1862 The Howell Cobb Confederate Revolution 2nd year

[JWQ]

Before I would Like to begin with a few major points in the timeline including a defense of its historical possibility. The past thread Was not as organized and this is the continuation of the timeline.

0. NYC Mayor Fernando Wood indeed did try to separate from the union OTL Considering NYC ties to the south provided Lincoln never receives his bloody justification against an attack on Fort Sumter it perhaps could have separated Its not illogical like you perhaps assume it is. It would have to have help from the Confederate secret service and the corrupt nature of Mayor Wood would use massive bribery and other corrupt measures to convince the city council to declare new york city a free city-state City of Tri-Insula separate from new york state. Governor Horatio Seymour would have Promised a normal relationship with the city and new york will refuse to send troops to suppress the city. (of free trade) Once the rebellion was declared the city rejoins the union but after the CSA victory at Manasses the City officially succeeds from the union and enjoys an armistice with the city once again prospering with cooperhead forces guarding the cities defenses

The ever-busy ducks of new York city prospering under Mayor Woods Free trade Policy ​

1. Before George B Mecclian was given the command of The army of the potamic making the city's defenses impregnable with fortifications by 1862. At the time of the battle of Bull run the only fort to speak of was fort Washington. The defenses were light to speak of by the time the battle of the bull run occurred.
2. Had General Lee perhaps commanded the troops instead of Beaugard (who almost lost the battle, because he was a bad field commander )General Lee is probably a significantly better field commander could likely have kept his soldiers better organized, better trained, and possibly even inspire troops where they normally would not go. I mean to say the confederate would have truly been able to harvest the fruits of this victory by capturing the city itself within a week only after they captured many of McDowell's troops during the great skedaddle. Before the battle of bull run, President Cobb appoints General Brag in charge of the army training program making raw volunteers into well-disciplined professional soldiers.
3. In my timeline, the confederates choose not to fire the first shots under a competent administration under president Cobb for a while The south loses as the upper south doesn't enter, and Lee reluctantly accepts the rank of major general. However, because Lincoln is seen as a bully provoking then finally invading fellow Americans recruitment isn't as plentiful with most of the union ranks from New England, the upper midwest, Upstate new york, The CSA secret service could possibly do much damage to the union war machine even before it starts.
4. Spain in reality sympathized with the confederacy and had even flirted with intervention to take revenge on the united states. However, Spain also knew that the southerners lusted their Caribbean empire,but hatred and the desire for revenge was much greater as well.Still to split the countries in 2 would hurt both sections possibly preventing both forever stealing Cuba from the Spanish empire. Spain is seeking to rebuild its military imperial might with war and this could be just what Spain wants. In my timeline after the confederates lose battle after battle against union general lee the CSA congress sign a treaty guarantying Cuba will be left alone in exchange, Spain has to be a worthwhile Allie against the union. The upper south officially joins on the side of the confederates after Lincoln illegally suspends the Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus due to partisan fighting Bringing the upper south into the confederacy allowing lee to switch sides along with most of his southern troops.
5. An armistice is declared after the confederates capture the capital and parts of Maryland and return the captured politicians and soldiers in exchange for an armistice and negotiations to the war ending.

The Armistice between the 2 armies building up their armies near across the Potamic river and near the borderline

​

President Lincoln in tears that the confederacy has rejected the possibility of rejoining the union under his terms Ponders how will the war continue then? the senate is already debating a treaty to allow there their separation and we are on the verge of bankruptcy because of new york city not paying tariffs. Spain is landing troops to defend the confederacy in the thousands. What to do? Lincoln hears receives an idea that will prolong the war that will save the union our founding fathers envisioned.

1862 January Philadelphia makeshift Union capital​

The Union legislation of the federal government gathers to vote on a peace treaty recognizing and guaranteeing confederate independence from the union.​

Politicians gather preparing to vote for the treaty that will finally end the war. The hammer is banged decreeing Congress is now In session subject overriding lincoln veto treaty with the confederacy will be voted upon. The congressman Vote on the issue of independence with a disproving Lincoln giving the secret signal wearing his hat. The man sees the signal and sends the message to the union officer in blue. The officer with his men patrolling the street of Philadelphia hardly an assuming sight in the year 1862 stops and reads the military order. All right boys let's go! as he shows the order out loud. Men what you are to embark upon is something that has already been done when we were in Maryland might I remember we were handpicked for this opportunity. Forward march! The union soldier marches closer to the capital of independence Hall to the hearing of many unsuspected congressmen currently voting. Union soldiers entered the room with fixed bayonets with their knives and swords handy as well. A union republican officer gives interrupts the voting processions to give an issue of importance. The speaker alright spit it out, son! We have a warrant for the Arrest (The officer gives a list of copperheads charged with treason including a few pro confederate southern politicians. A Senator draws his dulling pistol stay back I'm not guilty of anything other than free speech in what authority to you have to arrest me? The officer replies these guns tell we do present arms! The soldiers gather with the politicians charged with treason. And shouts back You may proceed then. The voting becomes final The Veto was not overturned and Soldiers capturing many of the most stubborn opinions against Lincoln's grab for power and the Union war machine. With the veto finalized Lincoln proceedings.
In turn, Lincoln Declares reissuing that forces will be used to end the rebellion ( continuation of hostilities) as the treasonous opposition has been checked and dealt with.

Lincoln treatment of the constitution and civil liberties in His War ​

• Lincoln Illegally suspended Habous corpus under the executive order which is illegal and unconstitutional​

 

[cheffisti]

if I do decide to continue the confederate revolution timeline here you

Before I would Like to begin with a few major points in the timeline including a defense of its historical possibility. The past thread
AS this is a continuation of this timeline if you

0. NYC Mayor Fernando Wood indeed did try to separate from the union. Considering NYC ties to the south provided Lincoln never receives his bloody justification against an attack on Fort Sumter. NYC Through the help of the Confederate secret service and his corrupt nature Wood would use massive bribery and other corrupt measures to convince the city council to declare new york city a free city-state City of Tri-Insula separate from new york state. Governor Horatio Seymour Promises a normal relationship with the city and new york will refuse to send troops to suppress the city. (of free trade )

1. Before George B Mecclian was given the command of The army of the potamic making the city's defenses impregnable with fortifications by 1862. At the time of the battle of Bull run the only fort to speak of was fort Washington. The defenses were relatively light to speak of by the time the battle of the bull run occurred.
2. Had General Lee perhaps commanded the troops instead of Beaugard (who almost lost the battle, because he was a bad field commander )General Lee is probably a significantly better field commander could likely have kept his soldiers better organized, better trained, and possibly even inspire troops where they normally would not go. I mean to say the confederate would have truly been able to harvest the fruits of this victory by capturing the city itself within a week only after they captured many of McDowell's troops during the great skedaddle. Before the battle of bull run, President Cobb appoints General Brag in charge of the army training program making raw volunteers into well-disciplined professional soldiers.
3. In my timeline, the confederates choose not to fire the first shots under a competent administration under president Cobb for a while The south loses as the upper south doesn't enter, and Lee reluctantly accepts the rank of major general. However, because Lincoln is seen as a bully provoking then finally invading fellow Americans recruitment isn't as plentiful with most of the union ranks from New England, the upper midwest, Upstate new york, The CSA secret service could possibly do much damage to the union war machine even before it starts.
4. Spain in reality sympathized with the confederacy and had even flirted with intervention to take revenge on the united states. However, Spain also knew that the southerners lusted their Caribbean empire. Still to split the countries in 2 would hurt both sections possibly preventing both forever stealing Cuba from the Spanish empire. Spain is seeking to rebuild its military imperial might with war and this could be just what Spain wants. In my timeline after the confederates lose battle after battle against union general lee the CSA congress sign a treaty guarantying Cuba will be left alone in exchange, Spain has to be a worthwhile Allie against the union. The upper south officially joins on the side of the confederates after Lincoln illegally suspends the Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus due to partisan fighting Bringing lee to switch sides along with some of his soldiers.
5. An armistice is declared after the confederates capture the capital and parts of Maryland and return the captured politicians and soldiers in exchange for an armistice and negotiations to the war ending.

The Armistice between the 2 armies building fortifications near across the Potamic river and near the borderline

View attachment 612873​

President Lincoln in tears that the confederacy has rejected the possibility of rejoining the union under his terms Ponders how will the war continue then? the senate is already debating a treaty to allow there their separation and we are on the verge of bankruptcy because of new york city not paying tariffs. Spain is landing troops to defend the confederacy in the thousands. What to do? Lincoln hears receives an idea that will prolong the war that will save the union our founding fathers envisioned.

1862 January Philadelphia makeshift Union capital​

The Union legislation of the federal government gathers to vote on a peace treaty recognizing and guaranteeing confederate independence from the union.
View attachment 612854​

Politicians gather preparing to vote for the treaty that will finally end the war. The hammer is banged decreeing Congress is now I'm session subject overriding lincoln veto treaty with the confederacy will be voted upon.
​

The congressman Vote on the issue of independence with a disproving Lincoln giving the secret signal wearing his hat. The man sees the signal and sends the message to the union officer in blue. The officer with his men patrolling the street of Philadelphia hardly an assuming sight in the year 1862 stops and reads the military order. All right boys let's go! as he shows the order out loud. Men what you are to embark upon is something that has already been done when we were in Maryland might I remember we were handpicked for this opportunity. Forward march! The union soldier marches closer to the capital of independence Hall to the hearing of many unsuspected congressmen currently voting. Union soldiers entered the room with fixed bayonets with their knives and swords handy as well. A union republican officer gives interrupts the voting processions to give an issue of importance. The speaker alright spit it out, son! We have a warrant for the Arrest (The officer gives a list of copperheads charged with treason including a few pro confederate southern politicians. A Senator draws his dulling pistol stay back I'm not guilty of anything other than free speech in what authority to you have to arrest me? The officer replies these guns tell we do present arms! The soldiers gather with the politicians charged with treason. and shouts back You may proceed then. The voting becomes final The Veto was not overturned and Soldiers capturing many of the most stubborn opinions against Lincoln's grab for power and the Union war machine. With the veto finalized Lincoln proceedings.

In turn, Lincoln Declares reissuing that forces will be used to end the rebellion ( continuation of hostilities) as the treasonous opposition has been checked and dealt with.

1. Lincoln successfully passes a conscription bill enforced solely under the executive department​
2. The government particularly the powers of the executive order in turn will increase to meet up the demands of the war​
3. IN reality lincoln ordered spending with outhouse spending appropriation​

Nice usage of military force.

