Battles of the Civil War - The Battle of Wilson's Creek

[Rodion Romanovich]

I agree, let's find the highest hill we can, with good protection from forests! After that, I think we should go for a plan of deception and defense.

Let's prepare multiple lines of trenches on the hill, and put some 2,000 soldiers in the trenches at the beginning of the battle. The rest should be hidden in the forests. When enough enemies become visible from the hill position, a carefully planned feigned panic act should be played out. Cannons should be turned around and moved up higher on the hill, and some 200 men should run back and forth through the trench systems in a chaotic but pre-arranged manner to make the whole force look even more disorganized and panic-struck. Hopefully this will draw the enemy into attacking the main position. When they do, the infantry in the forests can either strike from the forests, or be sent in to strengthen the trenches, depending on whether the enemy exposes their flank, or the trenches are in desperate need of reinforcement.

Additionally, we should prepare a second bait with our cavalry to make the deception even more convincing. About half of the cavalry could be sent away over very open terrain to make it look like they're on their way to fetch reinforcements, but due to the open terrain, the enemy will believe these reinforcements will be very far away. This, along with the panic playact, will make the enemy think we are weak and our only chance lies in delaying the enemy for long enough to bring reinforcements.

The cavalry commander should have free hands to act depending on the situation. If they are pursued they should of course try to shake off the pursuers as top priority. If they are not, they should wait until the battle has begun at the hill, then return. The cavalry commander should attack either enemy gun positions, infantry or cavalry depending on which enemy forces he considers most isolated and most useful to destroy.

[King Kurt]

We should not try to be too clever - this is early American Civil war, troops are eager, fragile and not well trained. Also digging deep trenches are a bit beyond our troops and equipment. We should prepare positions - tree trunk abbattis etc - but we are unlikely to make a copy of the Somme on the hill - especially as we only have over night and it would be more important to rest. Our troops - and theirs - have been marching here and there for several days.

Overall, we should keep things simple - tailor our moves to the calibre of our troops. The rebels are trying to march on Springfield - no doubt to seize the nuclear reactor - so as long as we dominate that road, they must attack us.

[Rodion Romanovich]

no doubt to seize the nuclear reactor

You know, my knowledge of the civil war is so limited, that I could maybe even have fallen for that

Joking aside, I trust your advice more than my own, until I learn more about the period

However, I got the impression that we had a professional core within our army - enough to perform complex moves that only involve small numbers, whereas when the entire army is involved we can only make very simple moves.

[CountArach]

Some of your men are professional, yes, but the majority are fairly raw recruits. Later in the Civil War they would be able to do very complex moves, but as it is the things you can do are rather limited.

4 Hours left. The current winning decisions are:
Decision 1 - A (E.B Short's farm)
Decision 2 - C (Set up pickets, then rest)
Decision 3 - B (Send a regiment of cavalry)

BTW - I accidentally mistook Short for Sharp. Stupid similar names. Either way Sharp's farm is not an option for you guys, you would have to march through the enemy lines, not to mention marching for a fair bit into the night.

[Tran]

It's been more than 4 hours. Anyway, can I still cast my vote? Otherwise, just ignore

Decision 1 - Where shall we make camp?
Nightfall is one hour off. We must decide where to make camp, or if we should attack the enemy soldiers around the hills to our south.
Option C – Do not strike camp, we shall seek a battle with the soldiers, under Brigadier General Rains in the hills to the South-West of Gibson’s Mill.

Decision 2 – When to make camp?
We should decide when to make cap and let our men rest. The expected sunrise is just after 0500 tomorrow. We have about 1 hour of daylight left.
Option C – Rest, but not before ensuring the area is secure and pickets are set up

Decision 3 – A Flanking Manoeuvre?
We have the chance to send one of our Brigades around to flank the enemy. They will march to the East, and find a crossing. Our guides say they should arrive behind the expected enemy positions at about 0500.
Option B – We should detach a regiment or regiments to take this route (Specify which): Cavalry regiment (the most experienced one that is)

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

very intersting!

