal @Kitten @Zenobiyl

It looks we have everything ready to begin! All of the event requirements(4 for Presidential players, 3 for theater commanders) and the basic info for everyone to make their events is listed in the initial post, and all I ask is that troop movements, Presidential actions, and all of the other possible actions I listed are done in as realistic a fashion as possible. National stats for each side and a running news update every month will both begin after this turn's rolls, and let's kick this thing off strong! And note that I will be willing to accept event counts fewer than the requirements, especially in the case of the Western Theater this turn, because both sides really have nothing much to do beyond organize field armies, especially with Kentucky's neutrality discouraging any raiding operations which would violate that. Thank you all!

[Zenobiyl]

Union Trans-Mississippi Events: Nathaniel Lyon

1. Nathaniel Lyon sends word to Iowa governor Samuel Kirkwood that he needs more men and supplies. Lyon urges both be sent to Jefferson City to defend Missouri from the Confederacy. [Strengthen Regiment: Jefferson City]

2. Nathaniel Lyon sends word to Opothele Yaholo, “the laughing fox”, calling on his support. Lyon urges Opothele to gather as many men as he can in Kansas, and set up a skirmishing regiment in eastern Kansas made up of Indian cavalry. [Train Regiment: East Kansas]

3. Lyon lowers recruitment qualifications and conscripts as many able bodied Missourians as he can in Jefferson City and the surrounding area [Strengthen Regiment: Jefferson City]

 

[Richard]

United States Events: Abraham Lincoln 

1. Lincoln calls for 100,000 volunteers to serve the Union for a two year term in order to end the current rebellion. Upon completion of muster and training 25,000 will be assigned to each of the Western and Trans-Mississippi Theater. The remaining 50,000 will be assigned to the Eastern Theater. 

2. Lincoln instructs Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles to implement the Anaconda Plan. Ports of any state currently in rebellion are to be blockaded from all trade, and every effort should be made to achieve control of the entirety of the Mississippi River. This is tasked as the Navy's top priority.

3. Lincoln calls upon Congress to immediately pass a bill to provide for the retrofit and expansion of the United States Navy. 48 ships of the Unions 90 are currently unserviceable and will require retrofit. An additional 50 ships are requested to be split between river vessel and ocean going vessels. 

(Here is where I got those specific numbers: https://www.britannica.com/event/American-Civil-War/The-naval-war).

4. Lincoln instructs Secretary of State William Seward to make overtures to the Indian Tribes to side with the Union in the war against the rebelling states. These efforts are directed at all recognized Indian Tribes, but especially the notably loyal Delaware tribe, the five civilized tribes, and the Comanche and Osage tribes.

The United States offers the tribes the admission of the Indian Territory to the United States as a state, if the major tribes siding with the Union are amenable to that, with all benefits and representation that would entail. If the tribes are not acclimatable to statehood, the United States offers local autonomy to the tribes within their tribal lands, and a guarantee of territorial integrity for all loyal tribes. The United States further offers a reapportionment of tribal lands from the tribes that side with the rebelling states to loyal tribes based upon the number of men the loyal tribes provide.

In return the United States requests the formation of an Indian Army, as large as possible, with American Indian NCOs, officers, and generals to be placed under the overall command of the Trans-Mississippi Theater commander. The United States will assist with equipping and funding the Army.

(Historically the three Indian Home Guard regiments numbered between 5,500-6,000 men: https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=IN010. Given I am offering much higher incentives I am aiming towards the formation of a 15,000 to 20,000, or more if possible, strong man army. The regiment General Lyon called for, will be included in that number, but will operate as a stand alone force as he directs)

 

Edit: swapped out one of my events

Edited January 9, 2022 by Richard

[Timur]

1.Joseph Johnston asks for more supplies from the Governor.

2.P. G. T. Beauregard asks for more recruits from the Governor.

3.P. G. T. Beauregard will ask for the Confederate Congress to enact a conscription on all men ages 18 to 55 with a steep penalty for evading the draft. He suggests that slaves should be made to join as well.

Edited January 7, 2022 by Timur

[WVProgressive]

1. Patterson's Command will be officially designated The Army of Appalachia, and General William S. Rosecrans will replace Robert Patterson as its commanding officer.

