Lyon Comes East or One War at a Time

[hzn5pk]

Very interesting TL, consider me subscribed

Thank you, your views are welcomed. I have this old computer grand strategy game of the Civil War. For the game, you can control the resources, leaders, and troop movements of the North and South. You make all of the changes and orders and then the computer plays them out for a week at a time. The action goes week by week, with orders, production, and supply activity in between. It is like setting up a program and then letting it run for a week.

What is interesting is that even though you may order a general to advance a certain direction, he may go in the complete opposite as he has some freedom. As like OTL ACW, the wishes of the administration were not always followed.

 

[DuQuense]

On March 7, Lincoln concluded that Stanton was to be the man for the job. He was still in Washington. Lincoln contacted him through a courier. Both Lincoln and Scott were present at the White House when Stanton arrived. Stanton eagerly accepted the position as War Secretary stating that he would do anything to preserve the Union. With Scott present, Lincoln stated that he wanted Stanton to aid the effort in mobilizing the nation for the war to come. Stanton was confirmed by the Senate and the cabinet was complete.

You forgot that the Sec of he Navy is separate from Sec of War. ?Who will you pick?

 

[hzn5pk]

You forgot that the Sec of he Navy is separate from Sec of War. ?Who will you pick?

Gideon Welles just like OTL. Welles was established as Navy Secretary before Lincon's trip to Washington.

 

[hzn5pk]

June 30th to July 6th

June 30th – Nathaniel Lyon arrives in Springfield, ILL with two regiments from Missouri. He gathers regiments from Illinois and prepares for next leg of journey to Dayton, OH. to Sherman is in Ft. Monroe, Franklin in Harper’s Ferry, a significant garrison in Washington DC is awaiting Lyon and his westerners. Other western forces gather in Dayton, OH by McClellan.

To promote recruitment, Lincoln raises the bounty (volunteer bonus) for volunteers.

June 30th to July 6 – Nathaniel Lyon travels by train to Dayton, OH with Illinois and Missouri regulars and volunteers. Troops from all other Midwestern states have concentrated in Dayton, OH per George McClellan. There are 45,000 troops gathered in Dayton after Lyon arrives.

Benjamin Franklin at Harper’s Ferry has 25,000 troops is on defensive.

Sherman is at Fort Monroe has 20,000 troops.

The garrison of Washington has 22,000 troops under Samual Heintzleman. Half of the troops are in Washington and half are in Alexandria where Heintzleman's HQ is located.

Confederate troops movements are in the Sheandoah Valley and in the James peninsula.

Beauregard (14,000 troops) and Joe Johnston (21,000 troops) link up in Strasburg, VA with 35,000 troops.

John McGruder with 10,000 troops foolishly attacks Ft. Monroe. Sherman easily repulses the attack. The intensity of the fighting is light as both sides feel each other out. Sherman by having twice as many troops easily repulses the attack. Sherman takes this as a learning experience, he should have upped the intensity when he had the numerical superiority. McGruder made a mistake by attacking the fort and Sherman did not capitalize on it.

Other Confederate troops are 4000 in Fredricksburg, 4000 in Richmond, and 4000 at Norfolk. Raleigh, NC and Charleston, SC have significant troop numbers as well.

The Army of Virginia is created with Robert E. Lee as the commanding general. The army consists of McGruder’s command, the troops in Fredricksburg, Richmond, and Norfolk. Beauregard and Johnston in the valley are independent of Lee at this point.

Out west - The Union has regiments in Springfield and Rolla, Missouri and in Cairo, ILL and Evanston, Ind. Scott is gambling that the Confederates will not advance into Kentucky as he shifts troops to the East.

Confederate troops are centered in Little Rock, Ark, Nashville, Tennessee under A. S. Johnston and in northern Mississippi under Leonidas Polk. Polk begins move to Memphis, TN.

Other Confederate troops in the West are protect the Gulf and Georgia ports (New Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola, Savannah).

Lincoln calls for more volunteers for three year enlistments.

 

[hzn5pk]

July 7th to 13th, 1861

Nathaniel Lyon sets off from Dayton, OH to Washington, DC with the Western forces.

William Franklin demonstrates at Harper’s Ferry

Sherman rests after victory at Fort Monroe, finalizes plan for the drive towards either Richmond or Petersburg.
Scott and Stanton start authorize McClellan to gather a second force of westerners under Ulysses S. Grant for transport east in August.

Samual Heinztelman advances from Washington across the Potomac with 10000 troops to secure the rail junction at Manasas Juntion. He is met and defeated by Lee. The Union troops were only to scout and probe Confederate defenses, not bring on a general engagement. He was to be an advance force waiting for Lyon to arrive.

