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

**CountArach** · 07-17-2007, 06:28

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** · 07-17-2007, 07:27

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** · 07-17-2007, 07:34

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** · 07-17-2007, 07:54

A A A

**Franconicus** · 07-17-2007, 08:13

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** · 07-17-2007, 14:20

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** · 07-17-2007, 14:33

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.