Great Campaigns of the Civil War - Update: Atlanta OOB Pack released!!

[General Matt Adler]

I don't see the Seven Days Battles with the confederate numing 90,000 men and the union side with 100,000 men.

[Zeke]

As previously discussed my next OOB pack will be.....



Its "slightly" more ambitious than my last campaign! But some great and interesting battles and skirmishes here

Major General George Brinton McClellan, arrived in Washington in August 1861 following the Union defeat at Bull Run. The 34-year old's star had never shone brighter having been credited with a stunning victory in western Virginia (Battle of Philippi and Rich mountain). A meticulous organiser he quickly transformed the newly named Army of the Potomac into the most powerful army ever seen in the American continent and soon he replaced the aging Winfield Scott as General-in-Chief of the whole Union army.

Yet by late 1861, "Little Mac" as he became known by his men had not given any indication of how or when he might strike against the Confederate army which was encamped at Manassas under Joe Johnston. Early in 1862 Abraham Lincoln, pressed McClellan into presenting a plan of action against the Confederate capital in Richmond. McClellan's response to this would be to set in motion one of the war's most crucial events — the Peninsula Campaign.

Perhaps one of the most ambitious campaigns of the war it would witness some of the most ferocious battles of the entire conflict and it would also bear witness to acts of extreme heroism and also acts of sheer incompetence from both sides.

It would ultimately lead to the rise of one of the greatest military leaders in American history.... Robert E. Lee.

More to come

Zeke

[Zeke]

I don't see the Seven Days Battles with the confederate numing 90,000 men and the union side with 100,000 men.

Hi Gen Matt Adler In actual fact very rarely did both armies contact fully in the campaign the battle that came closest was Malvern Hill (both armies fielded around 55,000 men) - Mainly this was due to poor communication and coordination by the senior commanders and bad roads. A classic example would be Seven Pines Longstreet had 29,000 men under his command barely 9,000 actually took to the field. :pinch:

Zeke

[garyknowz]

I don't see the Seven Days Battles with the confederate numing 90,000 men and the union side with 100,000 men.

Hi Gen Matt Adler In actual fact very rarely did both armies contact fully in the campaign the battle that came closest was Malvern Hill (both armies fielded around 55,000 men) - Mainly this was due to poor communication and coordination by the senior commanders and bad roads. A classic example would be Seven Pines Longstreet had 29,000 men under his command barely 9,000 actually took to the field. :pinch:

Zeke

Very true. Only at Gaines Mill did Lee commit more than 50% of his forces (missing Huger and Magruder). McClellan never committed more than 50%, usually far less.

Nevertheless, a full armies Peninsular OOB would make for great hypothetical engagements.

[35th Georgia]

I keep getting the error that 1st Ohio is not found and the flag graphic for Jenks artillery is not found,is it as simple as entering in another graphic to solve it or is there something I am missing?

[35th Georgia]

I made a few more attempts and this is what I keep getting.