Lee’s troops that repulsed Heinztleman came from Fredericksburg under Theophilus Holmes, Richmond under Jubal Early, and Norfolk under Ben Huger. Total confederate forces were 12,000 men up against 11,000 for the Union. Jubal Early served with distinction.

The other large Confederate force of Johnston and Beauregard remain in the Shenandoah Valley at Winchester and Strasburg, on the defensive.

John Magruder retreated towards Richmond to block any attempt by Sherman to advance.

The northern papers attack the ineptness of Winfield Scott and that he is too old for command. Lincoln stands by Scott, still is buys into Scott's overall plan. Lee is praised by southern papers for disrupting the Union plans.

In foreign developments, the Union is continuing to trade with Europe for war goods and materials. A loose blockade is established on the Atlantic ports. The South is still able to trade cotton for supplies with mainly Britain and France.

 

[hzn5pk]

July 14 – 20, 1861

William Franklin advances down the Shenandoah to Strasburg, VA. He commits to battle against superior Confederate forces under Beauregard and Johnston. He makes progress at first but cannot drive a force commanded by Thomas Jackson. He is defeated and forced to retreat back to Harper's Ferry.

Samual Heinztelman completes his retreat to Washington.

Sherman starts the advance from Ft. Monroe. The going through the marshes and woods is slow.

Magruder retreats back to Richmond, blocking Sherman.

Nathaniel Lyon arrives in Washington and prepares for his thrust. His force is 55000 westerners and 10000 troops left by Heintzelman. He decides to continue to let the defeated forces rest in Washington. They will not be included in his drive to Richmond.

The South is in good cheer of the defeats of Franklin and Heintzelman. Lee though is in no cheer, sees that he must move south now to confront Sherman, to drive him back from Richmond.

Newspapers in the North are not so positive to Scott and the Union Army. The defeats of Manassas Junction and Strasburg wear on the optimism that the North once had.

When Lyon reaches Washington, Scott, Stanton, and Lincoln would like to have a talk with him. In the conversation Lyon has a question on what to do with slaves that are going to flock to his army as he marches in Virginia. He does not want to return them to their owners. He does not want to have them withthe army as they will need to be protected and draw on his supplies. He can guide them North, aid them in their escape. Lincoln also detests slavery, not to the degree that Lyon does however. Lincoln does not want to make the war about the end of slavery at this point, but he also sees the military necessity of stripping Virginia of its workforce.

Lincoln's decision is to gather these slaves, contraband and send them North to Washington. They are not 100% free but the South cannot use them as well. He writes orders to this effect to both Lyon and Sherman as they advance in Virginia. Lincoln states to treat them with all dignity, be quiet about removing them from the South. Do it quietly, without fanfare or press. Lincoln does not want to stir up emotions and controversy for Kentucky and does not want to lose support for the Union. So in reality, the slaves that are captured in Virginia will be treated similar to prisoners. They are not 100% free, but are not enslaved in the South. Lyon also states that there might be the possibility to start up schools for them, educate them as Lyon does not see them being enslaved again. Lincoln agrees but that it will take time. So the status of the captured slaves is that they will be taken care of, provided for, they are not prisoners, but they are not free as well.

Heintzleman is also there to discuss the terrain in northern Virginia around Manassas and the roads from Arlington to Manassas. The two discuss tactics for a long period of time. Lyon gains much from this meeting. From this aid, Lyon lays a plan for his assault in Virginia.

 

[Darth_Kiryan]

SO if Sherman is now in the East, who exactly become Grant's 'conscience' so to speak.

 

[hzn5pk]

SO if Sherman is now in the East, who exactly become Grant's 'conscience' so to speak.

Actually, OTL Sherman started in the East. He was at first Bull Run where he lead a regiment of volunteers. His performance was good enough to get a promotion and a new assignment in Kentucky. After this, he went loony and took some time off. When he came back, he was basically a quartermaster for Grant when Grant captured Ft. Henry and Ft. Donaldson. Sherman served under Grant in the field during the Shiloh campaign.

Grant's first confidant was C. F. Smith. As it turns out, Grant was a student of Smith's at West Point. Smith however was of noble character and ably and faithfully served under Grant distinguishing himself at Donaldson. It was on the Shiloh campaign that Smith injured himself, non-battle related, and eventually dies. It has been mentioned by another poster to extend the life of C. F. Smith as well as Lyon.