[CountArach]

Chapter 2 – Pre Battle Manoeuvres II
August 9th, 1861 – 2100 Hours

It is now 2100 Hours and some unexpected light rain has started to fall. This rain is expected to last for at least another hour. The temperature has dropped to a cool 65 Degrees Fahrenheit.

You decided to make camp a short way to your west, at E. B Short’s farm and, though your men took a little while to organise, they started to dig one main trench and a few smaller ones near it. Unfortunately, the rain has started to make it boggy and much of the work that was done earlier in the night has been ruined. Work has stalled now, to be continued once the rain stops, if you allow it

You have set up your pickets and have sent out scouts to keep an eye on General Rains. They have reported no movement; however there have been noticeably fewer pickets set up since the rain has started.

The Kansas Rangers and 1st U.S. Cavalry have been sent out to the ford to try to loop around the enemy as a distraction, and to hunt artillery if they have a chance. They are now outside your command, and any messengers that you wish to send them are not guaranteed to reach them.

You must decide what to do:

Decision 1 – Shall we continue with the trenches?
Our trenches are starting to be bogged down, and some of the work has collapsed after turning into mud. The work can be replaced, but will waste more time that our men could spend resting.
Option A – Continue with the trenches, even through the rain.
Option B – Stop work on the trenches altogether, start another plan.
Option C – Leave the trenches and return to them after the rain has stopped.
Option D – Other.

Decision 2 – Our Pickets?
Some of our pickets are complaining about the rain and have not reported seeing anyone so far.
Option A – They are fine, leave them there.
Option B – Recall the pickets
Option C – Send out more pickets
Option D - Other

Decision 3 – Rain’s Pickets?
Rain has noticeably fewer pickets than before, probably due to the weather. What do we do about this potential opportunity?
Option A – Attack (Specify with what forces)
Option B – Leave him as he is.
Option C – Other

You will have close to 60 hours to debate this one, because school starts again in that time, so I will have to close this later in the day. Also, anyone who is voting please be specific as to what you are voting for. This means state specifically if you are choosing A, B, C, etc. Thanks.

[Tran]

The questions are kinda confusing for a while but then I realized you mean two different "rains", the normal "rain" and "General Rain"

Anyway, my choices:
Decision 1 – Shall we continue with the trenches?
Option C – Leave the trenches and return to them after the rain has stopped.

Decision 2 – Our Pickets?
Option A – They are fine, leave them there.

Decision 3 – Rain’s Pickets?
Option B – Leave him as he is. (could be a trap, but keep the eyes on them)

[Rodion Romanovich]

1C
2A/B, decrease a bit but not completely
3A/B only attack if we can find a very isolated enemy group in the open, and attack with the cavalry. Otherwise, leave it. That probably means leave it completely, as the enemy would only leave an isolated group in the open by mistake

[Lord Winter]

Attack an organized infantry body with calvery in the cival war is Suciadal. As Getteysburg showed the best use of calvery is scouting and screening for the main army. Not making wild charges or trying to inderdict supplies.

1. C. leave them but prepare to fight a delaying action with the 1st and fourth birgade while the 2nd and third strike at Rains.

2. A. there fine, leting down our guard is one of the largest mistakes made in the ACW.

3. A, attack now that their off guard with the 2nd and third birgade. With these forces we will outnumber him almost two to one and have the factor of surprise.

[Xehh II]

1. A

2. B

3. B

I'm sorry, I don't say why I do things.

[Warluster]

lol,
C
A
B

Same reasons as Tran.

[Franconicus]

Decision 1 – Shall we continue with the trenches?

Option A – Continue with the trenches, even through the rain.

Trenches are key to our victory! We need them as good as possible. However, we could start to fell trees to build defilates. They would stand the water.

Kurt is right, of course. We should keep it as simple but effective as possible. Maybe we could use waggons, barrels or anything else to improve our defilate.

Do not forget to ship enough amo and food. Rain may slow it down, but we will need a lot of powder!!

Mud may be a good thing, as it will slow down the rebel cav.!

Decision 2 – Our Pickets?