ame Launched
19:47:13 Version:SOWGB
1.6100
19:47:14 Loading Defined Lists
19:47:14 Initializing
19:47:14 Mod: C:\MATRIX GAMES\SCOURGE OF WAR - GETTYSBURG\Mods\Bugles and Flags v10
19:47:14 Mod: C:\MATRIX GAMES\SCOURGE OF WAR - GETTYSBURG\Mods\BloodBath_IV
19:47:14 Mod: C:\MATRIX GAMES\SCOURGE OF WAR - GETTYSBURG\Mods\GCM_Sounds
19:47:14 Ansi:16, TexH:8192, TexW:8192
19:47:14 SowGB Loaded
19:47:14 19:47:14
19:48:25 Mod: C:\MATRIX GAMES\SCOURGE OF WAR - GETTYSBURG\Mods\Bugles and Flags v10
19:48:25 Mod: C:\MATRIX GAMES\SCOURGE OF WAR - GETTYSBURG\Mods\Jacksons Valley Campaign 1862
19:48:25 Loading SandBox
19:48:25 Load your muskets...
19:48:25 19:48:25
19:48:25 Loading SandBox
19:48:25 Loading Map (ANT_2)
05:00:00 Loading Defined Lists
05:00:00 Loading Graphics
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Obj_Major
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Obj_UMajor
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Obj_CMajor
05:00:00 Loading Drills
05:00:00 Loading Experience Levels
05:00:00 Loading Personalities
05:00:00 Loading Tables
05:00:00 Loading Orders
05:00:00 Loading Battle Plans
05:00:00 Loading Ground Map
05:00:00 Building Map
05:00:00 Loading Explosions
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_1A
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_1B
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_1C
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_1D
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_2A
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_2B
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_2C
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_2D
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_3A
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_3B
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_3C
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Smoke_3D
05:00:00 Loading Artillery Ammo
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Burst_Solid
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Burst_Shell
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Burst_Shrapnel
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Burst_Canister
05:00:00 Loading Arsenal
05:00:00 Applying layout to map
05:00:00 Loading 2nd String
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Burst_Ground_1
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Burst_Ground_2
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Burst_Ground_3
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Burst_Ground_4
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Obj_Shadow
05:00:00 Building Armies
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Cdr_01-1_Walk
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Cdr_01-2_Stand
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Cdr_01-3_Run
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Cdr_01-4_Death
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Cav_01-1_Walk
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Cav_01-2_Stand
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Cav_01-4_Run
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Cav_01-5_Charge
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Cav_01-6_Melee
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Cav_01-7_Death_1
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_US_National
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_FlagFlair
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_Wheel
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-1_Walk_s
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-2_Stand_s
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-3_Load_s
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-3_Ready_s
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-3_Fire_s
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-4_Run_s
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-5_Charge_s
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-6_Melee_s
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-7_Prone_s
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-8_Death_1_s
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-1_Walk
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-2_Stand
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-3_Load
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-3_Ready
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-3_Fire
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-4_Run
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-5_Charge
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-6_Melee
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-7_Prone
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-8_Death_1
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-1_Walk_t
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-2_Stand_t
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-3_Load_t
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-3_Ready_t
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-3_Fire_t
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-4_Run_t
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-5_Charge_t
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-6_Melee_t
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-7_Prone_t
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_USA_Inf_01-8_Death_1_t
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_US_National_Regt
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_US_IN_Regt
05:00:00 Graphic not found GFX_US_Ohio_Regt
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_US_PA
05:00:00 Graphic not found GFX_US_Ohio_Regt
05:00:00 Graphic not found GFX_US_Artillery
05:00:00 Flag not found while loading unit: Capt.;John;V.;Keeper|UGLB_USA_ART_CDR_BTY
05:00:00 ----------------loading: GFX_US_Eagle

Thanks for any help in solving the puzzle. I loaded Bugles and Flag latest and then the mod.

[RebBugler]

You'll need the latest Bugles and Flags, version XII...you're running v10.

[35th Georgia]

Okay, I thought 10 was the latest. Thanks as always.

[Zeke]

Hi Guys,

Bit of an update OOBs now created and overview complete - just need to commence testing and finish splash screens

Shouldn't be too long now B)

Zeke

[Zeke]

Okay at long last I will be releasing the Peninsula OOB pack next week, but here is a very quick overview of the battles contained in the Pack along with recommendations of how to play it with SOW. For the full overviews of the battles please read the Campaign Document which will also be supplied with this Pack.

Lees Mill and Dam No 1

Lees Mill was the only significant action of the Siege of Yorktown. On April 16th the Union probed the defensive line at Dam No. 1, the point on the Warwick River near Lee's Mill where Hancock had reported a potential weakness on April 6th. After the brief skirmish with Hancock's men, Magruder realized the weakness of his position and ordered it strengthened. Three regiments under Brig. Gen. Howell Cobb, with six other regiments nearby, were improving their position on the west bank of the river overlooking the dam. McClellan became concerned that this strengthening might impede his installation of siege batteries. His order to Brig. Gen. William F. "Baldy" Smith, a division commander in the IV Corps, was to avoid a general engagement, but to "hamper the enemy" in completing their defensive works.
Following an artillery bombardment at 8 a.m. Brig. Gen. William T. H. Brooks and his Vermont Brigade sent skirmishers forward to fire on the Confederates. In a rare visit to the front, McClellan told Smith to cross the river if it appeared the Confederates were withdrawing, a movement that was already underway by early afternoon. At 3 p.m., four companies of the 3rd Vermont Infantry crossed the dam and routed the remaining defenders. However the Confederates fought back and unable to obtain reinforcements, the Vermont companies withdrew across the dam.

