Timid Confederate AI

[Deadmeat1471]

I've played this quite a bit, I'm a great student of the Civil War and love the game!

First off, the AI is some of the best i've ever seen, which is alot!
Secondly, using the couriers works well in general, however the Confederate AI is consistently far too timid, I haven't seen it charge often, when this is their best asset, if not essential to victory!

I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to get subordinates to engage more aggressively? or whether I have to TC them and click charge to get them of their asses and into the Union lines

The example I use is McPherson Ridge, I have tried about 8 times overall to win with the courier system, but the AI just refuses to utilize the confederate advantage in charging and defeating small units at a time.
Because of this it usually turns into a slugfest and they try to match the Union infantry and arty on ranged engagements, failing epically.

[Little Powell]

AI units are always going to be reluctant to charge. This is by design because historically, guys generally didn't want to charge and it was used as a last resort. So yes if you want guys to charge, the best option is to TC their commander and do it manually. Otherwise use "All Out Attack" for their brigade commander as it's the most aggressive orders stance.

[Deadmeat1471]

I'm not contradicting the historicity, just that it is effectively impossible to win as confederates without charging however having said that I did bring my artillery forward(as the Confeds liked to do) and it proved quite effective.

I will try this tactic again and report the outcome!

[Deadmeat1471]

So far It seems to be going better. Davis' brigade is making progress with the 3 or 4 batterys in support(probably too much to be honest) and the 42nd Mississippi charged the yanks of their own accord, the ai seems to feel better positioned to attack with the close arty support.

Unfortunately they were beaten back

Also I have received reinforcements of Pettigrew and Brcokenbrough, I have never received them before. Hmm.
Pettigrew is marching up the road to the Farm with Davis on his left, Brockenbrough is moving to support Archer in the woods east of the farm.

Pettigrew got beaten back, mainly because of Union arty close support infront of the farm, but they took casualties too. By this time Archer's brigade had been driven off, I feel I should have told archer to withdraw or fight more defensively. Brokenbrough is ordered to form up on the right flank of Pettigrew with an aim to attack towards the farm before the union troops reinforce the line there.

Davis' brigade routed the union right flank and pushed forwards past the farm, Pettigrew now reinforced by Brockenbrough attacked towards the farm... by this time the Union guns had been driven off, at heavy cost and I appeared to have a superiority in firepower massively, however great casualties had been sustained thus far.

Davis' brigade them came under difficultys unsupported, I ordered them to hold position.
Pettigrew and the remenants of Archers Brigade finally break the union lines infront of the farm and march forward, Brockenbrough is STILL moving to assist.

Part of Pettigrews brigade then moved past the farm and assisted Davis' brigade in renewed attacks. As I took the farm, Brokenbrough finally joined the fight to mop up forces around the Farm, however fresh Union brigades are attacking towards the farm
The Union were inflicting damage and a few regiments routed, but I left Davis in reserve behind. The mission ended with nearly 2000 casualties for me and 1000 for the union, a major defeat

It was a far better result than usual though.

Pettigrew was easily the hero of the hour.