Option B – Recall the pickets

The rebels won't attack at night! They will wait for the daylight and the rain to end. We have to use this time to improve our defense. So build barricades, chop trees, stock supply, prepare kitchens for warm meals, casualties station etc. Also let the soldiers ret for some time.

Decision 3 – Rain’s Pickets?

Option B – Leave him as he is.

Now it is time to dig and to rest. Then we will defend the trench, finally we will chase the fleeing enemy. No time to hurry. No reason for distraction!!

P.S.: Do not use the cavalry for any skirmish combat. We almost have none. We must safe them for more important things: recon, protection of our flanks, counterstrikes. So call them back and make them rest. Some small patrols are sufficient!!

[King Kurt]

Decision 1 – Shall we continue with the trenches?

Option D – Other. - We should make best use of what we have achieved and look to supplement it with chopped down trees . However, we should aim to finish by midnight to ensure we have some rest before tomorrow - CA - what time is dawn?

Decision 2 – Our Pickets?
Some of our pickets are complaining about the rain and have not reported seeing anyone so far.
Option A – They are fine, leave them there. - They might complain, but we must keep tabs on the Rebels. We should attempt to get hot food to them and aim to replace them 2 hours before dawn to ensure they can get some rest and we have fresh pickets when the likely attack will occur.

Decision 3 – Rain’s Pickets?
Rain has noticeably fewer pickets than before, probably due to the weather. What do we do about this potential opportunity?

Option B – Leave him as he is. - The smaller number of pickets might present an opportunity for our cavalry though.

Other - we should send word to our cavalry to be back in camp by 1 o'clock - we do not want them and their horses overtired for tomorrow.

[Marshal Murat]

Decision 1 – Shall we continue with the trenches?

C - Wait for the rain to stop. Cut down trees for fence/trench.

2. A
3. B
You are going to attack a Rebel cavalry force, in the rain, through the dark, with green troops? Did I hear you correctly?
1st- Troops will get lost, disorganized, demoralized, and probably get the powder wet. These aren't men who have any experience marching in formation, let alone doing it in the dark.
2nd- Less pickets doesn't mean that the formation will go unnoticed. If you plan on moving in and attacking the rebel cavalry, then you are aching for a nasty, dark, rainy, muddy battle.

I support Franc. This is the Civil War. Napoleonic tactics (massed infantry formations) is suicidal. Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor. If you want to out-flank someone, you need to have men trained to march around the enemies flank. To think that these somewhat trained immigrants with guns can perform something the trained and veteran Army of Northern Virginia could do is not a wise decision.

Set up the troops, build defenses. Get supplies. Ask for more troops from St. Louis and Cairo. If your force is smaller, your can do something like Leuthen, an oblique approach. However, the Kansas Rangers need to establish the rebel positions so that your troops can defeat them.

[shlin28]

1C
2A (We need forward warnings of attacks!)
2B (Could be trap, and our men won't perform well in the rain either.)

[CountArach]

Chapter 3 – Pre Battle Manoeuvres
August 10th, 1861 – Midnight (5 Hours until Dawn)

Not a great deal has occurred since 2100; however the rain stopped at approximately 2200. The men continued building digging the trenches after that time and they started putting in place some Wagons and the few scattered trees from around here. They also ransacked part of Short’s farmhouse for wood. However, Short left many hours ago and was not there to protest. The constructions are expected to be finished within the hour. At that point there will be another half hour of preparing the trench for use. After this, the men can retire.

You have sent off for more supplies, but it is unlikely that they will be forthcoming, at least not for a few days. The pickets that you sent out earlier remained out there, with food being brought to them. They will be rotated for other guards at 0200. They are not reporting any unusual activity.

You decided to leave General Rain’s forces alone when his pickets were recalled during the rain. Those scouts who you have left out are reporting that his pickets still haven’t come back out and that all remains silent in there.