 

[hzn5pk]

The Lyon roars

July 21 – 27 – The Lyon roars
Franklin retreats from Strasburg back to Harper’s Ferry and Heintzelman rests in Washington.

Lee moves to Richmond and Petersburg to counter Sherman. Beauregard rests in Strasburg with 20,000 troops and Joe Johnston is railed back to Richmond with 15,000 troops. Both are now included in the Army of Virginia. Lee also moves Early back to Richmond so that 20000 troops are in Richmond and Ben Huger back to Norfolk with 4000 troops. Magruder arrives in Petersburg with 9000 troops.

Theophilus Holmes is left in Fredericksburg with 4000 troops. Lee now views the threat from Sherman advancing up the James. Lee gambles that it will take time for the large federal army to organize itself and that the defeated troops of Samuel Heintzelman will poison the newcomers in Washington.

Sherman continues to rest along the James. Lee plans to attack Sherman with his superior forces gathering in Richmond, Petersburg, and Norfolk to not only drive him back but also to wipe Sherman off the map.

In a move that Lee did not predict, Lyon sets out from Washington with 65,000 men and a large number of artillery. Lyon avoids Manassas all together and is able to March to Fredericksburg. He easily defeats the smaller force holding Fredericksburg. In his march South, Lyon forges from the land to supply his army of over 65000.

Lyon is thankful for the discussion with Heintzelman for his ability to screen Manassas, and capture Fredericksburg and the heights behind the town.

Scott was worried about the loss in the Valley, but he is now relieved to see the central portion of his plan in motion. He has schooled his pupil Lee by the rapid advance of Lyon to Fredricksburg. He now sees Sherman and Lyon meeting up in Richmond for a siege. Scott is in better spirits. Even if he looses some ground in the West, he now has Richmond in a vice.

Lee is tied; he is facing a slightly smaller force to the East of Richmond and one that is twice as big to the North. He was able to get the larger portion of the troops in the Valley to Richmond, but there is still a sizable force under Beauregard in the valley that cannot be railed to Richmond. They are facing a larger force at Harper’s Ferry, albeit a force that has seen defeat.

Perhaps he can strike Sherman, drive it away and then strike the other force under Lyon? Perhaps he can use Beauregard in the valley as a striking force to recall Lyon back to Washington. Or perhaps the best answer is to burrow in Richmond and let the Yankees come after him and bleed themselves out in the process.

 

[Darth_Kiryan]

Actually, OTL Sherman started in the East. He was at first Bull Run where he lead a regiment of volunteers. His performance was good enough to get a promotion and a new assignment in Kentucky. After this, he went loony and took some time off. When he came back, he was basically a quartermaster for Grant when Grant captured Ft. Henry and Ft. Donaldson. Sherman served under Grant in the field during the Shiloh campaign.

Grant's first confidant was C. F. Smith. As it turns out, Grant was a student of Smith's at West Point. Smith however was of noble character and ably and faithfully served under Grant distinguishing himself at Donaldson. It was on the Shiloh campaign that Smith injured himself, non-battle related, and eventually dies. It has been mentioned by another poster to extend the life of C. F. Smith as well as Lyon.

See. I actually knew that. Sherman at Bull Run, but then he was pushed out due to "insanity"

But, Lyon coming east could have profound circumstances. So, C. F. Smith, eh? Could be interesting.
And McClellan...well, that will be somehting to see.

 

[hzn5pk]

July 28th – August 3rd
Sherman is still resting on the James. He is nervous as his role in this Virginia thrust was to be the bait. He has been slowly moving towards Richmond for the last two weeks. He performed this role brilliantly as Lee, Jefferson Davis, and most of the Confederacy was concentrated on his activity coming from Fort Monroe. He is now nervous that he is going to be stuck out as the Confederates amass troops in Richmond for his demise. He is assured though that Lyon will be coming down soon.

Lee does not attack Sherman, does not take the bait. Instead he consolidates more in Richmond. Troops from the Carolinas are transferred to Richmond with James Longstreet in command.
Lyon captures Fredericksburg, consolidates, plans for the assault on Richmond and rests the troops. The morale of these Westerners, New York, and New Jersey regiments is high.

A second force of 20000 westerners is gathered in Columbus, OH with Ulysses S Grant in command. They will be railed to Harper’s Ferry where the forces of Grant and Franklin will be combined. McClellan wanted to move his base to Grafton in western Virginia, but the rail line to Harper’s Ferry is still not secure with Beauregard menacing the Shenandoah Valley and vicinity.

Another force of 20000 is gathered in with John Reynolds in command. These are the forces under Heintzelman and New Englanders that were slated to be sent to Sherman.