2. McDowell will order his forces to secure the city of Alexandria, and then move south to capture the city of Fredericksburg, thereby bypassing the rebel army at Manassas Junction.

3. The Army of Appalachia will be ordered to capture Winchester, and engage with Johnston's Army of the Shenandoah, in an effort to push the rebels of of West Virginia, and prevent the two Eastern Theater armies from linking up.

[Pringles]

1. President Jefferson Davis orders fortifications to be built along the Mississippi river in order to fight back against what will eventually be the onslaught of Union blockades throughout all bodies of water. He also begins the preparations for the retrofitting of civilian ships with the intent to be turned into blockade runners, to at least challenge the Union navy. 

2. President Davis issues an executive order establishing the Confederate States Colored Troops (CSCT). This department will attempt to conscript as many slaves as possible to be sent to the front lines of the Confederate Army. However, a limit on the size of such force must be implemented to ensure plenty of hands are on the farms at home. Which the President will leave to the discretion of Congress. They order the latest batch of slave conscripts to the upcoming Army of Kentucky. 

3. The President orders the establishment of the Confederate Army of Kentucky, which will be led by General Edmund Kirby Smith.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Kirby_Smith

4. President Davis appoints General Robert E. Lee to be General in Chief, and to be the Field Marshal/Commander of concerning the whole "Army of Northern Virginia." (With Beauregard and Johnston under him obviously.) The Army of Northern Virginia however, will also act as a separate entity from the two current armies, and shall be filled with recruitment immediately due to General Lee's stature in the armed forces. 

[The Blood]

 @Hestia @Cal @Kitten 

[Kitten]

Missouri State Guard will begin to head up into Northern Missouri

Western Army will back up the Missouri State Guard and follow their path

Army of New Mexico will recruit more men and then head into Oklahoma and into Kansas

[The Blood]

@Hestia @Cal

[Hestia]

1 - Union loyalists will try to sway the Kentucky governor into either maintaining neutrality or declaring for the Union in the coming days. They promise security from southern forces that are heading straight for them.

2 - The Union Western Theatre attempts to raise forces in the middle west area of the United States.

3 - They do the same thing, trying to scramble something together near Illinois, putting up signs in major population areas.

[Cal]

1. Nathan Bedford Forrest, commander of the 3rd Tennessee Cavalry, will push recruitment for Tennesseans to fight for the Confederacy and bolster his personal regiment. 

2. The newly appointed General Edmund Kirby Smith will attempt to further President Davis' Confederate States Colored Troops (CSCT) and runs drills to further their professionalism. 

3. Lincoln is a powerful statesmen with a silver tongue. However, the pen is not always mightier than the sword. Backing up the diplomatic pressure exerted from President Davis' creation of the Confederate Army of Kentucky, General Smith will order for the construction of Fort Donelson and Fort Knox in Tennessee, just south of Kentucky. 

[The Blood]

July 1861 Rolls: 

Presidential Rolls:

On 1/6/2022 at 9:09 PM, Richard said:

United States Events: Abraham Lincoln 

1. Lincoln calls for 100,000 volunteers to serve the Union for a two year term in order to end the current rebellion. Upon completion of muster and training 25,000 will be assigned to each of the Western and Trans-Mississippi Theater. The remaining 50,000 will be assigned to the Eastern Theater. 

2. Lincoln instructs Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles to implement the Anaconda Plan. Ports of any state currently in rebellion are to be blockaded from all trade, and every effort should be made to achieve control of the entirety of the Mississippi River. This is tasked as the Navy's top priority.

3. Lincoln calls upon Congress to immediately pass a bill to provide for the retrofit and expansion of the United States Navy. 48 ships of the Unions 90 are currently unserviceable and will require retrofit. An additional 50 ships are requested to be split between river vessel and ocean going vessels. 

(Here is where I got those specific numbers: https://www.britannica.com/event/American-Civil-War/The-naval-war).

4. Lincoln instructs Secretary of State William Seward to make overtures to the Indian Tribes to side with the Union in the war against the rebelling states. These efforts are directed at all recognized Indian Tribes, but especially the notably loyal Delaware tribe, the five civilized tribes, and the Comanche and Osage tribes.