 

[JWQ]

The Confederate Revolution Of Howell Cobb 1862​

The President's house

+-
Philadelphia the nations first capital of the union
President Abraham Lincoln dedicated to the preservation of the union had previously bought up the old historical buildings of the nation's first capital that will be used as government buildings to bring back the Spirt our founding father in continuation of the cherished union. President Lincoln interviews a soldier from Berdians sharpshooters private Wyman wright from New Hampshire and Lincoln asks the soldier publically why is he fighting the union army? He rightfully answers the president my great grandfather was a veteran in the American revolution And I'm determined as much as you or anyone else in Defending the same country my grandfather helped create. President Lincoln and his followers go on speaking tours to rally the American people to preserve the union their great grandfathers fought
In blood to preserve and form a constitution under. Like the American Revolution and the war of 1812 Liberty is born in war it does not die in it. His most crowning speech

Lincoln rallying the people to preserve the union
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure.
​

1. The general public initially Is not necessarily receptive to Lincoln's war. The public views this war over political and sectional loyalty not based on the true foundation of the founding father or of the spirit of the American revolution. Much of the public is outraged that Lincoln is sending troops to recapture DC despite the confederates warning if they do so go the buildings will be destroyed. The antiwar peace democrats and copperheads believe that Lincoln is only using this war to become a Tyrant and destroy the southern way of life. CSA agents fuell these beliefs with propaganda under secret service director and ambassador to France Judah B benjamin whose messages are smuggled out or conveyed by Spanish/Confederate naval power across the Atlantic​
2. However, the general public is gradually growing more sympathetic to the Union cause.​
3. The Message of saving the union accompanied recruitment in steady numbers along with conscription. Many Volunteers sign up to save the capital in hopes to stop the rebels from burning the city to the ground

The Confederate States of America ​

• President cobb with the secretary of the navy George A Trenholmn and assistant Stephen Mallery has remained dedicated even before the armistice to build fleets of ironclads used that will protect the rivers, defend vital seaports, and to have ocean-going vessels to defend the blockade runners.​
• The confederacy has purchased many commerce raiding ram vessels from Europe, which will raid Yankee merchant ships​
• East Tennessee has erupted in rebellion and is threatening to succeed from the confederacy to join the union. President Cobb sent forces to squashed the insurrection using troops and asked the state governor to declare martial law which he did so. President cobb instructed that an influential man such as their house congressman remind them who the real enemy is and to counter this with the confederate Department of communications​

The Revolutionary propaganda from the Confederate Department of Communication

Kansas Jayhawkers Rampaighning the Missouri countryside in 1861​

• Yankee total war and Invasion will bring far greater destruction to the South compared to many southern ancestors faced during The Jacobite rebellion or Cromwell invasion of Ireland​
• State rights, liberties, Limited government, and Jefferson's vision of America with the dedication to the constitution will fade away if the union win under a dominated Black

1862 winter Battles of the American Civil war
The new york city secessionist is defeated by Union soldiers at the battle of Manhattan and arrest Mayor Fernando wood and those who voted on the session.

Mayor Woods Copperhead forces Defending New york city, Her prosperity under free trade and against Union Soldiers at the battle of Manhattan ​

The union intelligence agency helped organize a Unionist rebellion after they warn great destruction could from the union navy to overthrow the copperhead Free City of Tri-Insula aided by union troops with limited naval Bombardment. Mayor Wood is arrested along with other leaders of the insurrection. After the battle, Former politician, Union veteran, and officer of the Free City of Tri-Insula defense forces is given the rank of major Union general to encourage new york city loyalty including encouraging those to switch sides after the copperheads were defeated

Daniel Edgar Sickles
The First Man acquitted on a murder charge based of temporary insanity and often absent from his command seeking favors from the union capital ​

• The Union has violated Kentucky's neutrality depriving the confederates a safe buffer zone from invasion. To avoid session Union troops have been dispatched in Kentucky. The Kentuckians are indeed furious but after all, decide not to Declare a session because war will come to Kentucky as a result. Kentucky has many ties with the north and the civil war could encourage slaves to run away. Lincoln has the draft to be unenforced in the state. Though many pro confederate Kentuckians go south and join the confederate army. Kentuckians soon find willing would be recruited cant join the confederates as they are blocked off​
• The Union defeated the confederates at the Battle of Fort Henry on February 6, 1862 opening up the Tennessee river for the union's control.​
• The Combined Spanish/Confederate naval and land forces are defeated at the battle of Roanoke Island and then winning the battle of Elizabeth city a couple of days later The Burnside Expedition February June 1862. The expedition was part of Winfield Scott's overall Anaconda Plan, which aimed at closing blockade-running ports inside the Outer Banks.​

I wonder what role the CSA navy will play in the conflict?

Stay tuned man!

 

[cheffisti]

The Confederate Revolution Of Howell Cobb 1862​

The President's house
View attachment 613611+-
Philadelphia the nations first capital of the union
President Abraham Lincoln dedicated to the preservation of the union had previously bought up the old historical buildings of the nation's first capital that will be used as government buildings to bring back the Spirt our founding father in continuation of the cherished union. President Lincoln interviews a soldier from Berdians sharpshooters private Wyman wright from New Hampshire and Lincoln asks the soldier publically why is he fighting the union army? He rightfully answers the president my great grandfather was a veteran in the American revolution And I'm determined as much as you or anyone else in Defending the same country my grandfather helped create. President Lincoln and his followers go on speaking tours to rally the American people to preserve the union their great grandfathers fought to
In blood to preserve and form a constitution under.Like the American Revolution and the war of 1812 Liberty is born in war it does not die in it. His most crowning speech was the Union address View attachment 613616
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure.
​

1. The general public initially Is not necessarily receptive to Lincoln's war. The public views this war over political and sectional loyalty not based on the true foundation of the founding father or of the spirit of the American revolution. Much of the public is outraged that Lincoln is sending troops to recapture DC despite the confederates warning if they do so go the buildings will be destroyed. The antiwar peace democrats and copperheads believe that Lincoln is only using this war to become a Tyrant and destroy the southern way of life. CSA agents fuell these beliefs with propaganda under secret service director and ambassador to France Judah B benjamin whos messages are smuggled out or conveyed by Spanish/Confederate naval power across the Atlantic​
   
   
2. However, the general public is gradually growing more sympathetic to the union cause.​
3. The Message of saving the union accompanied recruitment in steady numbers along with conscription. Many Volunteers sign up to save the capital in hopes to stop the rebels burning the city to the ground

The Confederate States of America ​

View attachment 613778​

• President cobb with the secretary of the navy George A Trenholmn and assistant Stephen Mallery has remained dedicated even before the armistice to build fleets of ironclads used that will protect the rivers, defend vital seaports, and to have ocean-going vessels to defend the blockade runners.​
• The confederacy has purchased many commerce raiding ram vessels from Europe, which will raid Yankee merchant ships​
• East Tennessee has erupted in rebellion and is threatening to succeed from the confederacy to join the union. President Cobb sent forces to squashed the insurrection using troops and asked the state governor to declare martial law which he did so. President cobb instructed that an influential man such as their house congressman remind them who the real enemy is. If we lose this war civil liberties as well as the constitution will be burned away along with State rights. Yankees will be free to implement social engineering programs among your children. The Yankees will destroy your way of life and force them to be little Yankees. They look down upon us and our many different ways of life and call us lazy, ignorant, fleabags, and if you don't convert to the Yankyism way you will be degenerate and burn in hell as a result! So they.Yankey churches will come in the south to bring about religious legalism telling you That God's graceful salvation through Jesus dose not matter . Yankees will bring about cults such as transcendentalism, unitarianism, Shakerism,Mormonism(which did originate with a Yankee and the followers) Yankees will bring about Utopian socialism,free love,temperance and witch burnings​
• Why rebel against your homeland and native state? those Yankees preach abolitionism and if they win the war they will manipulate the Africans to be enemies of the white race and instutinize Africans as are enemies. For their reward, they will encourage Miscegenation, bring black supremacy, and treat whites as lesser human beings. Yankees will invade and destroy our homeland with even greater destruction than our ancestors suffered Jacobite rebellion aiding Bonnie Prince Charlie or against Oliver Cromwell in the enlish civil war . They will retard our economy further and exploit our resources further. Many of us were devoted to the union especially during the 1833 south Carolina nullification crisis. If ole Hickory here with us now we of course would not need to be independent of the Yankees.​
  
  
• President Cobb has managed to reduce East Tennses pro-union sympathies and to cushion the anti confederate sympathy.He has not destroyed Pro Union sympathy in that region by any means ​

1. The Union has violated Kentucky's neutrality depriving the confederates a safe buffer zone from invasion. To avoid session Union troops have been dispatched in Kentucky.The Kentuckians are indeed 😠 furious but after all decide not to Declare session, because war will come to Kentucky as a result. Kentucky has many ties with the north and the civil war could encourage slaves to run away. Lincoln has the draft to be unenforced in the state. Though many pro confederate Kentuckians go south and join the confederate army. Kentuckians soon find willing would be recruited cant join the confederates as they are blocked off
2. The new york city secessionist have been arrested including Mayor wood. IN NYC Union troops are now mustering in descent droves as Mayor Woods separation attemt has been defeated.
3. February 6 The confederates lose the battle of Fort Henry opening the Tennessee River to Union gunboats as far as south as the state of Alabama!
4. The Spanish/confederate soldiers are defeated at the battle of Roanoke Island in NC Feb 7, 1862 – Feb 8, 1862 Roanoke Island remained in Union control for the rest of the war.
5. The union navy defeats the Confederates at the battle of Elizabeth City NC on February 10, 1862, Elizabeth City and its nearby waters in the bluecoat's control. The Confederate gunboat fleet was destroyed. The union complete burnsides expedition

Burnsides North Carolina expedition remains successful raiding campaign against the confederates​

Stay tuned man!

Just want to point out that Stephen Mallory OTL was Secretary of the Navy not the Assistant and Trenholm was Treasury Secretary. Mallory did wonders for the CSN

 

[JWQ]

The Confederate revolution Of Howell Cobb 1862

President cobb military choices that effected the war​

1. President Howell Cobb remains dedicated to the Southern cause campaigning to develop nationalism and gain support for his administration Robert Toombs the vice president proved to be the most instrumental.​
2. Cobb was willing to accept that he made mistakes and would not fight with military or political leaders. This allows greater Voluntary cooperation among the states​
3. Cobb effectively mobilizes Confederate nationalism in support of his government effectively and uses populist senators to appeal to the small farmers who comprised the bulk of the population.​
4. The southern railways though in the hands of private companies the Confederate government would place a commissioner of the railways to balance military and economic needs. Through loans, the confederacy would borrow the southern railways With railroad workers always exempted ted from local national conscription​
5. Robert Toombs would represent the beliefs that southern shared in limited government and state rights. Robert Toombs would forever remain active against the thought of national Conscription, Forced commandeering, and the suspension of habeas corpus​

​

President cobb understood the important effects of a confederate navy, despite the south not being a maritime power like new England for that matter. The confederacy did not have adequate means for a navy to be built in an agrarian economy that lacks industry and commerce. President cobb solved the issue in 1861 by establishing a national naval arsenal at New Orleans, including a powder mill, naval cannon foundry, general-purpose foundry 4 new slips for large vessels, dry dock, and a boiler and engine factory. These institutions were all ready by the winter of 1862 thanks to Government subsidies given to industry in the war effort in 1861, as the government was preparing for total war. Confederate purchasing agents wisely bought needed material for warships such as boils and Confederate envoy to Europe Judua b Benjamin remained dedicated in his service one of which buying rams and other necessary support. The confederacy bought up many existing vessels in their own states for the usage of the confederate navy and offered generous price money which could be eared. With Vice president Robert Toombs and other essential leaders bringing enthusiasm to the confederate war effort with speeches, open letter, and other means of mobilizing the general public.Enthusiastic in the confederate cause people to make willing sacrifices one of which woman donating jewelry across the confederacy for needed confederate ironclads. As resources are limited the navy resources will be pooled with the ironclads ordered to defend new Orleans and Virginia from invasion as ships patrolling the many rivers in the confederacy. Stephen Mallory often called the Southern Themistocles

Confederate ironclads being constructed
1 Beaugard was placed as the Commander of new Orleans given his unique engineering skills and for political purposes to Keep the Creouleand free black population loyal to CSA. The General builds great fortifications and experiment with military inventions to the creole delight who would be the best pick to lead new Orleans people as he is from the city. The general improves training among sailors and the ability to use ironclads. The creole discourages racism and urges this bi-racial society to work together and defend the city.
The Commander of New Orleans General Beauregard