Scott's strategy now is to pile it on the Confederates, to use as many men and resources to bury Virginia. As soon as units are ready, organized, and have some training they will be sent to take advantage of the door that is open in Virginia.

The Confederates also start to transfer troops from the West to Richmond, it will take longer to reach the theater of action than the Union troops, and there are fewer of them.

Albert Sydney Johnston is also perplexed. Should he and Polk advance into Kentucky or wait? For now he is preparing for a drive into Kentucky from Nashville and Memphis with Polk.

 

[hzn5pk]

August 4th – 10th
Lyon and Sherman reach Richmond. There is little Lee can do against Lyon as he tries to fight a delaying action. Sherman advances to the north to link up with Lyon and give battle to Lee. Lee is unable to keep them separated as he also attempts to attack the flank of Sherman. Sherman is wise, uses speed and caution at the right times to effect the link with Lyon outside of Richmond. There the combined Union forces attack Lee. They are victorious but Lee is defiant inside of Richmond. A siege ensues as Lee retreats back into his works that he has prepared around Richmond.

Sherman is in overall command of the Union forces. Sherman fights at a higher intensity than in his first battle at Fort Monroe, but it is still not all out.

Grant starts out from Columbus to towards Harper’s Ferry
John Reynolds gathers troops in Washington. These are Easterners from New York, New Jersey, and New England. His goal will be to consolidate and protect the flank of Lyon and guard Washington in case Beauregard should break out of the valley before Grant arrives. Reynolds will also protect the supply route from Washington to Fredericksburg

In the South, more troops are being funneled to Virginia as well, but not at the same amount that the Union is supplying. Added to the troop disparity, the artillery disparity is even far greater in favor of the North. This is a product of Stanton who set more production in the North for artillery than for supplying cavalry.

Also in the North, the first four iron hulled ships are 2/3 complete. These ships are not intended to be ocean going, but rather protect harbors and ports. They will hug the coastline, and be towed to their destinations once they are commissioned.

In foreign relations, Lincoln and Stanton ease the siege of the South some. They do not block ships heading out of port; they are now searching and seizing all ships trying to come back to port with war material. To this end, they even notify the ports where they are anchored, blockading that they will not hinder ships leaving, only that the cargo will be inspected before they are permitted to leave. All ships trying to evade will be pursued. All ships returning will also be inspected and their cargo is subject to seizure if it is deemed beneficial to the Southern war effort. In this Lincoln sees that with the siege of Richmond, the end may be in sight. This may not be the terrible, bloody war that he once envisioned. He is thinking of how can he be reconcilitary to the South without condoning secession. Allowing the planters and traders to sell cotton is one way.

 

[hzn5pk]

August 11 – 17th

Jefferson Davis sees that involvement from a foreign power may be the only way to save the Confederacy. Plans are started for a second diplomatic mission to London and Paris to secure that recognition, to back up efforts that had already been accomplished by William Yancey and company throughout the spring and summer of 1861.

More confederate troops arrive in Richmond. Some of the defeated troops retreat to Petersburg under Longstreet.

The siege of Richmond continues, 2nd week. Sherman and Lyon are conducting a continuous battle of attrition to drain Lee’s strength. Lee informs Davis that he will hold out as long as possible.

Reynolds moves out from Washington to Manassas securing railroad, defending Washington and the flanks of both Grant and Sherman/Lyon.

Grant arrives in Harper’s Ferry with 20k and takes over Franklin’s now 25k.

In Tennessee, both Polk and A.S. Johnston continue to prepare strikes in Kentucky to bring that state into the CSA and to relieve Richmond. They are awaiting the go ahead from Davis to invade Kentucky. Polk has moved north of Memphis for such an advance to Columbus, KY when called for. Johnston plans to move out from Nashville for Bowling Green, KY.

In Arkansas/Missouri, Ben McCulloch and Sterling Price are preparing for an assault on Springfield, MO.

 

[Free Lancer]

I like it, keep it up

 

[hzn5pk]

I like it, keep it up

thanks,

what do you think that Confederates would do in response of the Union bringing troops East? They are besieged in Richmond, a standoff in the Valley with more Union forces being committed there. In fact in the next week, I have Grant coming down onto Beauregard

In Tennessee and Kentucky, if they invade Kentucky, it will break neutrality just as OTL. So they are stuck and on the defensive. But Kentucky might be an option to try and steam roll over to divert Union attention away from the East.

In Missouri, yes Sterling Price is on the offensive, but the Union does not care about southern and central Missouri like it does with Virginia at this stage.