The United States offers the tribes the admission of the Indian Territory to the United States as a state, if the major tribes siding with the Union are amenable to that, with all benefits and representation that would entail. If the tribes are not acclimatable to statehood, the United States offers local autonomy to the tribes within their tribal lands, and a guarantee of territorial integrity for all loyal tribes. The United States further offers a reapportionment of tribal lands from the tribes that side with the rebelling states to loyal tribes based upon the number of men the loyal tribes provide.

In return the United States requests the formation of an Indian Army, as large as possible, with American Indian NCOs, officers, and generals to be placed under the overall command of the Trans-Mississippi Theater commander. The United States will assist with equipping and funding the Army.

(Historically the three Indian Home Guard regiments numbered between 5,500-6,000 men: https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=IN010. Given I am offering much higher incentives I am aiming towards the formation of a 15,000 to 20,000, or more if possible, strong man army. The regiment General Lyon called for, will be included in that number, but will operate as a stand alone force as he directs)

 

Edit: swapped out one of my events

100,000 Volunteers: 6. With Lincoln's previous calls for 70,000 and 42,000 men, this new call doesn't see droves upon droves of men ready to fight for the Union. However, the volunteers do begin coming in from across the North, enlisting and beginning their service. By the end of the month the new call has led to 60,000 men joining as volunteers, with the remaining 40,000 expected to be filled in August(60,000 Union men will be dispersed following training in September, 40,000 in October).

Anaconda Plan: 8. Welles sets to work immediately on the President's orders, with Union naval vessels establishing a preliminary blockade around major Southern ports stretching from Virginia down to Georgia. However, the need for a naval base further along the Southern coast becomes clear as the Blockade Strategy Board notes the need for both an expanded naval force for full effectiveness, and for steam-powered blockade ships to be able to easily access a coaling station as the blockade stretches south. 

Naval Expansion Bill: 2. Congress sits on its thumbs, preoccupied with the land side of the war and unwilling to afford the cost for what they feel will be unnecessary spending for a short and quickly resolved rebellion.

Indian Tribes: 9. Seward's overtures succeed, as major Native American tribes whose leaders had been intending to side with the Confederacy now find themselves willing to cautiously support the Federal government. Unwilling to surrender their individual autonomy through statehood, the  Delaware, Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Seminole, and Osage tribes all declare for the Union with the promise of autonomy and land reapportionment following the war. Several other tribes, unable to decide between the Union and CSA, will elect to declare neutrality, and with the major boost for Union support among the tribes, the Indian Territory has quickly become aligned with the Federal side of the rebellion. Those tribes still inclined to the Confederacy are left divided in the wake of their neighbors' alliance with the Union and the promises made, unable to build effective force against the tribes mobilized by Seward. The Indian Home Guard will begin formation in Creek territory, with a 15,000 man coalition force initially forming.

On 1/8/2022 at 11:48 PM, Pringles said:

1. President Jefferson Davis orders fortifications to be built along the Mississippi river in order to fight back against what will eventually be the onslaught of Union blockades throughout all bodies of water. He also begins the preparations for the retrofitting of civilian ships with the intent to be turned into blockade runners, to at least challenge the Union navy. 

2. President Davis issues an executive order establishing the Confederate States Colored Troops (CSCT). This department will attempt to conscript as many slaves as possible to be sent to the front lines of the Confederate Army. However, a limit on the size of such force must be implemented to ensure plenty of hands are on the farms at home. Which the President will leave to the discretion of Congress. They order the latest batch of slave conscripts to the upcoming Army of Kentucky. 

3. The President orders the establishment of the Confederate Army of Kentucky, which will be led by General Edmund Kirby Smith.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Kirby_Smith

4. President Davis appoints General Robert E. Lee to be General in Chief, and to be the Field Marshal/Commander of concerning the whole "Army of Northern Virginia." (With Beauregard and Johnston under him obviously.) The Army of Northern Virginia however, will also act as a separate entity from the two current armies, and shall be filled with recruitment immediately due to General Lee's stature in the armed forces. 

Blockade/Mississippi Defense: 7. The fortifications begin construction immediately, and a fair number of civilian ships are prepared for blockade running. While there isn't a stunning organization of resources, the CSA proves competent as it prepares for the fight on the sea and along the Mississippi. 