2 GeneralBeauregard in charge of the fort inspections improves forts defending confederate rivers. He decrees that all of the forts are vulnerable. General in chief Joseph e Johnston Orders that the forts will only be used to delay the union if it benefits us by the body count number. The confederates have more land than able men especially if state rights are to overrule a national draft. land number 10 should be abandoned as supply can easily be blocked. With inaction from Albert s Johnstons Joseph E Johnston orders (no relation) orders Nashville to be fortified. General in Chief Johnston listens to Beauregard advice given 2 options with regards to Fort Donelson
Option 1 massing the army to smash grant and then wheel the federal army coming from Kentucky
Option 2 Leave a sacrificing garrison until he withdrew the bulk of the army intact​

Overall Commander Joe Johnston orders major General Hardee to send troops to make a move against Grant but to keep the army intact retreating / Reinforcing to Nashville. Because The confederates chose to not invade Kentucky as they would be violating Kentucky's neutrality, but above all else, their forces would be stretched out far too thin. This also butterfly’s Brigadier General Felix Zollicoffer from dying at The battle of Mill Spring. General and Chief Joseph E Jonhston ordered

General Hardee to relive the fort with his army accompanied with him is Brigadier general Felix Zollicoffer​

Battle of Fort Donelson ​

General Halleck has ordered subordinate Union general grant to take Take Fort Fort Donelson at all cost. While General grant is slowly trudging along rugged terrain from Fort Henry to Dover, Confederates see that they should use the terrain against the enemy as they were trained to do so and to launch a lightning attack. (February 12–13 The Confederates under General Hardee Leadership with aggressive subordinate Generals Simon Buckner and general Felix Zollicoffer gather their extra troops to ambush Grant's forces. Grant's forces receive heavy causality to the point his army was so badly ambushed his army narrowly escaped destruction prevented when grant encourages the defenders to hold their ground. As it already looks like a pyrrhic victory if not a defeat. The confederates are ordered to withdraw back to the fortifications of the fort and make preparations against their assault. Grant orders the remaining troops to assault the forts weak spots, but are repulsed every single assault with far greater casualties IOT given fort improvements Under General Beauregard inspections and reinforcements under Hardee’s leadership the Yankees suffer many booby traps, mines, fuse explosions, and volleys of overwhelming canon and musket volley more than in actual history. Union Gunboats on their way carrying reinforcements Unexpecdedially explode killing many of the union gunboat crew and soldiers on their way, Though not all of the gunboats are subject to explosions others at the very least have a damaged boiler forcing the ship to be out of commissioned These little nasty surprises are from secret service operative and soldiers.(my timeline has the coal torpedo invented earlier as the inventor was, in reality, struggling to provide for his family in reality and he was invited to Atlanta thanks to the confederate leadership from cobb) Fortunately not all of the union ships were subject to the torpedos. Steamboats regularly blew up so no suspicion granted. (February 14)Union gunboats come though weakened with now less than 10,000 union troops to aid grant. The union gunboats open fire but are repulsed with even heavier losses than in actual history thanks to Beauregard Fort improvements Including chained torpedoes perfected by general Beaugard. The Nashville ironclad ships look like a real game-changer.

With the fleet withdrawing the new Nashville class ironclads pursue the badly damaged fleet destroying many of the vessels despite the confederates being outnumbered. TheCSA also makes bombardments art the Union troops slaughtering the Yankees. February 15th despite the unexpected success the confederate generals are still skeptical of winning the battle after all joe Johnston only told them it was a delaying action. General Albert Johnston preordered the fort to be Withdrawn if it can’t be held.A break-out attempt is achieved for the confederate army to reinforce Nashville though Pillow loses his nerve and orders the soldiers to back to the fort to regroup the soldiers. General Hardee soldiers defend the captured ground narrowly preventing almost the entire military forces captured and eventually overrule Floyds orders to arrive back in the forts. Febuary16th General Simon Bolivar Buckner has placed the commander to the Fort. While the rest of the army is ordered to evacuate the fort using the same route to Nashville. As a result, Buckner does not post guards soldiers escaping. Buckner a competent aggressive confederate General asks the best surrender terms, Grant, in turn, gives unchivalrous terms decides not to surrender, because of confederate naval supremacy, new and unused toys from the torpedo bureau a and the troops have plenty of ammunition. Grants forces repeatedly make assault after the attack butchering many of the soldiers in the process. Grant is forced to lay siege on the fort giving enough time for confederates to evacuate the fort by piece-meal. Grant takes the fort in a Pyrrhic union victory with the union army suffering a 5-1 causality rate. The northern newspapers celebrate the twin victories and the coin grants the nickname unconditional surrender! General Don Carlos Buell Army was instructed to take the important rebel city of Nashville ages ago. However, Buell proves to be turtle slow, overcautious, and despite pressure from Lincoln to liberate eastern Tennesse has made no progress to the Point George B Mecclian a friend, but superior is Impatient! In Tennessee and in Kentucky Quartermaster general Albert Sidney Johnston Orders Confederate troops with the help of local guerrilla to use conduct irregular warfare and cavalry raids playing into Buells over-cautious nature over worrisome of his wagon drawn in Tennessee and Kentucky supply lines and turtle slow speed. Johnston conducts raids and other tactics to fool Buell to make it appear he has a much larger army Buell insists that grant comes and combines his army to take Nashville. Though Buell insisted upon waiting for Grant Halleck to bully Buell to lay siege to Nashville.​

Siege of Nashville​

Buell proves over-cautious and the fortified confederates successfully defend against Buell's larger Army. The confederates also have CSS Nashville with its ironclad fleet defending the city aiding confederate soldiers against the invaders. Buell orders his men to lay siege and waited for reinforcements General Grant saves the day by bringing reinforcement, better subordinates including Foots Ironclad fleet. The union ironclad fleet soon becomes troubled with fortified river batteries, mines, snags, coal torpedoes, and chained torpedoes set up by General Buegards. Though the Grants army faces heavy fighting Grants leadership largely turns the siege in the Union's favor With General Grant instantly becoming a war hero.

General Grant commanding troops at the siege of Nashville
Newspaper gives grant much favorable fame, but a jealous General Halleck concerned over to not be overshadowed orders Grant to meet up with his close comrade William T Sherman in western Tennessee at Pittsburgh landing leaving the siege incomplete.
Fighting out on the Frontier

Battle of Valverde February 20–21 1862 Confederate victory​

Because president cobb provides special attention out West The confederate army of new Mexico is given plenty of Horses, provisions, artillery, and extra troops. With horse replacements the confederate Calveryare able to move and capture union supplies in and around Albuquerque and Santa Fe. After capturing the supply depots the confederates with heavy artillery decide to bypass Fort Craige and lay siege to the fort outmaneuvering the union troops laying siege to the reduced fort OTLThe confederates for the most part failed to capture the supplies around the city due to lack of horses and bypass the fort

Back In Virginia​

Confederate General Lee home in Arlington Virginia Spanish soldiers encamped in the union capital
After the armistice was broken confederates Immediately moved their capital to Richmond. Confederate soldiers under General Lee spend the winter in DCs homes relatively comfortable in the abandoned union houses. Spanish soldiers from 1861-march land in great number as they are sent under General Lees personal command before the rest of the grand total of 40,000 Spanish soldiers will arrive and prove to be of significant help to the confederate cause of freedom. Though Cobb favors conscription his Vice president clearly does not the confederates hope that thanks to the Spanish soldiers the confederates won't need to force their countrymen to fight in a war they don't believe in or simply don't care to fight In early March, learning of Union offensive preparations, Johnston withdrew his army from DC to Culpeper Court House. Though unknown to this day if the confederates were only bluffing in their willingness to destroy their own capital building and its unknown who destroyed the capitol building as it could have been any side trying to pinpoint the blame. It very well could have been an accident. However, Union soldiers marched into the capital only to see the beloved capital buildings destroyed grow anger across the north! Lincoln finally achieves his coveted point to rally the northern populace to avenge the capital building and to restore the union! People sign up in droves to join the union army as the people finally see Lincoln's envision of the union spirit our founding fathers wished to preserve.​

It seems one of the best options for the Confederates at Donelson was to strike at Grant as he trudged along the road from Fort Henry to Dover. The terrain here lent itself to setting up an ambush, and the two sides had roughly equal numbers.

On February 14, a panicky Grant wanted to withdraw - could be very interesting to see how that would turn out. The Confederates would probably take the chance to escape, and Grant could find his career in jeopardy at allowing ~17,000 rebels to slip away without a fight.

The main point is the Confederates can't hold both Nashville, and Ft Donelson, at the same time. The best they could do is not let the army be trapped at Ft Donelson. If a good part of the army escaped from Ft Donelson they could fallback to Nashville. Grant, and Buell could coordinate an attack on Nashville, since it's such a critical objective. Pittsburgh Landing is of no importance. The Battle of Shiloh isn't set in stone. There's no reason a major battle was destined to happen there, anymore then at Gettysburg.

Just want to point out that Stephen Mallory OTL was Secretary of the Navy not the Assistant and Trenholm was Treasury Secretary. Mallory did wonders for the CSn

 

[JWQ]

Avenge the U.S capital!​

The destruction of the US capital infuriates and unifies the general public in their now whole heartily support to preserve the union and its laws. Lincoln now receives the support he never even dreamed of having to crush this rebellion and save liberty to those who might destroy it. Enlistment in the military swells in the union ranks with extreme budget increases enlarging the union military. President Lincoln quickly pressures union generals to act and destroy the rebellion before the enthusiasm runs out! The Dixie Dragon coils in his lair making preparations of defense.

The confederate New leadership
General Edmond Kirby Smith

General Of the Trans-Mississippi_Department​

Leadership under cobb place Edmund Kirby Smith as Confederate general of the Trans-Mississippi Department. Patrick Cleburne IS now the rank of Major general due to his well-proven skills such as the confederate army has witnessed in actions in 1861 and early 1862 is placed to command troops from Arkansas to defend against the state's invasion. The Confederate generals reorganize the trans-Mississippi army into a formidable army turning general sterling prices ragtag ill-disciplined troops into Profesional soldiers. General Bragg makes it a priority to help reorganize and retrain the soldiers as General of the confederate training program. General John C Breckenridge former vice president and considered by some to be the rightful president of the united states is promoted to the rank of major general including Field secretary of war. Missouri Gurrlias are trained in confederate lines Under Breckenridge's instructions The confederate leadership place special emphasis on the Western Theater placing much greater logistics focuses on this important theater. To benefit moral and discourage Desserters the confederate Allie Spain has supplied the confederate army with coffee, sugar cane, chocolate beans, leather, shoe, mercury, Spanish agricultural goods, and last Spanish weapons particularly copies on the lee enfiled and ammunition. The Spanish naval escorts continue to be essential as shiploads of European war supplies such as shoes, leather. uniforms, books, weapons, other needed logistic safely escort the union paper blockade. The confederates use their loans and bonds to pay confederate soldiers salaries and to wage the war of northern aggression with the south limited resources. Confederates proceed to improve training including stealth ability. Vice president Robert Toombs personally makes speeches along with confederate senators to remind confederate soldiers why they fight. Judah P. Benjamin warns the CSA over the hatred of slavery in Europe and cobb orders Slavery is to be trudged lightly as possible to allow international sympathy to the new revolutionary Republic during these public speeches.

