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Civil War Campaign: Confederates

Civil War Campaign: Confederates

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Project Blog by elessar2590 Cult of Games Member

Recommendations: 124

About the Project

Welcome to the Confederate Side of my Sharp Practice Campaign! Here we'll follow the exploits of two Sons of Alabama as they lead their men in pursuit of the Federal Army after the Battle of Manassas (Bull Run to you Blue-Belly snoops). One is tasked with clearing out the Federal troops attempting to cover their retreat. The other has been sent to capture and capture a spy in the area who was selling information to the Federal's. Without further ado I take you to Virginia, The Confederate States of America, Late July 1861.

This Project is Cancelled

Introducing the Forces

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Let's Meet Our Heroes Shall We?

Welcome!

It’s 1861 and following our Glorious Victory at Bull Run the Army has some serious work to do.

Unfortunately they can’t do it while Billy Yank is running away like a startled Jackrabbit so we’ve got to make sure that doesn’t happen.

There’s also the small matter of a Local spy selling information to the Federal’s, Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell has been sent to apprehend him and bring him in so we can see if he’s motivated by Patriotism or Coin.

Back Left: Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell, Lieutenant William P. Schneider, Lieutenant Milton H. Fallworth. Font Left: Lieutenant Howard C. Miller, Lieutenant Johnathon R. Hillsborough Back Left: Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell, Lieutenant William P. Schneider, Lieutenant Milton H. Fallworth. Font Left: Lieutenant Howard C. Miller, Lieutenant Johnathon R. Hillsborough

Accompanying Captain Bell are Lieutenants Schneider and Fallworth.

Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell is a wealthy, young Southern Gentleman with a large stake in a profitable Silver Mine out West. However no true son of Alabama could rest easy in San Diego while his homeland suffers, so with much pulling of strings and natural charm he got himself a commission. He has managed to secure enough Rifled Muskets for all of his men.

Lieutenant William P. Schneider is a German Immigrant who moved to work on a farm in Alabama a decade ago. With hard work he purchased his own farm and settled down. When Alabama voted for Secession Schneider saw the way the wind was blowing and managed to get himself a commission in the State Militia based on some less than accurate stories about service in the Prussian Army. 

Lieutenant Milton H. Fallworth was a plantation overseer who lost his job when his employer freed all of his slaves upon his death. He sought out the bottle until news of Alabama’s secession created a place for him among the officers of the Confederate Army.

Captain Thomas P. WilliamsCaptain Thomas P. Williams

Captain Thomas P. Williams hasn’t been informed of the spy and is to instead dedicate his entire attention on smashing aside the Federal Rearguard and opening the path forward.

Captain Thomas P. Williams has left behind his wife, children and Law Practice in Mobile Alabama all for his love of the Great State of Alabama. After his first taste of combat he’s more committed than ever to the cause of Southern Independence.

With him are the former Army Sergeant and current Lieutenant Howard C. Miller and Lieutenant Johnathon R. Hillsborough.

Lieutenant Miller traveled South into Mexico (with the army he didn’t just go on his own) as a Bugler and spent the next few years barreling through the ranks. He still carries a Bugle into battle as a homage to his past.

Lieutenant Hillsborough “transferred” from the Navy after jumping ship in Mobile once the State seceded and put out the call for experienced men to become officers.

Introducing the Forces

Where Did I Leave That Map?

Tutoring 4
Skill 2
Idea 6
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The First Three Moves of The Confederate Forces

The Starting Positions of the Two Forces. Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the LeftThe Starting Positions of the Two Forces. Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the Left

Captain Bell followed the road north deducing that it would take him to an inhabited area sooner or later where he hoped to get more information on his spy while Captain Williams decided he would blaze a trail North through the Swamps hoping to catch the Federals before they’re ready.

The Second Move again with Captain Bell on the LeftThe Second Move again with Captain Bell on the Left

The Players cannot see any more than I allow them to see and they don’t know where their allies are just to make it interesting.

There’s a “Fog of War” aspect where the players will not be able to actually see each other beyond a certain range.