 

Confederate States Colored Troops: 1! "He wants the WHAT fighting for us!!!???" was the question coming out of every Dixielander's mouth as the announcement was made. Some fire-eaters in the Confederate Congress even discussed impeaching Davis following the news, and the newly formed CSCT would find itself quarrelling with slave owners who refuse to hand over their slaves and members of the newly formed Army of Kentucky unable to stand fighting alongside Black soldiers.

 

Confederate Army of Kentucky: 3. It may have been the news that Black soldiers would be joining the new force, but initial recruitment and organization of the new Army of Kentucky proves to be a slow process, mobilizing around 9,000 men(not including slave conscripts assigned to the army). Meanwhile, the name causes some in the neutral Kentucky to sweat, pushing the state closer to the Union.

 

Army of Northern Virginia: 7. Robert E. Lee accepts his new positions with grace, and quickly sets to work organizing the Army of Northern Virginia as an effective fighting force, with solid initial recruitment and organization, receiving around 15,000 new recruits to his Army.

 

Eastern Theatre:

On 1/8/2022 at 12:57 PM, WVProgressive said:

1. Patterson's Command will be officially designated The Army of Appalachia, and General William S. Rosecrans will replace Robert Patterson as its commanding officer.

2. McDowell will order his forces to secure the city of Alexandria, and then move south to capture the city of Fredericksburg, thereby bypassing the rebel army at Manassas Junction.

3. The Army of Appalachia will be ordered to capture Winchester, and engage with Johnston's Army of the Shenandoah, in an effort to push the rebels of of West Virginia, and prevent the two Eastern Theater armies from linking up.

Army of Appalachia: 8. Rosecrans will find himself popular among his men and quickly able to assume command over the force.

 

Fredericksburg: 1! The idea of bypassing the Confederate forces seemed like a masterful stroke by McDowell. Of course, until you consider the task of moving 35,000 men past a Confederate force to a location on the path to Richmond. Disorganization and a lack of discipline plague the army as they march south, slowing them substantially as Confederate scouts keep easy watch on the army. Keeping secure track of the Union march south, the Confederates soon realize the path of the advance, and Beauregard moves his forces towards the south side of the Occoquan River, a tributary of the Potomac, rushing to meet the Union forces(See: Battle of Occoquan River).

 

Winchester: 1! Rosecrans' force finds itself completely unable to organize an effective assault, being bogged down by disorganization, a failure of command, and even friendly fire during the assault(See: Battle of Winchester).

On 1/6/2022 at 10:53 PM, Timur said:

1.Joseph Johnston asks for more supplies from the Governor.

2.P. G. T. Beauregard asks for more recruits from the Governor.

3.P. G. T. Beauregard will ask for the Confederate Congress to enact a conscription on all men ages 18 to 55 with a steep penalty for evading the draft. He suggests that slaves should be made to join as well.

Supplies: 6. Johnston receives his request, being given an acceptable amount of fair quality rifles, ammunition, and other essential supplies.

 

Recruits: 2. Beauregard isn't given outright refusal from the Governor Letcher, but instead is given a measly 300 recruits following his request, with Letcher clearly not viewing the issue with significant importance.

 

Conscription: 9. The request is a bold one, and many in the Confederate Congress are uncomfortable with the idea of conscription, with the populace even less pleased with it. But the idea does gain traction among some who believe the CSA may be in for a long war, giving it life despite its unpopularity. 

 

Western Theatre:

On 1/10/2022 at 8:50 PM, Hestia said:

1 - Union loyalists will try to sway the Kentucky governor into either maintaining neutrality or declaring for the Union in the coming days. They promise security from southern forces that are heading straight for them.

2 - The Union Western Theatre attempts to raise forces in the middle west area of the United States.

3 - They do the same thing, trying to scramble something together near Illinois, putting up signs in major population areas.

Kentucky: 2. Just after his concern with the Confederate mobilization of an army to the south of his state, Governor Magoffin finds the Union breathing down his neck, looking for their way into controlling Kentucky. He refuses any requests by Union loyalists and is increasingly angered by the North.

 

Middle West: 3. In Indianapolis, the Army of the Cumberland under George Henry Thomas organizes to an unenthusiastic start, mobilizing around 9,000 men in its first month.