Lees Mill SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Offensive
• Confederates Defensive

Williamsburg

The Battle of Williamsburg, also known as the Battle of Fort Magruder, took place on May 5th 1862, in York County, James City County, and Williamsburg, Virginia, as part of the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War. It was the first pitched battle of the Peninsula Campaign, in which nearly 41,000 Federals and 32,000 Confederates were engaged, fighting an inconclusive battle that ended with the Confederates continuing their withdrawal.

Following up the Confederate retreat from Yorktown, the Union division of Brig. Gen. Joseph Hooker encountered the Confederate rear guard near Williamsburg. Hooker assaulted Fort Magruder, an earthen fortification alongside the Williamsburg Road, but was repulsed. Confederate counterattacks, directed by Maj. Gen. James Longstreet, threatened to overwhelm the Union left flank, until Brig. Gen. Philip Kearny's division arrived to stabilize the Federal position. Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock's brigade then moved to threaten the Confederate left flank, occupying two abandoned redoubts. The Confederates counterattacked unsuccessfully. Hancock's localized success was not exploited. The Confederate army continued its withdrawal during the night in the direction of Richmond, Virginia.

Williamsburg SOW Sandbox Recommendations
Union on the Offensive
Confederates Defensive

Eltham’s Landing

The Battle of Eltham's Landing, also known as the Battle of Barhamsville, or West Point, took place on May 7th 1862, in New Kent County, Virginia. Brig. Gen. William B. Franklin's Union division landed at Eltham's Landing and was attacked by two brigades of Brig. Gen. G. W. Smith's command, reacting to the threat to the Confederate army's trains on the Barhamsville Road. Franklin's movement occurred while the Confederate army was withdrawing from the Williamsburg line, but he was unable to interfere with the Confederate movement.

Eltham’s Landing SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union hunt down their opponents
• Confederates hunt down their opponents

Hanover Courthouse

The Battle of Hanover Court House, also known as the Battle of Slash Church, took place on May 27th, 1862, in Hanover County, Virginia. Elements of Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter's V Corps extended north to protect the right flank of Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's Union Army of the Potomac. Porter's objective was to deal with a Confederate force near Hanover Court House, which threatened the avenue of approach for Union reinforcements that were marching south from Fredericksburg. The smaller Confederate force, under Colonel Lawrence O'Bryan Branch, was defeated at Peake's Crossing after a disorganized fight. The Union victory was moot, however, for the Union reinforcements were recalled to Fredericksburg upon word of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks's rout in the Shenandoah Valley at First Winchester.

Hanover Courthouse SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union hunt down their opponents
• Confederates hunt down their opponents

Seven Pines Day 1 and Day 2

The Battle of Seven Pines, also known as the Battle of Fair Oaks or Fair Oaks Station, took place on May 31st and June 1st 1862, in Henrico County, Virginia. It was the culmination of an offensive up the Virginia Peninsula by Union Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, in which the Army of the Potomac reached the outskirts of Richmond.

On May 31st, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston attempted to overwhelm two Federal corps that appeared isolated south of the Chickahominy River. The Confederate assaults, although not well coordinated, succeeded in driving back the IV Corps and inflicting heavy casualties. Reinforcements arrived, and both sides fed more and more troops into the action. Supported by the III Corps and Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick's division of Maj. Gen. Edwin V. Sumner's II Corps (which crossed the rain-swollen river on Grapevine Bridge), the Federal position was finally stabilized. Gen. Johnston was seriously wounded during the action, and command of the Confederate army devolved temporarily to Maj. Gen. G.W. Smith. On June 1, the Confederates renewed their assaults against the Federals, who had brought up more reinforcements, but made little headway. Both sides claimed victory.

Although the battle was tactically inconclusive, it was the largest battle in the Eastern Theatre up to that time (and second only to Shiloh in terms of casualties thus far, about 11,000 total) and marked the end of the Union offensive, leading to the Seven Days Battles and Union retreat in late June.