You must decide what to do:

Decision 1 – The Constructions
The constructions are nearing completion, with an hour and a half remaining until all of the work is done. It is possible for only one of the Brigades to continue work and provide the pickets, while the other ones go to sleep.
Option A – All men should continue the work. This will result in it being completed in an hour and a half.
Option B – Sturgis’ First Brigade can continue the work alone (534 Men). This will result in it being completed in three hours.
Option C – Sigel’s Second Brigade can continue the work alone (1200 Men). This will result in it being completed in two and a half hours.
Option D – Andrews’ Third Brigade can continue the work alone (1116 Men). This will result in it being completed in two and a half hours.
Option E – Deitzler’s Fourth Brigade can continue the work alone (2400 Men). This will result in it being completed in two hours.

Decision 2 – Command Centre
For the battle to come you will need to have a Command Centre, where all orders you give will be sent from. Where should this be?
Option A – Short’s Farm
Option B – North of the Farm
Option C – Dig another trench for them
Option D – Other

Decision 2 – Hospital
All Civil War armies needed a Hospital on the field. Where should this be?
Option A – Short’s Farm
Option B – North of the Farm
Option C – Dig another trench for them
Option D – Other

[Franconicus]

Excellent chapter, good progress.


Decision 1 – The Constructions
The constructions are nearing completion, with an hour and a half remaining until all of the work is done. It is possible for only one of the Brigades to continue work and provide the pickets, while the other ones go to sleep.
Option E – Deitzler’s Fourth Brigade can continue the work alone (2400 Men). This will result in it being completed in two hours.
During battle 4th Brigade will be the reserve. They can rest during day. Let the other brigades sleep!

Decision 2 – Command Centre
For the battle to come you will need to have a Command Centre, where all orders you give will be sent from. Where should this be?

If I read the map right, then the farm is at the slope on the northern side of the hill. Then the enemy won't be able to watch it or to shell it. If this is right, then the headquarter has to be there. If not, locate the headquarter 200 meters aside and mask it!

Decision 2 – Hospital
All Civil War armies needed a Hospital on the field. Where should this be?

If I read the map right, then the farm is at the slope on the northern side of the hill. Then the enemy won't be able to watch it or to shell it. If this is right, then the headquarter has to be there. If not, locate the hospital several hundred meters north of the farm (at the road!)

[CountArach]

If I read the map right, then the farm is at the slope on the northern side of the hill.

No, it is on the very south of the Northern-most hill of the map.

Also, do I understand right in that you want to Hospital with the Command Centre?

[Xehh II]

A A A

[Franconicus]

You are right!

Place the HQ somewhere on the hill, where it
1) can be masked
2)can watch the battle
3) reached by messangers

Place the hospital behind the farm at the road.

Here a sketch of my deployment proposal:

[King Kurt]

The more I look at it, The less I like our position - we are deployed in the middle of a wood with some height advantage but we don't have fields of fire. Also the Rebels do not have to attack us - we do not dominate the road to Springfield for example. The position to the SW of Gibson's mill was much better.
However, making the best of a bad position, I think all should build defences so then all can sleep so A All our forces will be needed from daylight, so the reserve is likely to be our cavalry as opposed to an infantry brigade.
As for HQ and Hospital, I go along with Franc.

[Franconicus]

Don't worry. They will attack us! They cannot afford to have us in their back!

In the wood may not be ideal. But it will delete the advantage of the rebel cavalry. If I see right, there is not that much trees in front of us. More at the flanks. Furthermore we are behind a creek and uphill.

[CountArach]

http://www-cgsc.army.mil/carl/resour...ages/img32.gif

This map is good for these things.

Bloody Hill is where General Rain is.
Edward's farm is just to its South-East.

[CountArach]

That is what I am more leaning towards.

Oh and welcome Don Corleone, anyone is free to come and go as they please

[Tran]

That is what I am more leaning towards.

Does that mean the outcome of this battle might not effect the other/future battles?

Anyway, my choices:
Decision 1 – Artillery Batteries
Option A – Target Infantry that is on the Hill

Decision 2 – Cavalry commands
Option C – Order them to attack lone artillery

Decision 3 – Deploying your Brigades
Option A – Leave it as is

Decision 4 – A Rousing Speech
I'll leave that to the master of propaganda...

[CountArach]

Does that mean the outcome of this battle might not effect the other/future battles?

It will.