 

Illinois: 2. In Springfield, Illinois, 6,000 men are organized by Ulysses S. Grant into the Army of the Tennessee, in an especially poor showing of recruitment for the Union.

On 1/10/2022 at 9:57 PM, Cal said:

1. Nathan Bedford Forrest, commander of the 3rd Tennessee Cavalry, will push recruitment for Tennesseans to fight for the Confederacy and bolster his personal regiment. 

2. The newly appointed General Edmund Kirby Smith will attempt to further President Davis' Confederate States Colored Troops (CSCT) and runs drills to further their professionalism. 

3. Lincoln is a powerful statesmen with a silver tongue. However, the pen is not always mightier than the sword. Backing up the diplomatic pressure exerted from President Davis' creation of the Confederate Army of Kentucky, General Smith will order for the construction of Fort Donelson and Fort Knox in Tennessee, just south of Kentucky. 

Recruitment: 2. Forrest fails to drum up enthusiasm for his regiment or the Confederacy as a whole, only receiving 100 men to bolster his force.

 

CSCT: 8. Despite the outrage and political failure of the CSCT, Kirby Smith is able to turn his slave conscripts into honest fighting men for the Confederacy, training them well in the essentials of combat and the tactics they will need to use in the fighting to come.

 

Forts: 9. The two forts begin construction swiftly, with secessionists across Kentucky boasting about the might of the South, and the state politicians initially displeasured by the formation of the Army of Kentucky now fearful of a full Southern assault in the future.

 

Trans-Mississippi Theatre:

On 1/6/2022 at 8:14 PM, Zenobiyl said:

Union Trans-Mississippi Events: Nathaniel Lyon

1. Nathaniel Lyon sends word to Iowa governor Samuel Kirkwood that he needs more men and supplies. Lyon urges both be sent to Jefferson City to defend Missouri from the Confederacy. [Strengthen Regiment: Jefferson City]

2. Nathaniel Lyon sends word to Opothele Yaholo, “the laughing fox”, calling on his support. Lyon urges Opothele to gather as many men as he can in Kansas, and set up a skirmishing regiment in eastern Kansas made up of Indian cavalry. [Train Regiment: East Kansas]

3. Lyon lowers recruitment qualifications and conscripts as many able bodied Missourians as he can in Jefferson City and the surrounding area [Strengthen Regiment: Jefferson City]

 

Iowa: 2. Governor Kirkwood states that he simply cannot spare a significant number of resources for Lyon's force. However, he will deliver a couple hundred fair-quality rifles and 200 men to bolster Lyon's army.

 

Opothele: 9. Lyon sends word to Opothle unknowing of the breakthrough alliance made between the Federal government and multiple Native American tribes by the time his message arrives. Opothle, however, will assume command of the Indian Home Guard, and motivated by Lyon's word, will push for recruitment to the force with all of his capacity, substantively boosting its initial numbers.

 

Jefferson City: 9. Lyon is able to gather a significant number of Missouri Unionists to support his force, building his army by an additional 4,000 men by the end of the month.

On 1/9/2022 at 3:19 PM, Kitten said:

Missouri State Guard will begin to head up into Northern Missouri

Western Army will back up the Missouri State Guard and follow their path

Army of New Mexico will recruit more men and then head into Oklahoma and into Kansas

Northern Missouri: 1! The embryonic Missouri State Guard will find itself hounded by poorly disciplined soldiers, hostile civilians, and pro-Union militia as it marches north. Many civilians will consider the group to be a stalking horse for the CSA, refusing to supply food to the force and causing hostile confrontations between local populations and the State Guard. Thanks to this stressed food situation, hostilities with Union militia, and uncaring Guard members, the MSG will lose 900 men from desertion, wounding, or death on its march north, and will only reach as far as Butler, Missouri.

 

Western Army: 3. The army will mosey in a slow and unenthusiastic manner north, arriving in southwest Missouri by the end of the month. 

 

Army of New Mexico: 6. Sibley will command his force north, arriving in Sherman, Texas, before halting in response to the shift of tribe allegiances in the Indian Territory and formation of the Indian Home Guard, waiting to plan out further action.