Captain Bell’s Force consists of:

Leader Status III      (Bell)                                                   

Three Groups of 8 Infantry, Rifled Muskets

Leader Status II        (Schneider)                                                   

Three Groups of 8 Infantry, Rifled Muskets

Leader Status II         (Fallworth)                                             

Two Groups of 6 Skirmishers, Rifled Muskets

 

Captain Williams’ Force consists of:

Leader Status III         (Williams)                                                         

Three Groups of 8 Infantry, Muskets

Leader Status II          (Miller)                                                     

Two Groups of 8 Infantry, Muskets

Leader Status I          (Sergeant Williamson)                                                    

Two Groups of 6 Skirmishers, Rifled Muskets 

Leader Status II        (Hillsborough)                                                      

30 Confederate Militia 

Holy Man 

Mule Train 

Third Move again with Captain Bell on the LeftThird Move again with Captain Bell on the Left

During the Third Turn Captain Bell discovered a group of half a dozen Union deserters, armed and aggressive in a small camp hoping to make a break for freedom in the morning. After Mulling it over Captain Bell decided to dispatch Lieutenant Schneider with a force of Eight Men to apprehend the brigands. Taking his detachment out at Dawn the Lieutenant braced himself for combat.

Rifles at Dawn!

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Rifles at Dawn!

Lieutenant Schneider lead his force of Eight Men in the early pre-dawn hours to the camp of the Union deserter’s. The Deserters have taken a local woman hostage, for nefarious and comic book villainesque purposes no doubt, and the men aren’t about to let some Bluebelly Yanks run off with a daughter of Virginia.

The Deserters are spread out coming in from their picket positions. The Confederates have halted at a fence line where they are spotted by the Sergeant in charge of the deserters.

Schneider lead the bulk of his men behind a large rock where they harassed the enemy with fire while three men stayed by the fence.

The Confederate DeploymentThe Confederate Deployment
Turn 2Turn 2

The Confederate’s killed the Deserter Sergeant with their first shot allowing the captive woman to run to safety. Two deserters attempted to outflank them but where cut down by the men at the fence.

Rifles at Dawn!

For the next few turns the two sides traded fire to no effect until all of a sudden three deserters fell in quick succession which prompted the Confederates to charge the final remaining deserter hoping to take him prisoner.

Rather than face the gallows or the cell the deserter took a final shot. He struck Lieutenant Schneider knocking him down and sending the rest of the Confederates into a murderous rage.

All in all it was a successful mission, no Confederate Casualties bar the lieutenant and the total destruction of the enemy. The woman that was saved returned to their camp with the remaining Confederates where Lieutenant Schneider was taken to the preacher for medical attention.

Rifles at Dawn!

The lieutenant made a full recovery, the bullet passed straight through his shoulder leaving a clean wound.

The Woman is named Elizabeth and has agreed to accompany the Confederates until the area becomes safe enough for a Lady to travel home on her own.

In Campaign terms the Lieutenant continues to function as normal but must roll two dice and pick the lowest when making task rolls that require physical strength and can’t add his Status Dice to a combat.

Elizabeth has joined the Company, she can help wounded Leaders make a recovery and can assist with any delicate negotiations they might have to make.

This skirmish was fought using the Legends of the Old West Ruleset from Warhammer Historical.

Contact!

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Our Brave Southern Men continue onwards towards the foe

A. D. Bell on the LeftA. D. Bell on the Left
A. D. Bell on the LeftA. D. Bell on the Left

Captain Bell continued North along the road travelling to seize the major river crossing and deny it to the enemy.

Williams meanwhile cut off his opponents line of retreat by occupying a village that Union troops had quickly bypassed.

Not wanting to give the Confederates and breathing room Union Captain Marshall seized the opportunity and deployed his troops on the far side of the river to oppose any Confederate crossing. The river didn’t turn out to be as significant an obstacle as was previously thought. Confederate troops now had a difficult decision. Do they cross the river under fire from the enemy or do they attempt a forced march during the night and risk total chaos?

The Waiting Game: Part One

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The Skirmish at the Bridge?

The Confederates were hastily searching for a viable ford by which they could cross the river, the bridge that was marked on their maps had been destroyed. Across the river Union troops took up positions among the cabins and fields forming an impressive hurdle for our brave Southern Soldier’s to overcome.

Captain Bell observed their activity for the better part of the afternoon until 4pm when the Confederates abandoned their search for a crossing position elsewhere and opted to wade through the river and take his craven Yankee boys head on.