Seven Pines SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Defensive
• Confederates on the Offensive

Oak Grove

The Battle of Oak Grove, also known as the Battle of French's Field or King's School House, took place on June 25th 1862, in Henrico County, Virginia, the first of the Seven Days Battles. Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan advanced his lines with the objective of bringing Richmond within range of his siege guns. Two Union divisions of the III Corps attacked across the headwaters of White Oak Swamp, but were repulsed by Maj. Gen. Benjamin Huger's Confederate division. McClellan, who was 3 miles in the rear, initially telegraphed to call off the attack, but ordered another attack over the same ground when he arrived at the front. Darkness halted the fighting. Union troops gained only 600 yards at a cost of over a thousand casualties on both sides.

Oak Grove SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Offensive
• Confederates on the Defensive

Mechanicsville

The Battle of Beaver Dam Creek, also known as the Battle of Mechanicsville or Ellerson's Mill, took place on June 26th 1862, in Hanover County, Virginia, as the first major engagement of the Seven Days Battles. It was the start of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's counter-offensive against the Union Army of the Potomac, under Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, which threatened the Confederate capital of Richmond. Lee attempted to turn the Union right flank, north of the Chickahominy River, with troops under Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, but Jackson failed to arrive on time. Instead, Maj. Gen. A.P. Hill threw his division, reinforced by one of Maj. Gen. D.H. Hill's brigades, into a series of futile assaults against Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter's V Corps, which occupied defensive works behind Beaver Dam Creek. Confederate attacks were driven back with heavy casualties. Porter withdrew his corps safely to Gaines Mill.

Mechanicsville SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Defensive
• Confederates on the Offensive

Gaines Mill

The Battle of Gaines's Mill, sometimes known as the First Battle of Cold Harbor or the Battle of Chickahominy River, took place on June 27th 1862, in Hanover County, Virginia, as the third of the Seven Days Battles. Following the inconclusive Battle of Beaver Dam Creek (Mechanicsville) the previous day, Confederate General Robert E. Lee renewed his attacks against the right flank of the Union Army, relatively isolated on the northern side of the Chickahominy River. There, Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter's V Corps had established a strong defensive line behind Boatswain's Swamp. Lee's force was destined to launch the largest Confederate attack of the war, about 57,000 men in six divisions. Porter's reinforced V Corps held fast for the afternoon as the Confederate attacked in a disjointed manner, first with the division of Maj. Gen. A.P. Hill, then Maj. Gen. Richard S. Ewell, suffering heavy casualties. The arrival of Maj. Gen. Stonewall Jackson's command was delayed, preventing the full concentration of Confederate force before Porter received some reinforcements from the VI Corps.



At dusk, the Confederates finally mounted a coordinated assault that broke Porter's line and drove his men back toward the Chickahominy River. The Federals retreated across the river during the night. The Confederates were too disorganized to pursue the main Union force. Gaines's Mill saved Richmond for the Confederacy in 1862; the tactical defeat there convinced Army of the Potomac commander Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan to abandon his advance on Richmond and begin a retreat to the James River. The battle occurred in almost the same location as the 1864 Battle of Cold Harbor and had a similar number of total casualties.

Gaines Mill SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Defensive
• Confederates on the Offensive

Garnetts and Golding Farm

The Battle of Garnett's and Golding's Farms took place June 27–28, 1862, in Henrico County, Virginia. While battle raged north of the Chickahominy River at Gaines's Mill on June 27, Confederate Brig. Gen. John B. Magruder conducted a reconnaissance in force that developed into a minor attack against the Union line south of the river at Garnett's Farm. The Confederates attacked again near Golding's Farm on the morning of June 28 but were easily repulsed. These "fixing" actions heightened the fear in the Union high command that an all-out attack would be launched against them south of the river.