The Confederate Cause
From the Confederate Department of Communication

​

• The Union wish to destroy The Southern Way of Life in the Lincoln war of Northern Aggression and make the southern states Subject to the Northern society, abolitionism, and the Greedy Yanky northern society​
• The Confederate Soldiers fight to Defend Their homeland, State rights, Free trade, and to preserve the Chivalrous Southern Culture against the Yankees​
• The Confederates are fighting for their independence just as the American Revolutionary did in 1776. States had chosen to join the federal union, they can also choose to withdraw.In truth, the confederates were fighting for the right to separate from one's government just as their founding fathers did and so people may have that humanitarian right around the globe to separate from government​

We are the Southern Kingdom separating from the bigger more prosperous northern kingdom. As God's chosen people He will remain our identity and we will remain a uniquely Christian nation. God is our Vindicator and we “invoke the favor and guidance of Almighty God to lead our great country in its Birth and its Holy war of Defense.

the South frequently pointed out during the war in both the Northern religious and the secular press, stood in stark contrast to the “godless” government of the North that ignored God in its constitution and put secular concerns above the sacred duties of Christian service and the divine commission. God's involvement with our nation has ordained if we should lose this Revolution it is because the confederate people have sinned and it Is Gods will for the south to be punished for sin

VP Robert Toombs Reminds the Soldiers to act chivalrous and brave against the North's superiority in resources and manpower. Even If this was a Lost cause it will go down in history as a noble, just cause buried in hallowed ground. The Confederate Generals must always act with a code of chivalry against Union generals who favor destruction, unconditional surrender in Lincoln's war. We will fight a gentleman's war at the enemy as we are chivalrous knights against the invading Dragons.​

The Western Theater of the American Civil War​

While Confederate Soldiers hold out in the siege of Nashville, battle island number 10 and union raiders destroy and sabotage confederate railroads under general smith Westpoint Union General Samuel Ryan Curtis's forces made up of soldiers from the west with over half of his soldiers as german immigrants march out of Missouri into Arkansas. Despite the success in driving out the rebels out of Missouri, spirits are low with Siegel and Curtis bickering at one another.​

• Because the confederates are determined to be on the right side of history with Patrick Cleburne placed in command in January he prevents the sacking of buildings as CSA soldiers are heading south from Fayetteville Arkansas February 23 The General obeys the president's orders in leaving neutral people alone so as they still agree to be law-abiding citizens
• Confederates being resupplied under a competent logistics department allows Missourians to be given sufficient rest and food as the soldiers are exhausted from Long marches and fighting
• On March 4, 1862, Confederate forces Attack head-on against the weakest parts of the union troops' positions General Kirby smith nor Cleburne would not have left his supply trains behind, which proved a crucial decision. Amid a freezing storm, the do not Confederates make a three-day forced march from Fayetteville through Elm Springs and Osage Spring to Bentonville, arriving stretched out along the road, hungry and tired.
• Confederate forces outnumber even more than they did in actuality thanks to the CSA secret Service Agents sabotaging German support for the union back in 1861 and 1862

March 6 the confederate soldiers defeat union skirmishers sent to harras the union army. Cleburn sensing a trap instead orders the troops to outflank the yankess

Battle of Elkhorn Tavern (Pea ridge )

11 am confederate calvary along with native American forces plow against elements of Curtis troops.In support of the attacks Price's infantry under Cleburne and smiths, direct supervision already had assembled. Union Calvery attempt to intercept the confederates to buy up time for the Union troops. Confederate Calvery Counter charge the union calvery. The former Texas Ranger McCulloch orders artillery to be mounted against the union troops while he awaits orders from General Kirby Smith. Smith Realizing the situation in the east Orders the troops to take the village, but keep the army intact. Confederate soldiers form a battle line parallel to ford road On the left of Leetown Road confederate 3,000 strong soldiers advance on the Union brigade. Brigadier General Pike ordered Gates‘ Missouri brigade, only about 700 men backed by most of McCulloch’s artillery, to slowly advance across Oberson’s field in heavy skirmish formation and to confront Osterhaus‘ second brigade under Greusel. Stand Watie’s 800 strong Indian brigades were sent westward to gain Greusel’s flank or rear because Pike did not trust their effectiveness during a frontal engagement. Heavy fighting at first erupted east of the road, where Osterhaus‘ brigade was assaulted several times by McIntosh’s (Sims‘) dismounted force. After beating back the confederates for the third time, Colonel Osterhaus sensed movement to his right. Bursting through the thicket came the troops from Greer’s brigade, forcing Osterhaus to invert his line. Nearing his breaking point, Osterhaus heard three loud „huzzahs“ to his rear. Sigel, at the head of his last brigade, Schaefer’s, had arrived and double-timed down the pike to save Osterhaus's right flank. With the support of two light batteries, Greer’s men were temporarily forced to withdraw. While the fighting seemed to die down to the right, disaster was quickly befalling the union left flank. Stand Watie’s Cherokee, creek, and Chickasaw warriors approached the extreme left of Greusel’s brigade. With a savage war cry on the tops of their lungs, the native warriors charged the surprised federals after successfully having crept on them. Soon joined by a determined push from Gates‘ now emboldened regiments, Greusel’s terrified men were racing to the few buildings in their rear, discarding weapons and equipment while retreating. Pikes' whole division followed swiftly.

battle of Elkhorn Tavern​

Around 9:30 a.m., Cearnal's cavalry battalion in Price's advance guard bumped into a company of the 24th Missouri Volunteer Infantry in Cross Timber Hollow. Soon after, Carr arrived at Elkhorn Tavern with Dodge's brigade right behind. Carr spread out his regiments facing north along the edge of the plateau near the tavern and pulled the 24th Missouri back to cover their left flank at the base of Big Mountain. Smith rushes troops against the badly outnumbered union force with over 5,000 CSA troops. throughout the battle, Cleburn rallies troops to attack the federal and to set up formidable defenses during the battle beating back the Yankees. Night turns today Union forces are now cut off from Missouri, while Curtis refuses to retreat. while the confederates enjoy the supply trains available under their disposal. 2nd day Patrick Cleburne's forces attack the union positions before Curtis is able to make any defense preparations forcing the enemy to lose the battle. Union forces retreat back to Missouri, while General Grant's troops are cut off as a result

Further out west

Battle of Glorieta Pass​

Confederate Victory March 26–28, 1862​

There was a skirmish on March 26 between advance elements from each army, with the main battle occurring on March 28. The Confederates were able to push the Union force back through the pass, but their supply wagons aren't destroyed because President Lincoln does not have the political support he needs because the confederates don't Attack fort Sumter and Lincoln finds every possible way to provoke the south until he invades the confederacy. William Gilpin, the territorial governor of Colorado, raised local troops and paid them with drafts on the national l treasury amounting to roughly $400,000. Congress refuses to honor the agreement for over a year butterflying many of John Chivington's troops from colorado. Rember if the south clearly chose not to be the aggressors the union would have less manpower

1. Because President Cobb sends sufficient supplies this would decrease perhaps null confederate troops seizing Netrual Hispanic new Mexicans this might have allowed confederate intelligence to find out about local spies or even to not give the information away.
2. Confederate soldiers with an able subordinate or even a replacement for the army of new Mexico might have prevented this disaster

Back in TN

On March 15th General Grant is ordered out of the siege of Nashville to command troops heading at Pittsburglanding with his comrade Sherman. The CSA western Military departments combine all available soldiers including Cleburne soldiers and native American experts at tomahawks and bows. General A.S Johnston knows he has to act against Grant and orders a token force to defend Nashville in the siege and Secret service agents will help smuggle in coal torpedoes which The agency can may in gold for their services Don carols troops Buell began a march with much of his army from Nashville, Tennessee, and headed southwest toward Savannah. Because General Beauregard is in New Orleans and his Adjutant, Colonel Jordan they do not delay the March the soldiers leave On the 3rd at Dawn Confederate soldiers arrive the next day and are given extra rations and follow the strict training code of noise discipline during the march. This meaning confederate soldiers don't discharge their weapons firing at deer not does rain occurs allowing confederate soldiers not to test their weapons. Buglers are muzzled and the confederates don't skirmish with Union soldiers. Thanks to Brags command many of these troops are well disciplined or at least enough to follow orders. Meeting up with these confederate soldiers are 25,000 Spanish troops mostly infantry but dragoons and cavalry.

"Tho it does sound like the plot for a Hollywood movie."

Hmmm...thanks for the idea.

"Any gold seized would not have prolonged the war, tho it could cause a diversion of men and material from other fronts; which would have ended the war"

It wouldn't? I thought one of the Confederacy's problems was that its money eventually became worthless. Some gold might help. Besides, how much Confederate men and materiel would get eaten up by a Confederate campaign in the West? I don't know how many soldiers the Confederates had in the army beaten @ Glorietta, but it might be enough to do damage without needing much in reinforcements.

Actually, the real aim of Sibley's campaign wasn't Colorado. The real prize was California. It was intended that, once Fort Union and the supplies there were in Confederate hands, Sibley's army would transport those supplies to Tucson (where the Confederates had established an advanced post under Captain Sherod Hunter), and from there, invade California via the Colorodo River crossings at Fort Yuma. It was estimated that as many as 10,000 Southern sympathisers could be rallied to the Confederate cause once a Confederate military force was in California, and the arms and supplies captured at Fort Union would be used to equip them, giving the Confederates a fighting chance to take over the State. If the Confederates had somehow managed to capture and hold California for a short time, they may have been able to get hold of enough gold to make a difference. But overall, their chances of carrying off this fantastic scheme were pretty slim.

Umm....the Battle of Glorieta Pass happened north and east of Santa Fe, so Santa Fe had already been captured by the Confederacy.

Now having the Confederacy hold Santa Fe, that is another story.

Agreed. The C.S.A. had a hard time holding its own without wanting to conquer anything. It would really need to work to win a future war against the U.S. Your best bet on winning the area is have the U.S. absolutely decimated by Britain, France, and the C.S.A. and then impose the most humiliating terms possible. Frankly, the C.S.A. didn't deserve to get this area by any stretch of the imagination. You would essentially have to make the U.S. cede West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Indian Territory, the Confederate Arizona Territory, which would be wanted more and on top of all that give them the rest of Arizona/New Mexico. Pretty unlikely.

ASJ needs to survive. They tourniquet that nasty leg wound of his. He easily becomes the Lee of the West.

Grant and Buell will probably have less than 52-56k because some brigades get sent to Missouri.

What if, Lee’s invasion of the North, was more successful, and Mclellan became president in 1864, and although he wanted to continue the war, he was forced to sign a peace treaty, making the Confederate States of America independent, and gaining international recognition.

Now, assuming this nation survives past the 1860s, and making to to the 20th Century, what would Education and the School System be like? And what would education look on the Northern side?

What universities could become prestigious in the CSA?
What would Students be taught?
What subjects or ideologies would be taught?

Also, on that note, there’s A certain someone, who in OTL was Professor and later President, and was from Virginia. What would happen to him, in a victorious Confederacy? Could he later follow a similar path, like in OTL?

On the Northern Side, what ideologies could form?
Could the North develop a sort of bitter Ideology, to reconquer the South, like how France wanted Alsace-Lorraine back from Germany?

Had the Confederates won the Battle of Pea Ridge they would have found themselves unable to exploit their victory as their Army would be exhausted and hungry but Van Dorn would be unable to give them any aid, having left his supply train behind, and about half his original force would be missing as McCulloch's wing had its command structure destroy and just fell apart.

I was reading through a report of the battle and I can help but think that if someone like Cleburne had been in charge then the Confederacy may well have seccured Arkansas and gone on to threaten the Union dominence of Missouri. All in all the Battle of Pea Ridge is filled with blunders at the highest level and had a competetant infantry commander been in charge for the Confederacy they very well may have won.

This seems to be off to a good start

III. A hint of what is to come

THE BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE
(Traditional, collected by Max Hunter in 1958.)

It was on March the Seventh in the year of sixty-two,
We had a short engagement with Abe Lincoln's crew.
Henry Heth was our commander, as may remembered be.
The yanks lost thousands of their men near Indian Territory.

Pap Price came riding up the line. His horse was in a pace,
And as he gave the word "advance", the joy shone from his face
"Ten thousand deaths I'd rather die than they should gain the field."
His booming voice raced down the ranks and the foe was forced to yield.

At Springfield and Carthage, many a yankee fell.
At Lexington and Drywood, as near the truth can tell.
But such an utter carnage as ever I did see
Happened at old Pea Ridge near the Indian Territory.