 

July Battles: 

Battle of Winchester 

Date: July 6th, 1861

 

Location: Winchester, Virginia

 

Outcome: Draw. Further Union action halted, Confederate Army withdraws to Strasburg

 

Opposing Forces: 

Union: 

The Army of Appalachia- 18,000 men - William S. Rosecrans

 

Confederates:

Army of the Shenandoah - 12,000 men - Joseph E. Johnston

 

Battle Rolls: 

Union: 1! The Army of Appalachia arrives on the battlefield ill-prepared for a fight, with its men marching to Winchester out of uniform, exhibiting poor discipline, and with some soldiers completely drunk. While the Confederates are caught off guard, this mob of Union soldiers and volunteers is unable to organize any effective attack against the Confederates, instead attacking itself at points as Union soldiers, with improper and mixed uniform, find themselves firing at one another in the confusion of the battle. Rosecrans is completely unable to control his force, with some units fighting on for multiple hours after the order to pull back is given. Casualties are heavy; however, the attack seems to have stunned the Confederate force. As dawn arrives on the 7th, Johnston and his army are found pulling out of Winchester, as Rosecrans elects to secure his position in the abandoned town following the bloody confrontation his army has just gone through.

 

Confederates: 2. Even as the disorganized, chaotic Union force marched its way towards Winchester, Johnston refused to organize his men for an effective defense, believing the North would never launch a campaign against him so long as they were preparing for their invasion to the southwest. He was proven wrong, and the Army of the Shenandoah would find itself hastily preparing a defense of its position just as the Union army arrived. Confederate soldiers, not told of the coming attack, would find themselves in a chaotic battle with no clear orders or direction, with instances of friendly fire and units walking around aimlessly becoming common sites. However, the chaos and confusion of the Union attack would prevent any breakthrough, with the Confederates holding their position. As the battle ended, knowing he was still outnumbered and fearful of a reorganized Union assault the next day, Johnston would elect to concede his position and retreat towards Strasburg, leaving Winchester to buy time for his army to recover and prepare for future action.

 

Casualties:

Union: 2,517 - 557 killed, 297 missing/captured, 1,663 wounded(one-quarter of wounded will return to force following the conclusion of one turn)

Confederacy: 1,549 - 301 killed, 205 missing/captured, 1,043 wounded(one-quarter of wounded will return to force following the conclusion of one turn)

 

 

Battle of Occoquan River: 

Date: July 26th, 1861

 

Location: Occoquan River, Virginia

 

Outcome: Minor Confederate Victory, Union campaign ended

 

Opposing Forces: 

Union: 

Army of Northeastern Virginia - 35,000 men - Irvin McDowell

 

Confederates:

Army of the Potomac - 23,000 men - P. G. T. Beauregard

 

Battle Rolls:

Union: 3. Already plagued by disorganization and low discipline on their march up to the river, McDowell’s force fares poorly on the field. Despite initially securing two crossings across the Occoquan and beginning an advance south of the river, McDowell sees his men cross the Occoquan in a disorderly stroll, with improper formation and a clear lack of understanding for the fight to come. And, by noon as the Confederates arrive to meet them, the Union advance forces fail under a series of clashes with the Confederate army, with reinforcements slowed by the bottleneck of the two crossings and the Union army steadily being pushed back to north of the river as the battle continues. While complete chaos doesn’t break out, the retreat is disorderly, and the day ends with hundreds dead and McDowell having failed to secure an advance south, choosing to regroup at Alexandria.

 

Confederates: 5. Beauregard didn’t bring the Army of the Potomac to decisive victory, and failed to secure the Occoquan River before Union forces could advance over it. However, the Confederates did land an effective assault on the crossing Union Army, pushing their forward units back in a series of confrontations through the day and eventually causing a general retreat to the north. While losses were felt by both sides, Beauregard and his men are confident after the victory, with the disorganized Union army’s slow advance south being halted with the confrontation. It wasn’t a decisive or especially exciting battle, consisting of a series of clashes along the line as the Confederates mustered their strength and forced the Union back with their assault. However, the Union’s campaign was ended, and Beauregard would establish his position again at Manassas, believing the foolish Union thought to bypass his army would not be attempted again.