Garnetts and Golding Farm SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Defensive
• Confederates on the Offensive

Savages Station

The Battle of Savage's Station took place on June 29, 1862, in Henrico County, Virginia, as fourth of the Seven Days Battles. The main body of the Union Army of the Potomac began a general withdrawal toward the James River. Confederate Brig. Gen. John B. Magruder pursued along the railroad and the Williamsburg Road and struck Maj. Gen. Edwin Vose Sumner's II Corps (the Union rearguard) with three brigades near Savage's Station, while Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's divisions were stalled north of the Chickahominy River. Union forces continued to withdraw across White Oak Swamp, abandoning supplies and more than 2,500 wounded soldiers in a field hospital.

Savages Station SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Defensive
• Confederates on the Offensive

Glendale

The Battle of Glendale, also known as the Battle of Frayser's Farm, Frazier's Farm, Nelson's Farm, Charles City Crossroads, New Market Road, or Riddell's Shop, took place on June 30th 1862, in Henrico County, Virginia, on the sixth day of the Seven Days Battles. The Confederate divisions of Maj. Gen’s. Benjamin Huger, James Longstreet, and A.P. Hill converged on the retreating Union Army in the vicinity of Glendale or Frayser's Farm. Longstreet's and Hill's attacks penetrated the Union defense near Willis Church. Union counterattacks sealed the break and saved their line of retreat along the Willis Church Road. Huger's advance was stopped on the Charles City Road. The divisions led by Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson were delayed by Brig. Gen. William B. Franklin's corps at White Oak Swamp. Confederate Maj. Gen. Theophilus H. Holmes made a feeble attempt to attack the Union left flank at Turkey Bridge but was driven back. This had been Lee's best chance to cut off the Union army from the James River. That night, the Union army established a strong position on Malvern Hill.

Glendale SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Defensive
• Confederates on the Offensive

Malvern Hill

The Battle of Malvern Hill, also known as the Battle of Poindexter's Farm, took place on July 1, 1862, in Henrico County, Virginia, on the seventh and last day of the Seven Days Battles. Gen. Robert E. Lee launched a series of disjointed assaults on the nearly impregnable Union position on Malvern Hill.



The Confederates suffered more than 5,300 casualties without gaining an inch of ground. Despite his victory, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan withdrew to entrench at Harrison's Landing on the James River, where his army was protected by gunboats, ending the Peninsula Campaign.

Malvern Hill SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Defensive
• Confederates on the Offensive

Mechanicsville What if?

Same scenario as Mechanicsville but I have added Jacksons command which should have attacked as ordered. Many historians as well as fellow commanders at the time have criticized Jackson for not attacking however the Union position was so strong many have also doubted if Jackson presence could have swung the battle in favour of the south – So let’s test the theory.

Mechanicsville What If? SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Defensive
• Confederates on the Offensive

Glendale What if?

Same scenario as Glendale but have again added Jacksons command and additional Union troops from White Oak swamp. At Glendale Jackson should have attacked as ordered by Lee but elected not to do so even though he could hear the sound of the guns instead choosing to rest his men. Historians have always been puzzled by Jackson lethargic display during the Seven days, the great man himself never satisfactorily explained his actions even to his commander Robert E. Lee – Maybe this was the reason that at 2nd Manassas Jackson only commanded his own men whilst Lee gave Longstreet command of over 32,000 for his famous flank attack against Pope, we will probably never know. Unlike the previous Mechanicsville the Union position was not as strong and could possibly have been routed this would have meant that the subsequent slaughter of Malvern Hill may not have occurred. Let’s see if this is the case, maybe the slaughter would just have been brought forward a day?

Glendale What If? SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union on the Defensive
• Confederates on the Offensive

Seven Days Full OOB

At no point in the Peninsula campaign did all the forces from both sides converge. So what would have happened if they did? This OOB is designed to see what would have happened.

Seven Days SOW Sandbox Recommendations

• Union hunt down their opponents
• Confederates hunt down their opponents

Maps to use for the OOBs

I really like the Pipe creek maps to replicate the Virginia Landscape and some nice defensive ridges to use the Brandy station map and foxes gap maps are very good to use. Please bear in mind some of the OOBs are rather large so selecting Hunt them down may be a good alternative as the opposing troops start much farther away, just a suggestion mind you.

I hope you enjoy this OOB Pack more campaigns to come in the near future with the next one being a personal favourite of mine interest wise.

Zeke