I know you brave Missouri boys were never yet afraid.
Let's try and form in order, our state is left to be claimed.
The shout "press foward" was passed around, it caused a vigourous cry
While Helter-skelter through the woods, like lost sheep those yanks did fly.
​

OOC: Rhymes are not my premier strength
​

Illinois joining the Confederacy is really impossibly and impractical due to it being disconnected from the South (Unless Kentucky joins as well), but Illinois seceding is possible. There was a politician, Clement Vallandigham, a Copperhead politician, who reportedly conspired to put Copperheads in the offices of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, and secede from the Union, to form the Northwestern Confederacy , and part Confederate plan was to liberate Confederate prisoners of war.

This scenario assumes that General P.G.T. Beauregard, rather than being transferred west in early 1862 to take the post of second in command of the Army of Mississippi, is instead assigned to command of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, where he oversees the Confederate coastal defenses in that region (a task in which he excelled when assigned to it later in the war). Thus, he is not present at Shiloh in April 1862.

April 3, 1862--The Confederate Army of Mississippi leaves Corinth, Mississippi, at dawn, aiming to attack the Union army under Major General Ulysses S. Grant, which is encamped at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee (in OTL, delays caused in part by actions of General P.G.T. Beauregard and his Adjutant, Colonel Jordan, delayed the advance from Corinth until April 4. Since Beauregard, in the ATL, is commanding in the Carolinas and Georgia, this does not occur). The Confederates arrive at their “jump off point” near Pittsburg Landing on the evening of April 3, and go into camp for the night.

April 4-5, 1862--The Battle of Shiloh. The Confederate Army of Mississippi launches an attack on the Union Army of the Tennessee, under Major General Ulysses S. Grant, at dawn of April 4, 1862. Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston’s original plan is carried out (in OTL, it was changed by General Beauregard), and the Confederate Army of Mississippi attacks with Polk’s Corps on the left, Bragg’s Corps in the center, and Hardee’s Corps on the right, with Breckinridge’s Corps in reserve, the Confederate Corps moving up side by side in compact columns (instead of the formation ordered by Beauregard in OTL, where the Corps advanced in echelon). Johnston's plan emphasizes the attack on the Confederate right flank against Grant's left, aiming to capture Pittsburg Landing and separate the Union army from its gunboat support (and avenue of retreat) on the Tennessee River, driving it west into the swamps of Snake and Owl Creeks, where it can be destroyed. Johnston makes it known to his subordinates in no uncertain terms that the aim is Pittsburg Landing, and nothing must stop or delay the Confederate thrust toward that objective (in OTL, subordinate commanders were confused after receiving conflicting instructions from Johnston and Beauregard as to the objective…Johnston was saying Pittsburg Landing, but Beauregard envisioned an assault with the objective of driving the enemy into the Tennessee River…the opposite of what Johnston intended).

The attack is a complete surprise, and, despite their inexperience and disorganization caused by the heavily wooded terrain (much less than in OTL due to the attack formation ordered by Johnston, which allows the Corps Commanders to keep much tighter control of their inexperienced troops once the battle has started), the Confederate forces advance rapidly. Among the dead in the first hour of the attack is Union Major General William T. Sherman, who, having been roused from slumber by the first shots of the attack, is shot through the head while mounting his horse as he prepares to ride off and see what is happening. As in OTL, Union forces attempt to make a stand in the Sunken Road (the position which would, in OTL, become known as the Hornet’s Nest). But rather than allowing themselves to be delayed by Union troops holding out in this strong position, the Confederates instead cordon off and bypass the position (it is reduced by concentrated artillery the next day), and continue on toward their objective. Pittsburg Landing falls at 11:00 a.m., and General Grant is killed shortly afterward, as he tries to organize a defense of the Landing, when his party is surprised by fast-moving Confederate cavalry under Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest. Grant‘s death means that Union command and control pretty much falls into chaos from this point on, and Grant’s Army finds itself effectively flanked and forced away from the Tennessee River into the swamps. The Confederates push them further into the swamps through the rest of the day, until, at about 4:00 p.m., a heavy, cold rain begins to fall, effectively ending that day‘s fighting. It rains all night, turning the fields and roads in the area into quagmires of mud. It also effectively dashes the efforts of the Union Army to construct defensive lines during the night.

The mud-soaked fields and roads caused by the previous night’s rains cause the Confederates to delay renewing their attack until 1:00 p.m. on April 5, 1862. General Johnston spends the intervening time reorganizing his troops and replenishing the ammunition of his men., and the Confederate attack, when it comes, is devastating. It is made all the more so by the fact that Breckinridge’s Reserve Corps, which was never committed to battle the previous day, is completely fresh and rested when it makes it’s assault on April 5. The Union Army of the Tennessee, pushed against the anvil of rain-swollen and impassable Owl and Snake Creeks, it’s morale destroyed by the defeats suffered the previous day and the death of it’s beloved commander, shatters under the Confederate hammer blows. Some individual division commanders (Lew Wallace is the most prominent of these) decide to go out in a blaze of glory, and fight until their positions are literally over-run, causing huge Confederate casualties. Most, however, seeing the impossibility of their position, simply surrender. A few units do manage to escape the trap, but, for the most part, the Army of the Tennessee ceases to exist by 6:00 p.m.

The Confederates have won a huge victory, but at a terrible cost…almost 13,000 Confederates are dead, wounded, or missing. The Union army has suffered far worse, however…over 15,000 dead or wounded, another 20,000 captured. Only 5,000 out of the original 40,000-strong Union army escapes to fight another day. It has been the bloodiest two-day period in American history up to that point.

April 6, 1862--Refugees from Grant’s Army of the Tennessee reach the headquarters of Major General Don Carlos Buell, who is, at the time leading his army to link up with Grant at Pittsburg Landing. Buell, hearing their reports that Grant is dead and Pittsburg Landing has fallen, decides to retreat back to Nashville rather than continuing on to Pittsburg Landing.

So what happens from here? Several questions come to mind...

--What would be Sidney Johnston's objectives in the aftermath of his victory? Johnston is shortly going to be reinforced by another 20,000 men (Van Dorn's Army of the West, ordered across the Mississippi from Arkansas). Does he try to reclaim Nashville and/or invade Kentucky? If Johnston later meets Don Carlos Buell in battle, who wins?

--What would be the possible international repercussions? Would such a decisive Union defeat and apparent end to the string of Union successes in the West be enough to bring in Britain and France on the side of the Confederacy?

--How would the Lincoln Administration react...would they take troops away from George McClellan and send them west to redeem the situation there, and if so, does that effectively scuttle the Peninsula Campaign?

Any other thoughts?

 

[JWQ]

This scenario assumes that General P.G.T. Beauregard, rather than being transferred west in early 1862 to take the post of second in command of the Army of Mississippi, is instead assigned to command of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, where he oversees the Confederate coastal defenses in that region (a task in which he excelled when assigned to it later in the war). Thus, he is not present at Shiloh in April 1862.

April 3, 1862--The Confederate Army of Mississippi leaves Corinth, Mississippi, at dawn, aiming to attack the Union army under Major General Ulysses S. Grant, which is encamped at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee (in OTL, delays caused in part by actions of General P.G.T. Beauregard and his Adjutant, Colonel Jordan, delayed the advance from Corinth until April 4. Since Beauregard, in the ATL, is commanding in the Carolinas and Georgia, this does not occur). The Confederates arrive at their “jump off point” near Pittsburg Landing on the evening of April 3, and go into camp for the night.

April 4-5, 1862--The Battle of Shiloh. The Confederate Army of Mississippi launches an attack on the Union Army of the Tennessee, under Major General Ulysses S. Grant, at dawn of April 4, 1862. Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston’s original plan is carried out (in OTL, it was changed by General Beauregard), and the Confederate Army of Mississippi attacks with Polk’s Corps on the left, Bragg’s Corps in the center, and Hardee’s Corps on the right, with Breckinridge’s Corps in reserve, the Confederate Corps moving up side by side in compact columns (instead of the formation ordered by Beauregard in OTL, where the Corps advanced in echelon). Johnston's plan emphasizes the attack on the Confederate right flank against Grant's left, aiming to capture Pittsburg Landing and separate the Union army from its gunboat support (and avenue of retreat) on the Tennessee River, driving it west into the swamps of Snake and Owl Creeks, where it can be destroyed. Johnston makes it known to his subordinates in no uncertain terms that the aim is Pittsburg Landing, and nothing must stop or delay the Confederate thrust toward that objective (in OTL, subordinate commanders were confused after receiving conflicting instructions from Johnston and Beauregard as to the objective…Johnston was saying Pittsburg Landing, but Beauregard envisioned an assault with the objective of driving the enemy into the Tennessee River…the opposite of what Johnston intended).

The attack is a complete surprise, and, despite their inexperience and disorganization caused by the heavily wooded terrain (much less than in OTL due to the attack formation ordered by Johnston, which allows the Corps Commanders to keep much tighter control of their inexperienced troops once the battle has started), the Confederate forces advance rapidly. Among the dead in the first hour of the attack is Union Major General William T. Sherman, who, having been roused from slumber by the first shots of the attack, is shot through the head while mounting his horse as he prepares to ride off and see what is happening. As in OTL, Union forces attempt to make a stand in the Sunken Road (the position which would, in OTL, become known as the Hornet’s Nest). But rather than allowing themselves to be delayed by Union troops holding out in this strong position, the Confederates instead cordon off and bypass the position (it is reduced by concentrated artillery the next day), and continue on toward their objective. Pittsburg Landing falls at 11:00 a.m., and General Grant is killed shortly afterward, as he tries to organize a defense of the Landing, when his party is surprised by fast-moving Confederate cavalry under Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest. Grant‘s death means that Union command and control pretty much falls into chaos from this point on, and Grant’s Army finds itself effectively flanked and forced away from the Tennessee River into the swamps. The Confederates push them further into the swamps through the rest of the day, until, at about 4:00 p.m., a heavy, cold rain begins to fall, effectively ending that day‘s fighting. It rains all night, turning the fields and roads in the area into quagmires of mud. It also effectively dashes the efforts of the Union Army to construct defensive lines during the night.

The mud-soaked fields and roads caused by the previous night’s rains cause the Confederates to delay renewing their attack until 1:00 p.m. on April 5, 1862. General Johnston spends the intervening time reorganizing his troops and replenishing the ammunition of his men., and the Confederate attack, when it comes, is devastating. It is made all the more so by the fact that Breckinridge’s Reserve Corps, which was never committed to battle the previous day, is completely fresh and rested when it makes it’s assault on April 5. The Union Army of the Tennessee, pushed against the anvil of rain-swollen and impassable Owl and Snake Creeks, it’s morale destroyed by the defeats suffered the previous day and the death of it’s beloved commander, shatters under the Confederate hammer blows. Some individual division commanders (Lew Wallace is the most prominent of these) decide to go out in a blaze of glory, and fight until their positions are literally over-run, causing huge Confederate casualties. Most, however, seeing the impossibility of their position, simply surrender. A few units do manage to escape the trap, but, for the most part, the Army of the Tennessee ceases to exist by 6:00 p.m.

The Confederates have won a huge victory, but at a terrible cost…almost 13,000 Confederates are dead, wounded, or missing. The Union army has suffered far worse, however…over 15,000 dead or wounded, another 20,000 captured. Only 5,000 out of the original 40,000-strong Union army escapes to fight another day. It has been the bloodiest two-day period in American history up to that point.

April 6, 1862--Refugees from Grant’s Army of the Tennessee reach the headquarters of Major General Don Carlos Buell, who is, at the time leading his army to link up with Grant at Pittsburg Landing. Buell, hearing their reports that Grant is dead and Pittsburg Landing has fallen, decides to retreat back to Nashville rather than continuing on to Pittsburg Landing.