So the Confederacy is tied with few options. One good option is try to get Britain and France in the game on their side.

What do you think? And what do you think that Britain and France are looking at. Is it a sinking ship that they do not want to be attached to?

Will this attitude change in a couple of months, November 1861, when the Union stopped the Trent and removed the passengers?

 

[Free Lancer]

thanks,

what do you think that Confederates would do in response of the Union bringing troops East? They are besieged in Richmond, a standoff in the Valley with more Union forces being committed there. In fact in the next week, I have Grant coming down onto Beauregard

In Tennessee and Kentucky, if they invade Kentucky, it will break neutrality just as OTL. So they are stuck and on the defensive. But Kentucky might be an option to try and steam roll over to divert Union attention away from the East.

In Missouri, yes Sterling Price is on the offensive, but the Union does not care about southern and central Missouri like it does with Virginia at this stage.

So the Confederacy is tied with few options. One good option is try to get Britain and France in the game on their side.

What do you think? And what do you think that Britain and France are looking at. Is it a sinking ship that they do not want to be attached to?

Will this attitude change in a couple of months, November 1861, when the Union stopped the Trent and removed the passengers?

I believe the confederates will try to offset the losses in the east with a successful offensive in the west, at this point the confederates have no choice but break Kentucky’s neutrality it’s the only chance that is left to them,

At this point the confederacy looks like a sinking ship to Brittan and France and unless the confederates mange to hold the line in the East and manage to gain some victory’s in the west that’s how its going to stay.


I don’t think the trent crisis will change anyone’s perspective.

Anyway looking forward to the next update

 

[BrotherToAll]

Interesting, the French and British would be wary of helping the CSA at this point but it is quite possible you could wrangle some sort of French support via Mexico but I strongly doubt the British would throw their lot in South at this point.

Quick question pertaining to small arms with the Confederacy suffering as it is wont most of the forces in the west be denied the top line arms even worse than OTL?

 

[hzn5pk]

Interesting, the French and British would be wary of helping the CSA at this point but it is quite possible you could wrangle some sort of French support via Mexico but I strongly doubt the British would throw their lot in South at this point.

Yeah I agree, but one thing that I think that OTL hindered more participation from England and France for the Confederates is that they did not think that the Confederates needed it. The Confederates were holding the Yankees at bay in 1861. Maybe in this timeline where the CSA is in more dire straits, Britain and France will look more favorably to intervene.

Just a thought ....

 

[BrotherToAll]

Yeah I agree, but one thing that I think that OTL hindered more participation from England and France for the Confederates is that they did not think that the Confederates needed it. The Confederates were holding the Yankees at bay in 1861. Maybe in this timeline where the CSA is in more dire straits, Britain and France will look more favorably to intervene.

Just a thought ....

Or at least be willing to provide a greater flow of modern arms, at this point a number of Confederate troops are still carrying smooth bore percussion muskets and smooth bore cannon while the Union is managing to get rifled muskets and rifled guns into the hands of its men at a faster pace and with the Confederates on the ropes so early its going to make the need for modern small arms and artillery more desperate than it was OTL. They clearly can't rely on their superior officers early on to win major field victories and with the war turning quickly into one of attrition they will need more help than OTL.

 

[hzn5pk]

August 18 – 24
Grant sets out for Strasburg with 45,000 troops against Beauregard with 20,000. Fighting all out, Grant wins the battle. Beauregard has to retreat down the valley to Stanton, VA.

The loose siege of Richmond continues, 3rd week. Lee has open links south to Petersburg and to the west.
Reynolds rests at Manassas

Both Polk and A.S. Johnston are in striking positions along the Tennessee, Kentucky border awaiting the final go ahead from Jefferson Davis to advance into the bluegrass state.
Sterling Price and Ben McCulloch advance and capture Springfield, MO

August 25 – 31
Grant rests in Strasburg prepares pursuit to Stanton, VA

Siege of Richmond continues, 4th week. The fighting has been light the past few weeks.

Reynolds links up with Lyon and Sherman around Richmond, secures the rail connection in Virginia from Washington to Fredericksburg to the Union positions around Richmond.

Davis wants more action out West to draw attention away from Richmond, but where and how. If he invades Kentucky, violating its neutrality, that will set the state firmly in Union hands. He cannot do much out west short of invading Kentucky. He chooses to fortify Nashville, Ft. Donnellson, Knoxville, and Memphis and send troops East to break the siege. As Davis still has not

Price and McCulloch rest in Springfield plan for assault on Rolla, MO.