The battle after a few turns of maneuvering, the union got a raw deal and were forced to use flags for most of the activation's in the first four or so turns.The battle after a few turns of maneuvering, the union got a raw deal and were forced to use flags for most of the activation's in the first four or so turns.

Two things.

First these photo’s are staged but nothing in them is staged. I only had the idea to do this Campaign as a project in the last few turns and so we hadn’t taken any real pictures. These battles happened as you see them, luckily deaths, moments of bravery/cowardice and other meaningful events were all meticulously recorded for the campaign anyway so this isn’t a huge hurdle.

Secondly the table shown is only half the table, there was an extra two feet behind the Union players with fields and houses but it played no part in the game so was omitted for obvious reasons.

The Confederate Player had to cross the river but didn’t want to take on the Union troops dug into their positions in daylight. So I decided to give the Union player a choice, fight a defensive night battle or take the fight to the enemy by moving their deployment point forward the the sunken road. Wanting to get stuck in as soon as possible the Union player opted to make the crossing well and truly opposed.

Captain Bell leading his men with Lieutenant Fallworth screening him with the skirmishers in a screenCaptain Bell leading his men with Lieutenant Fallworth screening him with the skirmishers in a screen
Lieutenant Schneider leading the flanking maneuverLieutenant Schneider leading the flanking maneuver

As the Union skirmishers emerged from the sunken road the Confederate skirmishers entered the shallow river and exchanged some useless volleys back and forth as Schneider’s men made ground in their risky flanking move.

To the left of the Confederate centre is a small cabin and a gentlemen has emerged to watch the battle unfold, shotgun in hand of course.

Jeremiah A. D. Wentworth the Third my Good SirJeremiah A. D. Wentworth the Third my Good Sir

Seeing his time Bell lead his men across the river as the Union troops rushed into a line.

Whoever fires the first volley will have a big advantage, will they follow it up with cold steel or try to win the volley fire war?

The Waiting Game: Part Two

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Full disclosure I'll have to split these reports in half due to the 12 component limit on Projects, I'm not trying to farm up votes or keep anyone in suspense. :)

Bell has lead his men across the river while Schneider is making gains on the flank although he might be too far away to make any real impact.

Crossing the RiverCrossing the River

With a surge of energy Bell’s men stormed across the river and gave the enemy a deadly volley. His men took the return volley on the chin as the skirmishers moved to edge around the enemies flank.

Bell then launched his men into the enemy and following the advice of the great Jackson his men “yelled like furies” as they gave the Yankees cold steel.

They drove the Blue Bellies back but halted their advance to avoid enfilading fire from the skirmishers on the rocky knoll.

Schneider turned his men to face the foe and had them jump the fence before forming a line.

Turning PointTurning Point
"Yell Like Furies"

Schneider’s men unleashed a brutal volley almost wiping out the skirmishers on the knoll and wounding their leader.

Bell’s men took advantage of their secure flank and went back in with the cold steel driving the enemy even further back. Only the Union reserve could still operate as a coherent fighting force.

Seeing this Fallworth had his men pour more fire into the skirmishers and managed to drive them back through their own troops which put so much shock on them that they were forced to retreat.

"Onwards My Boys"

Fallworth moved back around to flank the Yankee’s on their right, it was then that Jeremiah A. D. Wentworth the Third emerged from his cabin and began a dialogue with the Lieutenant.

Bell halted his force and secured their gains rather than pursue the enemy and risk unnecessary casualties.

The Confederates have crossed the river and won the day. All with only 6 men injured. 2 Dead and the rest wounded.

In the aftermath of the battle a Yankee Lieutenant was taken prisoner, he hasn’t given his name yet and seems to be in mostly good condition.

Jeremiah A. D. Wentworth the Third is a local farmer who has offered us his services as a guide. A veteran of Mexico he should prove very useful in the future.

The Union troops have fallen back to a nearby town. Now Captain Bell has to decide whether he will risk an urban assault or move around the Yankee’s rear and cut them off from their line of supply.

Competition Time

Let’s have a little fun. At the end of every Battle Report I’m gojng to include a little Trivia section. The first person to answer the question correctly will earn a point, who ever has the most points at the end of the campaign wins a certificate of accomplishment. Put it on your resume or something no one ever checks those things anyway. ?