So what happens from here? Several questions come to mind...

--What would be Sidney Johnston's objectives in the aftermath of his victory? Johnston is shortly going to be reinforced by another 20,000 men (Van Dorn's Army of the West, ordered across the Mississippi from Arkansas). Does he try to reclaim Nashville and/or invade Kentucky? If Johnston later meets Don Carlos Buell in battle, who wins?

--What would be the possible international repercussions? Would such a decisive Union defeat and apparent end to the string of Union successes in the West be enough to bring in Britain and France on the side of the Confederacy?

--How would the Lincoln Administration react...would they take troops away from George McClellan and send them west to redeem the situation there, and if so, does that effectively scuttle the Peninsula Campaign?

Any other thoughts?

Very interesting post. Not sure how the Lincoln administration would have reacted in the face of such a defeat at Shiloh. In terms of bringing Great Britain and/or France into the mix, however, I'm not convinced that either country would have been willing to intervene for the Confederacy while slavery was still being practiced.

Even with the reinforcement from Van Dorn, Johnston's victory at Shiloh is so pyrrhic that an immediate attack on Nashville seems unlikely to me. What I do find intriguing, however, is the possibility that, with Johnston and Van Dorn linked and the Union army reeling from the defeat at Shiloh the siege at Vicksburg doesn't happen.

I see things going very well for the Confederacy till the West culminates in a Gettysburg style battle that ends with a sound Confederate defeat around the same time of a Gettysburg style battle in the East also ending in a Southern defeat. As far as foreign intervention it would pretty much take the same rout as OTL and I think in the case of a major defeat at Shiloh the Peninsular campaign would take even more precedent with as much resources as could be spared being poured into in order to redeem the Union.

What happens after Buell gets back to Nashville? He probably hides behind the cities defenses til he absolutely has to make a move.

New Orleans and island #10 still fall. I'm not sure what Johnston's next target would be, but I doubt its Nashville.

Corinth and its railroads are safe, that gives them a logistical advantage that they didn't have OTL. Johnston and Lee are able to send troops to aid each other if need be.

If there is a Gettysburg, it might happen a little differently than OTL. If not a Confederate victory, then at least not as great a disaster.

The biggest impact is the absence of Grant and Sherman. Vicksburg won't fall as early as OTL. Atlanta falls much later.

In 1864 things look bad for Lincolns reelection. President MacClellan?

Shiloh might produce a major political victory for the south.

The American Civil War lasted for 4 years. During this time, there was never as sweeping a victory - despite the heavy Confederate losses - as that described in this scenerio. And the longer the war continued, the more professional the armies became, allowing for a better chance for such an outcome.

The control of the armies at this point in the war makes such a Union disaster - or a Confederate one - impossible. A 1864 army, fighting against a 1862 opponent, could have done it, but not one 1862 army against another 1862 army.

A lot depends on what happens next.
The South has just inhearited a lot of Equipment, while The Union has to rebuild in the west.

If the South can squeak out a few more victories, then the Democracts/Whigs will use these in the 1862 campaign.
Lincoln facing a more hostile Congress will have other problems beside the War.


If the South can keep controll of the Mississippi, The Mississipi Iron clads will be built, and be able to retake New Orleans.

There are some main differences between the plans for the battle of Shiloh in Confederate high command, that is to say the minds of A.S. Johnston and P.G.T. Beauregard.

Beauregard believed the plan was to be a widespread offensive using all four Confederate Corps (Bragg's, Polk's, Hardee's and Breckenridge's) against the poorly placed federal troops that would drive them back to the river and to ruin.

A.S. Johnston's plan was to attack in strength on the Federal left with three Confederate Corps (Bragg's, Polk's and Hardee's) and turn the left Federal flank driving them away from the river and the support of the Federal gunboats and into nearby creeks where they could be destroyed.

The ranking General - Albert Sidney Johnston - made one major mistake, he left the distribution of troops to Beauregard. While A.S. Johnston was in the front, enthusiastically and energetically driving his forces on Beauregard was at the rear sending the troops to battle as per his idea of the plan, not Johnstons.

In this regards the Battle of Shiloh was similar to the Battle of 1st Manassas when Beauregard was at the front, enthusiastically and energetically driving the troops on while Joe Johnston distributed the troops in the way he felt was most likely to succor victory.

The difference between the two battles is that at Manassas it was the Johnston who dealt with the overall picture of the battle while Beauregard acted as the driving force behind the attack while at Shiloh it was Beauregard who dealt with the overall picture of the battle while the Johnston there acted as the driving force behind the attack.

So the POD is this:

Albert Sidney Johnston stays at the rear at Shiloh and deals with troop distribution and the overall picture of the battle while Beauregard goes to the front and drives the troops on.

How does this change the outcome of the Battle of Shiloh?

What would had happen if the Confderates had won the battle?

I have to argue a contrary view.

In the west, the Confederacy is all but guaranteed to lose a lot of territory pretty early on due to one cause - they have effectively no river navy (and in trying to build one, they have to build 3/4 for different rivers and locations); whereas the Union has a pretty significant river navy, the industry to maintain/expand it, and the Ohio River to connect everything and let their 1 navy act everywhere.

The North can launch innumerable combined operations and ultimately take down any prepared defensive position the Confederates make on the rivers. For sure the Confederates could have done much better, evacuating rather than surrendering on a regular basis, but they could not have held any of their positions. By April of 1862, a year (more or less) after the start of hostilities, the only position the Confederates had left was Vicksburg-Port Hudson, on the entire navigable river system. And for all the same reasons, once the Confederates had lost a river-side location, they were not about to get it back.

However, once you move away from the river systems, the Confederates get advantages. The best lines of advance the Union has are the railroads (as a practical matter, their only lines of supply in many cases - for every "living off the land" march of Grant/Sherman in a well-watered area near harvest time, there are two "dust storm" marches over barren mountains, rocky or sandy at intervals, in the middle a drought); and these spell out positions the Confederates can prepare defenses at.

This time, however, the North has no navy to help the supply/artillery situation. Any movement around/past the Confederate inland positions can be matched by the South's own armies' movements, and sniped at by their (often) superior cavalry - the one area where the South had numerical parity and battlefield superiority for much of the war. Given only inland fortifications, anything the North can capture, the South can (in theory) recapture. By June of 1863, more than a year after all of the "easy" river-side territory had been captured, what else had the North done? They advanced ~10 miles from Nashville to Murfreesboro, and not much farther from Pittsburgh Landing to Iuka. Otherwise the Confederate territorial integrity remained largely unchanged - and when this situation finally began to deteriorate permanently (with the capture and holding of Chattanooga), we can always blame Bragg.

---

TL,DR: The Confederacy was guaranteed to lose the river system in the west, and quickly. Anything farther inland than that, they could have held or re-taken with the right strategy and good generalship.

AS Johnston did not just fail as commander of the army; Johnston failed to be the commander. He abdicated the plan and execution of the battle to Beauregard. A crushing Confederate victory requires the death or serious injury of Grant, and perhaps Sherman as well. Like Lee, AS Johnston would develop a reputation that exceeded his skills, but at least Lee had skills. Timid commanders like Halleck would be intimidated by the boogeyman of AS Johnston, but any moderately competent aggressive Union commander would face the real AS Johnston and win.

OOC if yall are interested I'm planning to add Shiloh to my timeline and yall might want to watch.

In a few days, prior The Union army had sent out no scouts or regular patrols and did not have any vedettes in place for early warning, concerned that scouts and patrols might provoke a major battle before the Army of the Ohio finished crossing the river. Grant telegraphed a message to Halleck on, "I have scarcely the faintest idea of an attack (general one) being made upon us, but will be prepared should such a thing take place."Grant's declaration proved to be overstated. Sherman, the informal camp commander at Pittsburg Landing, did not believe the Confederates had a major assault force nearby; he discounted the possibility of an attack from the south. Sherman expected that Johnston would eventually attack from the direction of Purdy, Tennessee, to the west. Grant has established no entrenchments or any other significant defensive measures. However, major crossings into the encampment were guarded and patrols frequently dispatched.

Confederate war planning​

April 4th, 1862 Confederate Army of the Missippi only 2 miles away from the confederate camp Launches an all-out surprise against Grant's Army using General Johnston's original plans. Confederate Army of Mississippi attacks with Jefferson Davis Corps on the left Cleburns Corps in the center, and Hardee’s Corps on the right, with Breckinridge’s Corps in reserve. Edmund Kirby Smith will be put in the rear o send reinforcements forward. The Confederate Corps moving up side by side in compact columns allowing much greater movement, organization, and control amount the ranks of Confederate soldiers. The Confederate staff and subordinate have drilled that orders are Johnston's plan emphasize the attack on the Confederate right flank against Grant's left, aiming to capture Pittsburg Landing and separate the Union army from its gunboat support (and avenue of retreat) on the Tennessee River, driving it west into the swamps of Snake and Owl Creeks, where it can be destroyed. Under no uncertain terms will Pittsburg Landing be the objective and nothing must stop or delay the Confederate thrust toward that objective

The Peril Harbor of the war between the states​

April 3- 4th, 1862 Night​

A.S Johnston Army of the western department does to training improvement maintain proper notice discipline unlike in actual history. Before the confederates will attack at dawn Johnston will send elite units Native veterans from the confederate victory of pear ridge American covert irregulars on a stealth mission from the confederate Secret service to Scalp union soldiers after they have taken out union sentry Along with a small band of CSA regular soldiers infiltrate the union camp.

Night-6 am
Confederate Indians making little noise catch the Yankees by surprise Killing soldiers on watch with their silent weapons hiding the bodies and then happily killing union soldiers taking scalps as trophies. For hours the confederates slaughter the union soldiers with the Native and American regiments only to be stoped by dawn. As Confederate soldiers prepare the attack reinforcement is sent (probably piecemeal) as they slit throats, bayonet soldiers, while the Indian warriors continue to stab, crack heads open, split heads open, hack heads with war clubs traditional Indian weapons. General Sherman is scalped along with many of the high-ranking union officers who are killed by the CSA troops in the early morning or night near Shiloh church. One by one soldier individually go outside for a shave or to drink a cup of coffee where the covert troops kill Yankees 1 by one as they venture outside.
Dawn-afternoon of day 1

Confederate attack at dawn ​

The Confederate Army of the Mississippi 40,000 strong along with most of the Trans-Mississippi and 25,000 Spanish soldiers Atack Grants outnumbered the Army of Tennessee: 44,894.General Albert Sidney Johnston’s original plan is carried out in the attack as Beaugard is not present. The attack is a complete surprise, and, despite their inexperience and disorganization caused by the heavily wooded terrain (much less than in OTL due to the attack formation ordered by Johnston, which allows the Corps Commanders to keep much tighter control of their inexperienced troops once the battle has started), the Confederate forces advance rapidly. The original Orders of Johnston and with the confederates having been sufficiently fed prevents thee confederates from stoping for long preventing General Prentiss evaporated troops to sufficiently regroup. This allows Confederate staff Generals to realize their situation to surround the hornet's nest and have Davis troops attack allowing the Right flank to bypass the position. General Hardees Left Flank consists of his own corps of 25,000 Spanish troops with the Trans Mississippi army Thrust wholeheartedly against the weak union positions. As General Grant comes to rally his troops to make a stand against the rushing rebel tide he is shot by a combined force of Bedford forest elite cavalry supported by Spanish Cuban Calvery as confederate rabidly gain land. General Grant is immediately evacuated from the front lines and is evacuated by Boats along with some of the wounded soldiers. General Grant sends out dispatches to hold the line against the rebels.