 

Casualties:

Union: 2,105 - 378 killed, 870 missing/captured, 857 wounded(one-quarter of wounded will return to force following the conclusion of one turn)

Confederacy: 1,376 - 311 killed, 34 missing/captured, 1031 wounded(one-quarter of wounded will return to force following the conclusion of one turn)

 

Turn update following

Edited January 14, 2022 by The Blood

[The Blood]

August 1st, 1861

 

Headlines: 

North:

"Lincoln Leads Union to Seize Confederate Stronghold at Winchester!" - Wide Awakes Gazette

 

"Hopes of Bloodless War Dashed at Winchester, Advance on Richmond Halted" - New York Times

 

"Hundreds of Young Men Die in Lincoln's War, Will the Suffering End?" - The Moral Objector  

 

South:

"President Davis Wants to Take Your Slaves Away! Defend Your Rights!" - Dixie Slaveowner Journal

 

"Richmond Saved from Federal Army. Will Washington Accept Peace?" - Confederate Times

 

"Costly Fighting at Winchester, Tyrannic Conscription Proposal Gains Traction" - Oppositionist Daily

 

Union National Stats:

National Morale: 75/100

War Support: 72/100

Administration Support: 64/100

Economic Strength: 70/100

Anglo/French Support: 12/100

 

CSA National Stats:

National Morale: 93/100

War Support: 87/100

Administration Support: 63/100

Economic Strength: 33/100

Anglo/French Support: 32/100

 

Eastern Theater:

Union Eastern Commander - @WVProgressive

Union Armies:

Army of Northeastern Virginia - Alexandria - 32,895 men - Irvin McDowell

Army of Appalachia - Winchester - 15,483 men - William S. Rosecrans

 

Confederate Eastern Commander - @Timur

Confederate Armies: 

Army of the Potomac - Manassas Junction - 21,924 men - P. G. T. Beauregard

Army of the Shenandoah - Strasburg - 10,451 men - Joseph E. Johnston 

Army of Northern Virginia - Richmond - 15,000 men - Robert E. Lee

 

Western Theater:

Union Western Commander - @Hestia

Army of the Cumberland - Indianapolis - 9,000 men - George Henry Thomas

Army of the Tennessee - Springfield - 6,000 men - Ulysses S. Grant

 

Confederate Western Commander - @Cal

Army of Kentucky - Nashville - 10,000 men - Edmund Kirby Smith

3rd Tennessee Cavalry - Fort Wright, Tennessee - 400 men - Nathan Bedford Forrest

 

Trans-Mississippi Theater:

Union Trans-Mississippi Commander - @Zenobiyl

Union Armies:

Union Army of the West - Jefferson City - 10,200 men - Nathaniel Lyon 

Indian Home Guard - Creek Territory - 15,000 men - Opothle Yohola

 

Confederate Trans-Mississippi Commander - @Kitten

Confederate Armies:

Missouri State Guard - Butler, Missouri - 6,100 men - Sterling Price

Western Army - Southwest Missouri - 5,000 men - Benjamin McCulloch

Army of New Mexico - Sherman, Texas - 2,500 men - Henry Hopkins Sibley

 

@Pringles @Richard

Edited January 14, 2022 by The Blood

[Zenobiyl]

Trans-Mississippi: Nathaniel Lyon

 

1. The Indian Home Guard launches raids against the Western Army led by Benjamin McCulloch. Opothele urges his men to avoid direct confrontation, instead using hit-and-run tactics combined with ambushes to sap Confederate morale and drain the opposing army’s strength. Opothele uses the more mobile Indian units and their extensive knowledge of the local terrain to his full advantage. [Hit-And-Run Attack: Western Army]

2. Nathaniel Lyon moves 5,000 of his men (leaving a small garrison in Jefferson City) to the small town of Nevada, Missouri (known in those days as “Hog-Eye”). Lyon’s forces are ordered to secure the town as quickly as possible, and establish a perimeter of control in Vernon County, Missouri. [Secure: Vernon County Missouri]

3. Nathaniel Lyon sends word to governor Charles L. Robinson, calling on him to gather as many men as possible to the Kansas-Missouri border. Lyon urges the governor to have his men get as close to Butler, Missouri as possible without direct confrontation, and to light fires and make as much noise as possible. Lyons orders Robinson not to engage the Confederate army in Butler yet, but to wait until their morale breaks and they retreat, and then seize the strategically vital city. [Train army: East Kansas]

Edited January 14, 2022 by Zenobiyl