First up a two part question. Two points up for grabs.

Who is the Confederate in this picture? Nickname/AKA/Real Name are all viable.

Which Battle is this picture depicting?

Hint: The actual event pictured here happened at night but the artist has depicted it during the day for artistic reasons.

Stone Wall, Confederate carrying multiple canteens, what’s that in the union soldier’s kepi?

Good Luck, and thanks for reading.

The Waiting Game: Part Two

Following up the Victory

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Skill 4
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The Yankee's are on the backfoot it's time to keep the pressure on

Following his victory Captain Bell moved along the road into the cultivated farmland unwilling to engage the enemy in a built up urban area where the enemy would have time to set up proper defences.

Meanwhile Captain Willaims followed his foe into the small farm north to the North, the lines were drawn for another fight between the two sides although Williams men are armed with muskets which could put them at a disadvantage in any long range shootouts.

Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the LeftCaptain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the Left
Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the LeftCaptain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the Left

Apologies for the Delay

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Skill 6
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Apologies for the lack of content but I’m currently moving and it’s thrown everything out of whack.

Here’s a few pics of the set up so far and some of the latest minis I’ve painted up for the rest of the Campaign.

Some More Volunteers for the ConfederatesSome More Volunteers for the Confederates
Some LivestockSome Livestock
The Work in Progress of the Outside. In Australia this type of Building is Called a DONGAThe Work in Progress of the Outside. In Australia this type of Building is Called a DONGA
Easy Access for the Things I use the Most. ACW on the Left and Sudan on the Right. With over 200 Sudanese Mahdists they Just fit in the Shelf.Easy Access for the Things I use the Most. ACW on the Left and Sudan on the Right. With over 200 Sudanese Mahdists they Just fit in the Shelf.
A 6x4 Board that can be moved. I've got my normal tiles and you can just see some Foam that I'll be using to make a Desert BoardA 6x4 Board that can be moved. I've got my normal tiles and you can just see some Foam that I'll be using to make a Desert Board

Freemantle Farm

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After a Night of Solid Rainfall the Confederate Troops Gather Along the Sunken Road and Prepare for their Attack

Freeman's Cabin and the Cabin Lawn to the Confederate Right, Freemantle's Cabin to the Confederate Front.Freeman's Cabin and the Cabin Lawn to the Confederate Right, Freemantle's Cabin to the Confederate Front.
Captain Williams Leads his Southern Boys Down the Sunken Road to Oppose the Yankees Opposite them.Captain Williams Leads his Southern Boys Down the Sunken Road to Oppose the Yankees Opposite them.
Sergeant Williamson Takes the Company Skirmishers Through the Fields to Engage the Federal SkirmishersSergeant Williamson Takes the Company Skirmishers Through the Fields to Engage the Federal Skirmishers
As the Yankees move Towards Freeman's Cabin Lieutenant Miller Plans to Occupy the Freeman Cabin and Post his men around it to Drive the Blue Bellies off with Lead Rather than Steel.As the Yankees move Towards Freeman's Cabin Lieutenant Miller Plans to Occupy the Freeman Cabin and Post his men around it to Drive the Blue Bellies off with Lead Rather than Steel.
The Confederate Column Narrows into Line of Battle and Prepares to Take up Position along the Rail Fence Covered by the Skirmishers.The Confederate Column Narrows into Line of Battle and Prepares to Take up Position along the Rail Fence Covered by the Skirmishers.
An OverviewAn Overview
Lieutenant Miller's Men Refuse to Cross the Stone Wall and his Plans are Delayed as they Wait for the Militia.Lieutenant Miller's Men Refuse to Cross the Stone Wall and his Plans are Delayed as they Wait for the Militia.
Sergeant Williamson Moves his Skirmishers to out of the Fields to Better Cover the Main TroopsSergeant Williamson Moves his Skirmishers to out of the Fields to Better Cover the Main Troops
Captain Hillsborough Finally Brings the Militia Down the Sunken Road to Reinforce the Men at Freeman's CabinCaptain Hillsborough Finally Brings the Militia Down the Sunken Road to Reinforce the Men at Freeman's Cabin
Lieutenant Miller's Men Finally Occupy the Freeman Cabin but is it too Late?Lieutenant Miller's Men Finally Occupy the Freeman Cabin but is it too Late?
Was it Wise to Divide his Troops?Was it Wise to Divide his Troops?