noon
Union Defenders at the Hornets Nest

As Confederate attacks gradually weaken the union defenders General Jefferson Davis arrives on the scene observing the troop movements. Bravely awaiting orders is Colonel Randel Gibbson of Lousiana who suggests and then begs the Commander to bring artillery to possibly coordinate attacks. Jefferson Davis smiles and thanks to the subordinate and brings up cannons against the defenders. Jefferson Davis General of the army of the Mississippi is an able tactician and orders the soldiers who at least outnumber the Yankees 2-1possibly more launches heavy coordinated assaults with artillery overwhelming the positions with his superior tactics. (unlike in actual history where brag ordered soldiers to make a bayonet charge through piecemeal attacks ignoring the colonel's advice and calling the subordinate a coward! As the union defenses face innumerable attacks by skilled generals such as Cleburn, Davis, smith. Breckenridge, Johnston, and Hardee the union defense line begins to break after the Union hears reports that Grant and Sherman have been killed during the battle.(Because points of the battlefield have altered it is possible Johnston would never have been wounded) At around 2:30 pm after General A.S Johnston while Johnston is leading a charge against a union camp a bullet taking a bullet behind his right knee. The bullet clipped a part of his popliteal artery and his boot filled up with blood. (unlike in actual history the general isn't preoccupied unable to notice the wound)As the Union soldiers rout the is a cry to anyone who knows how to apply a medical Tourniquet the general is bleeding out! Help is found as a confederate soldier from southern Illinois convinces his personal buddy from their hometown to help the general the general's life is spared from his medical aid. The Confederates push them further into the swamps through the rest of the day. at 4m a cold, heavy rain begins to fall. Confederate soldiers are ordered o punches and press the attacks but are slowed by the Mudd and had to take time to get raincoats. By dusk, the confederates have driven the last union soldiers into the swamps of Owl and snake creek Johnston's plan was a success!The confederates sleep well that night in the captured supplies and tents of the union army. Quite the opposite union soldiers suffer from the cold chills and drown in the mud in the swamps.

April 5 Second day

The mud-soaked fields and roads caused by the previous night’s rains cause the Confederates to delay renewing their attack until 1:00 p.m. on April 5, 1862. General Johnston spends the intervening time reorganizing his troops and replenishing the ammunition of his men., and the Confederate attack, when it comes, is devastating. It is made all the more so by the fact that Breckinridge’s Reserve Corps, which was never committed to battle the previous day, is completely fresh and rested when it makes its assault on April 5. The Union Army of the Tennessee, pushed against the anvil of rain-swollen and impassable Owl and Snake Creeks, its morale destroyed by the defeats suffered the previous day and the death of its beloved commander shatters under the Confederate hammer blows. Some individual division commanders (Lew Wallace is the most prominent of these) decide to go out in a blaze of glory and fight until their positions are literally over-run, causing huge Confederate casualties.

The 12 Michigan Fighting to the Death along
Most, however, seeing the impossibility of their position many chose to surrender. Grants Army of the Tennessee has been effectively destroyed. 5,000 union troops under General Sherman escape the onslaught and arrive at Buell's headquarters.
April 6

Albert S Johnston Knows that Don Carlos Buels army should arrive within a matter of days Johnston places artillery defenses on the river and places soldiers that would be out of range from union gunboats and to send troops near the Pittsburg landing. Johnston's army destroys the last union positions under the former army of Grant. While Buell's river transports nearing Pittsburg landing they become subject to the coal torpedo

Union riverboats soon meet disaster ​

As union reinforcements arrive from the boat many of the ships explode slaughtering the union troops.

Though cautious, but competent Buell assaults Pitsburge landing with troops a difficult task to do. Confederates as a result ever volleys of repeating rifles,artillery captured from the union army and deliver shells after shells Buells Objective is to rescue the captured Union soldiers

April 7 the last day of Shiloh

Buell almost succeeds in liberating the prisoners of war to safety, but fails. 1 CSSA Nashville class ironclads come to help recapture Pittburge landing with the aid of Confederate soldiers. Buell is beaten back with heavy losses but escape. Confederate/Spanish Casualties are 10,000 wounded, killed, and missing. Union suffer 20,000 captured 20,000 killed,wounded. only about 5,000 original army escapes capture lead by ShermanAll wounded soldiers who would be discharged from the union army will return home. The CSA will allow a select few to be given
Confederate Victory
Confederates regain most of Tennsse that was captured from the Yankees and the city of Corinth is safe. Johnston effectively resupplies his army with captured union supplies and fills ordnance orders for The Western department.​

If the South can squeak out a few more victories, then the Democracts/Whigs will use these in the 1862 campaign.
Lincoln facing a more hostile Congress will have other problems beside the War.


If the South can keep controll of the Mississippi, The Mississipi Iron clads will be built, and be able to retake New Orleans.

Removing Grant and Sherman can have a catastrophic impact on the Union war effort farther down the road. In the short term, the Confederates have forced Federal troops back to Nashville. Don Carlos Buell won't attack them, but Johnston is in no shape to take Nashville. The Confederates will also lose New Orleans thanks to Shiloh (same as OTL), but the blow won't be as heavy.

There's no telling what Johnston would have done next, but it is possible that he will attempt to go north and invade Kentucky if Bragg suggests it. Buell would go after Johnston and there would be a showdown in Kentucky.

Longer War

It means the war lasts longer. It takes a wile for the north to reorganize. The souths lack of industry and reduced trade due to the blockaked make it hard for them to strengthen their position. After a stalmate, a bright young union general, with new troops and equipment, sees a weakness the confederate position. This lead to the battle of ( Incert Tennessee community here) and a resumption of war in the west.

Well, you have two non-linked events happening.
And both by themselves assuming unlikely outcomes or decisions.

To quote from an AH thread some years ago by dgharis: Grant's death does not necessarily result in a Union defeat. The Confederates were exhausted by the end of the first day and Lew Wallace's division and Buell's divisions were arriving to reinforce the Army of the Tennessee. The Confederates are going to be forced to retreat the next day, Grant or no Grant.
To that I would add, Johnson alive or dead.

Lee not going on the offense in '62 is almost demanding a personality change. And this, quoting now from the American Battlefield Trust:
Lee is eager to take the fight into the State of Maryland, a slave holding state. Lee is hopeful that the Marylanders will rise up in support of his army and that his "invasion" will be more of a liberation. Lee's army is already short of food and supplies and hopes to secure considerable support from sympathetic citizens of Maryland.
To that I would add that the military adage that an army marches on its stomach holds very true.

But okay, if you want a wank then yes, your supposing is as good as any. But plausible? Sorry, but I don't think so, particularly since you need multiple perfect rolls of the dice.

 

[Seandineen]

What becomes of Patrick Clayborn's empanicipation through fighting proposal? What is Davis up to? Does he get the command he wanted? I hope so.

 

[JWQ]

Eastern Theater of the war between the states
​

I wonder what role the CSA navy will play in the conflict?

Battle of Hampton Roads March 8, 1862 – March 9, 1862 Indecisive​

​

Union ​

With the confederate abandonment of Washington Dc, President Lincoln agrees to move back to Washington DC and to prepare the capital building that was damaged or destroyed. General In chief sends army corps of engineers to build rings of impregnable fortifications accompanied by an enlarged garrison. In the process, the confederates lose their share of Maryland as it is now firmly in northern hands. Right after the capital building where destroyed NYC remained firmly in the Union war effort mustering new recruits and happily paying tariffs. President Lincoln was totally against McClellan's seaborn invasion plan as he feared Johnston would simply make a dash for the capital. Lincoln 8th of march without consulting Mecclian Lincoln formed the army of the potamic in 4 corps under the corps Irvin McDowell, Edwin Vose Sumner, Samuel P. Heintzelman, Erasmus D. Keyes who will be taking Direct orders from president lincoln and Stanton despite having the least bit of Knowledge of war. March Lincoln relived Mecclian as general and chief of the Union army. Under Secretary of war, Stanton Would scatter out Forces in The valley of Virginia and Would continue to hamper Little Mac's campaign to take the CSA capital. At fort Monroe, 10,000 union troops could not be released without the Garson commander's approval. Stanton would continue to reduce The invading army by placing them near Washing or in close proximity to the city.(truthful in actual history)​

​

Confederate States of America ​

President Howell Cobb knows he needs Miltary Expert Advice in the Situations. However, The President leaves military maters to the Ones who know best. Thus the CSA Generals have relatively free rein in their choices with exceptions to General Brag, Jefferson Davis who is put on a tight leash. Patrick Cleburne will be promoted to Corps Commander of the Army of Tennessee. General in chief Joe Johnston and General Lee act as military advisors to the president when not on the field. President Cobb continues to fight his war by uniting the people through patriotism in their revolution to preserve state rights, free trade, freedom, liberty, and civilization against the tyrannical radical republicans that will destroy the South and make them subject to Harsh Vindictive military rule. As most soldiers' enlistments are up he counters this with a pay rise to all new recruits in the army including a bonus to the confederate soldier who has rejoined the ranks of the confederate army. Robert Toombs loudly speaks against conscription leaving cobb unable to enact it with the agreement the 2 men made. On April 14th president cobb urges his generals to speak their minds on military matters and ask how can he win the war by preserving our army? Longstreet helps answer the president by suggesting we send a token force to contain the Peninsula while sending the main army to March possibly capture Washington dc Back.​

​

The siege of Yorktown​

	April 5 – May 4, 1862​
location	York County and Newport News, Virginia​
Result	Inconclusive Confederate withdrawal to Williamsburg

The Union Soldiers ​

As the Union Army of the Potomac Invades the Virginia Peninsula with over 100,000 troops accompanied by Union Naval Supremacy the confederates under John B. Magruder forces fools a much larger force with constant marching of troops, sporadic artillery barrages, Quaker Guns,m and weapons from the Torpedo department. On April 14th General Mecclian Hears Overwhelmingly disturbing news that The Combined naval forces of Spanish/confederate Gunboats have surrounded his positions as the Besigers have just become the besieged.​