[Gurkhal]

Decision 1 – Artillery Batteries
Your batteries are behind your lines and have started to unlimber. You must decide what target to shoot at for the moment. This can be reassessed later.

A. The infantry are the key to the battle, and I think it's easier to hit them as well. Blast away at infantry.

Decision 2 – Cavalry commands
Your cavalry regiment, the Rangers, have arrived at the town of Dixon and are currently idling there. You can send them a message if you wish

C. I don't have any really good ideas, but perhaps they might get luck and take a cannon or two our of action. I can't however say that I like this when the enemy have so much more cavallery than us.

Decision 3 – Deploying your Brigades
You must decide exactly how you wish for your Brigades to be deployed. Currently it is set up with Sigel’s Second Brigade in the centre, Sturgis’ First Brigade on his left and Andrews’ Third Brigade on his right. Sigel’s Fourth Brigade is in reserve.

A. Leave them as they are, we don't need more confussion or problem with a hasty re-orginazing of the troops this short before battle.

[King Kurt]

As rashly promised - a stirring speech - used an excuse to write some purple prose!!

Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon awoke just before dawn. Pulling on his blue serge coat he emerged from his tent to be greeted by the pleasant aroma of brewing coffee. Pausing only to dip his cup in the billy can which served as a makeshift coffeepot, he strode through the lines of troops mostly still asleep in the hastily built defences that had been prepared during the night. He afforded himself a brief smile, his men had done well. To his professional military eye, these trenches would serve his men well during the day. They needed all the help they could get. The reports estimated the rebel forces as twice his with a significant advantage in cavalry. But the fate of Missouri was in his hands.

As he walked down the front face of the hill, briefly pausing to swig the bitter coffee, the first weak shafts of the dawn sunshine broke across the valley. A mist hung over Wilson’s Creek, suggesting a hint of foreboding amongst the beauty of a summer’s morning. On the opposite hill, the embers of camp fires, the smell of cooking food and the background noises of a military camp waking up betrayed the position of the rebels. Soon the peace and quiet of this blissful scene would be shattered by the turmoil and chaos of war – a civil war, brother vs, brother. Nathaniel stroked his beard as he contemplated the events to come, his resolve grew in his chest - his cause was just, their day had come. His train of thought was broken by the chatter of the men nearby. An older man was reassuring a youngster about the battle to come. Nathaniel looked closer at the men around him, they looked nervous, but determined – a pride was bubbling up inside them but fear of the unknown was not far away. He realised their lives were in his hands – it was up to him to ignite the flame in them that already burnt in him.

Looking around, he noticed a small tree stump roughly in the middle of his positions. He strode over to it and jumped up. His strong voice, still tinted with his Connecticut accent, boomed over his troops as he addressed them.

“Men of the Union Army of the West, my fellow Missourians and our friends from Iowa and Kansas, today we meet our day of destiny. Today we meet the rebels on the field of battle to ensure that the State of Missouri stays within the Union and does not slip into that state of anarchy and evil that is the Confederacy. Our cause is just. These upstarts not only wish to subject our fellow man to slavery, they wish to force you good, God fearing men into spreading their evil doctrine. This shall not be!!”

He paused as a cheer rippled through the lines of troops, now eagerly following his words. As silence returned, he continued.

“Now for many of you this is your first taste of battle. You will be concerned, nay frightened about the possible events of the day. To this I say, be not a feared. We have the shield of a just cause to protect us. May God be our witness that, as our cause is just, so must we preserver. We face an enemy who has more men than us, but I pity them… because each one of you is worth 10 of them, so in God’s eyes we will prevail.”

Again a roar swelled through the ranks of troops. This time more guttural, more determined.

“I want to share with you some words of John Brown, spoken during his trial. He said” Now, if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments, I submit; so let it be done!" With these last words a roar started to grow across the camp. This time Nathaniel continued, his voice rising to a crescendo with the waves of naked enthusiasm that swept around him:
“Today is our day to be remembered for ever. These ragged rebels are coming soon. Don’t forget to give a true Missouri welcome. When they come boys, give ‘em hell!!! “

Now if that doesn't turn the battle our way, I do not know what will!!

[CountArach]