Freemantle Farm Part II

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Captain Williams' Men Line the Rail Fence and Start to pour Volleys of a Mixed Nature at the Yankee's Emerging from the Union BarnCaptain Williams' Men Line the Rail Fence and Start to pour Volleys of a Mixed Nature at the Yankee's Emerging from the Union Barn
Captain Williams Attempts to Move Mrs. and Ms. Freemantle From their Cabin to No Effect. The Freemantle Women are Southern Sympathisers and Mr. Freemantle is a Major in the Stonewall Brigade. Captain Williams Attempts to Move Mrs. and Ms. Freemantle From their Cabin to No Effect. The Freemantle Women are Southern Sympathisers and Mr. Freemantle is a Major in the Stonewall Brigade.
Captain Miller's Men Move to Intercept the Charging Yankees but the Boys in the Cabin Refuse to EmergeCaptain Miller's Men Move to Intercept the Charging Yankees but the Boys in the Cabin Refuse to Emerge
Captain Hillsborough's Militia out of the Tree's but their Wet Powder Makes them far from Useful. Captain Hillsborough's Militia out of the Tree's but their Wet Powder Makes them far from Useful.
The Main Confederate Force Fires a Devastating Volley at the Yankees to their Front and Charge Home with the BayonetThe Main Confederate Force Fires a Devastating Volley at the Yankees to their Front and Charge Home with the Bayonet
Sergeant Williamson Moves his Skirmishers to Give Covering FireSergeant Williamson Moves his Skirmishers to Give Covering Fire
A Few Turns of Brutal Fighting and Volleys Leaves both Sides in ShamblesA Few Turns of Brutal Fighting and Volleys Leaves both Sides in Shambles
Lieutenant Miller's Men are Caught in Chaos and Quickly Seen Off, Lieutenant Miller is Severely WoundedLieutenant Miller's Men are Caught in Chaos and Quickly Seen Off, Lieutenant Miller is Severely Wounded
The Militia are too Late to Make a Difference and Make Ready to Cover the Companies Retreat.The Militia are too Late to Make a Difference and Make Ready to Cover the Companies Retreat.
The Militia Turn Tail and Flee Rather than Face the YankeesThe Militia Turn Tail and Flee Rather than Face the Yankees
The Main Line Reformed and Retreated in Good OrderThe Main Line Reformed and Retreated in Good Order
The Battle as it EndedThe Battle as it Ended

Freemantle Farm Part III

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As Captain Williams Consolidated their Scattered Forces it was Time to Take Account of the Losses

Officers: Captain Williams - Alive. Lieutenant Miller - Missing. Lieutenant Hillsborough - Alive. Sergeant Williamson - Alive

With the Confederate Defeat and Fearing Northern Retribution the Freemantle Women Flee with Captain Williams Leaving Behind all their Possessions

Captain Williams' Men: Two Dead - Two Wounded - Eight Fit for Duty

Lieutenant Miller's Men: Four Dead - Three Wounded - Five Fit for Duty

With Lieutenant Miller Missing his Men have been Taken Over by Captain Williams Giving him a Total of Twenty Nine Men Under his Command Alone

The Next Day

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Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the LeftCaptain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the Left
Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the LeftCaptain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the Left

The Two Confederate Forces make Contact with one Another and the Map Starts to Take Shape.

Prelude to Burn's Farm

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Captain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the LeftCaptain Jeremiah A. D. Bell on the Left
Prelude to Burn's Farm
The Maps were MergedThe Maps were Merged
Prelude to Burn's Farm

While moving through the area Ms. Elizabeth (Who Lt. Schneider had saved from deserters) purchased food from the locals and was warned of a strange man who had been sleeping in the Farm’s Barn for the past few days.

He had come to the farm shortly after the Battle of Manassas and many of the local women did not trust him.

After relaying this information to Captain Bell men were sent to detain the man and they did so. However before any interrogation could begin Yankee Troops made their way down the main road.

As the Confederate troops approached the Farm no one could tell them who owned the farm. It was apparently the property of a man now living in Texas who simply allowed tenants to live on it for rent and was a very distant landlord.

As the following report will show the farm became known by both sides as “Burns Farm”…..

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