The CSS Virginia

2nd Battle of Hampton roads (Fictional) Confederate Victory​

At around 8 am the USS Galena spots the CSS Virginia along with the 2 other Rebel ironclad gunboats lingering astern. The slow CSS Ironclads try to get out of range of The twin heavy Dahlgren cannon by 9 am The USS Galena shattering the Css stubborn quarter boat making splinter fly during the bombardment. At 9:30 both ships fire and the shell glance from both sides as The Confederate Ironclads try to Ram the vessels, but the union ships prove to be too nimble for the primitive rebel makeshift ironclads. Comming to rescue is Admiral Raphael Semmes CSS Hart closing in on the USS monitor at an amazing speed of 17 Knots heading to ram the USS monitor with its spar Torpedo the ship however missed the Monitors waterline and stuck it at the Torrents hole causing an explosion killing the entire crew members of the vessel and 2 CSA sailors on the Hart. As flames sprout Raphael Semmes orders the ship to back up as the fires kill 4 more of its crew members wounding 6 others and then puts the ship astern The mighty Hart ship did not receive major damage and the admiral orders a replacement crew. The Admiral then boards the CSS Alabama and heads to face the USS galena of Union Gunbatteries from the army of the potamic. Unfortunately, The inexperienced crew found great difficulty facing heavy ironclad supported by army battery support. In Alabama, many crew members became killed or wounded as the artillery penetrated the plates just. Disaster soon strikes as the CSS Alabama closes nearer to CSS Virginia in want of support, but an artillery shell strikes the slit on the Albamas pilothouse killing the confederate Commodore, helmsman, and officer carter. CSS Ironclad now heading for the Chesapeake Bay with the pursuit of the USS Galena. Fortunately, the CSS hart arrives at full speed canceling the Galenas attack giving enough time for Alabama to fire a shot that shattered Quarwedeck sending the Yankee sailors to eternity. The CSS hart a more difficult target due to its great speed and its approaching aspect with the water high. The Ship speedily approaches USS the Galena To ram the vessel with its shells or cannon inaccurately fired against the confederate vessels Just as the Torpedo dropped into low contact with the Galena stern Quarter, a shot ripped through the Harts unfinished Wheelhouse. The explosion caused the wheel to splinter with its rudder springing freely the hart clipped the stern of the ironclad, then in an uncontrollable speed went back to the seas of Hampton roads. CLOSER to fort Monroe the USS Naugatuck Thick iron hall proved no match for the CSS Virginias Rifle cannons fired at a good distance. The USS Naugatuck had suffered a shattered Hull with leak all over the ship including its guns having to be dismounted soon sought escape at full speed to power. As the confederate ships regroup the wounded gunboats surrender. In Goldsborough NC seeing their strongest ironclads smashed The union gathers 11 of the navy ships ready to face the Damn primitive ironclad ships made from inferior material compared to the would-be union All metal ships that will be made. The 2 50 gun screw frigates the USS Minnesota and Roanoke. The 44 Gun sailing frigate (towed by the steam tug dragon) 8 additional lightly armed screws and sidewheel steamers fire at well against the 3 confederate ironclads. The CSS Virginia approaches the strongest Center of the union line blasting away its canons against the union wooden ships. CSS Hardee will head for the vulnerable Paddlewheels. The CSS Virginia though with 3 of its guns taken out from the union ships in return they give deadly accurate fire against the union ships disabling the guns and shattering the wooded ships some of the damaged ships soon became in flames. The Virginia victim of its own success after dedicated to sinking and damaging the wooden union after the Virginia Sinks. The Alabama ship heading, in turn, struck against the vulnerable Paddlewheels with firepower and ramming. The CSS Hardee itself slams into the Roanoke ship with its torpedo sinking the vessel. Louis M. Goldsborough surrenders with only 2 vessels the tug boat dragon and the Naugatuck which unfortunately are intercepted by the Spanish Naval relief squadron. The Spanish Navy Blockades the army of the potamic and sends its ships to destroy the troop transports, merchants, supply ships, fishermen ships the union army is trapped! Lincoln hears of the news in a telegram with the headlines soon after

CSS Virginia sinking the union wooden ships
George B Mecclian ever worrisome of the situation sends messages to lincoln sends the entire navy if you have reinforcement for the army! Though the army is trapped with Spanish naval vessels bombarding the union soldiers General Meclian orders his subordinates to go Forward to Richmond rather than stay here and be blasted by the enemy. The Professional army of the potamic sends an elite regiment of crack snipers to forward the advance

Berdan's Sharpshooters screening for the army of the potamic
Union soldiers with the stored up rations slowly gain ground at the siege of Yorktown under Young Napoleon's command. Indeed elite soldiers!​

 

[JWQ]

Fighting out on the High Seas 1862 in the war for southern independence​

The confederate Navy James River Squadron Blockading the union army of the potamic​

CSS Richmond -ironclad one partially armored converted paddle steamer - the 10 guns CSS Patrick Henry - on converted unarmoured paddle steamer - the CSS Jamestown - one converted tugboat - the CSS Teaser - three propellor driven gunboats - the CSS Hampton, CSS Beaufort, and CSS Raleigh - and two sailing sloops - the CSS Plymouth and CSS Nansemond. more converted captured union ships .

Spanish Royal Navy
The Spanish navy was about equal in size to the US one in 1861 frigates, ships of the line, sloops, screw sorvettes, schooners, wheel steamboats, steamboats, feluccas urca vessels,​

The Spanish Navy keeps the Gulf coast well protected reinforcing new Orleans and allows vital free trade to flourish within the confederate states of America. The Siege of Fort Pickens 1861 , Liberation of Charleston SC 1861, 1862 ongoing siege of Savvhna Georgia, and The Virginia blockade. Protecting the Spanish/confederate blockade runners

The Confederate Commerce raiding fleet

​

Newly promoted Admiral Raphael Semmes is commanded to lead the Commerce raiders fleet that most of the ships were constructed Europe The fleet ravages union commerce and successfully plays hide in seek against the much bigger Blockade fleet striking hard against it and forever terrorizing the Yankee Atlantic coast while fulfilling its duties to protect confederate blockade runners. The confederates successfully raid Portsmith new Hampisher destroying many of the union Naval Ships under construction and innumerable Yankee commerce ships the confederates raid towns themselves citing revenge for invasion and Yankee total war

,

CSS Alabama Raphael Semmes Flag ship


The Union Navy​

264 union ships at the beginning of 1862. Unfortunately for the Confederate seeking independence, the Union navy was growing by all measures upon every manor of leaps and bounds. However many of the union ships where converted civilian crafts President Lincoln is receiving tremendous pressure to save the Army of the potamic from destruction and sent destroy the enemy fleet before it Bombards Washington dc forts that are still mostly under construction. The fleet may very well bring Maryland back into the confederacy along with the rest of the state. Stanton buys up many ships to scuttle to block the potamic and Lincoln is forced to greatly reduce the blockading squadrons particularly at new Orleans and combines the naval ships to Form a massive armada of ships to rescue the army of the potamic. Lincoln strategy is hurling as many wooden ships at the rebels

3rd Battle of Hampton Roads Pyrrhic Union Victory

The CSS Virginia fighting the innumerable wooden ships ​

The rescue armada outnumbering the Union ships over 3 to 1 vs the superior Spanish naval ships and CSSA ironclads. Spain's Frigates and ships of the line particularly prove troublesome and the Spanish navy closely works with the confederate naval ships to real Havoac among the union naval vessels. Spies smuggle in a few coal torpedos exploding a few ships and badly damaging some of the union ships allowing the affected ships to be closed in and destroyed against the opposing fleet. The Confederate ironclad vessels skink many union ships and damage even more but are eventually overwhelmed by the many union naval wooden ships. In support The confederate use torpedo boats,, gunboats, raft guns which swarm the enemy ships with the small craft much harder to blast at as there are spread out and innumerable against the union navy. Fort Monroe captured by the confederates uses its heavy cannons to fire it against the union navy aided by naval land mines and torpedoes against the union ships. .As the battle rages one of the world's finest armies the union army of the professional army of the potamic amass their artillery against the allied fleet and fires upon the allies knowing that this battle will save Mecclians army and from being destroyed. George Mecclian does well coordinating accurate cannon fire against the opposing force securing Union naval supremacy on the Chesapeake Bay. The confederate crew members who command unseaworthy vessels make a last stand until giving the Yankees horrific casualties the river ships and boats retreat by the river or with the help of the Spanish navy.

The army of the potamic is saved from being destroyed from being starved allowing the army to continue its march toward to Richmond !​

The Peninsula Campaign​

Union troops continue to make way to the rebel capital and squash the great southern Revolt

Battle of Williamsburg
(Battle of Fort Magruder)​

Result	​ Confederate withdrawal to Richmond Stalemate​

Confederates withdrawal from Yorktown to Williamsburg Virginia. Young Napoleans subordinate Fighting Joe (General Joseph Joe Hooker) is sent to pursue the rebel army at Williamsburg. Hooker assaults Fort Fort Magruder but is badly repulsed from the confederate fort defenders. 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 and withdrawal. General George B Meclian expecting to get reinforcements from Lincoln to his frustration of great angry Lincoln will withdraw soldiers that will be used as reinforcement for General Halleck's army in the Western theater. To make matters even worse While stonewall Jackson is on a rampage in the Virginia Shenandoah valley hampering union reinforcement to arrive at George B. McClellan's careful disposal. Some of the worst news appears for the General fighting out on the campaign

General George B McClellan
The army of Ohio is destroyed at Shiloh forcing so many more soldiers to be given to Halleck as previously needed. Brigades are sent back from Mecclians Army to defend Baltimore, Washington, and Philadephia from the publics' fears the Spanish/CSA navy will attack with troops In the Shenandoah Valley 1862 campaign, General Lee is able to give 5,000 troops to Edward Johnson. The reinforcement added with the combined soldiers will march his army to Luray cross the Thorton gap(present-day US. route 211 to) Sperryville east of the blue ridge then they will turn north. As a result, the union army is in doubt that to whether he was heading for Front Royal to the Northwest or Warrenton to the northeast, only 25 miles from Centrivvile and the main federal force at Washington. The confederates march on a single line immobilizes the union Garrison this prevents 38,000 union soldiers permanently aiding little macc on his seaborne invasion and because General banks supply lines are threatened General Nathanial Banks if forced to retreat may. The soldiers march evading battle from the enemy playing into Lincoln's fears that the capital will be captured a second time!​

Confederate Soldiers on the outskirts of DC
​

 

[JWQ]

The Union Army of the Potamic is only 53 miles from Richmond!

, President Howell cobb knows Richmond is far too vital to be captured but understands the Limited military power capacity. General Longstreet hints at an idea and president cobb urges him to speak up. General Longstreet tells the meeting that a force should be used to detain the invasion while the Main army comes up from the Shenandoah valley to march to Washington DC. Johnston asks do you suggest we should recapture DC? Longstreet replies likely not and with Lincoln obbsed holding the union capital the invasion will be lifted and transferred back to Washington allowing the minimum of casualties vs a costly uncertain battle against the union. What is the Situation of New Orleans Albert S Johnston? New Orleans garrison has been reduced badly sir from our action at the battle of Shiloh from destroying the Union Army of Tennessee. I want the city reinforced and fortified then we have already done! the city must not fall into Union hands it may not be enough just to devote many resources to defend new Orleans.Telegram sir! The Yankees are pillaging Georgia President Cobb uses the situation to harness the recruitment of new volunteers as the situation becomes more dire and urgent. However, Because the confederates have recently won Shiloh destroying an army the confederates confidently join the ranks to fight for the Southern cause that cobb gradually improves at getting people to enlist in the army and Militia.. At Yorktown, the confederates successfully held out

New recruits with Veteran soldiers ​

• To defend their Homeland, State, and family against an invading army that may pillage, destroy and plunder their homes in Lincoln's war of Northern aggression. which in this alternative history, because the south chose not to fire on Fort Sumter Lincoln would continue to provoke the south until he makes war and invades the American lands who want to be set free from the union
• Cobb continues to unite the people to fear a tyrannical Lincoln government and fight to preserve State rights, liberty, freedom, and independence. If the south loses then prosperity, and the right to be treated as equals will go away which we will be subject to tranny. The north will bring radical change destroying the good old days of the past, present with a much-feared future if the Yankees win. The Yankees will force US into their way of life or we will be punished heavily as a result.

Cleburne recruiting mission ​

With the CSA Desperately short of manpower and With positive reports of the First Louisiana Native Guard Fighting in the pro Longed siege Of New Orleans Under General Beauregard Commander of new Orleans. Corp Commander Patrick Cleburne Goes down South to discuss his Negro recruitment plan Supported by General Hardee, Major General Hindman, General Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson. Newly promoted Corp Commander Patrick Cleburn on a Recruitment mission down South for Black Confederate Soldiers. The general Meets with Governors and Congressman including Connoel A.S Coylar who chiefly Stated We can mold the relationships, for all time to come, between the white race and the colored race. Secretary of war John C Breckenridge doesn't reject the recruits as there is a need for new recruits and to persuade Britain and France for joining on behalf of the confederacy. Joe Johnston permits these soldiers because he is neutral over the matter, but they are controlled by the states government as Militia, but uniforms and weapons will be given as these soldiers are put under a very tight leash in fear of aiding the enemy

Confederate black Soldier ​

1 To Defend your Homeland and the Good white Folk that exists down South. The south is a Biracial society meant that black and white folks lived together for 200 years in the same community to defend and protect. loyalty to the masters. Both often grew up together. Friendship went deeper than we want to acknowledge today.(Reconstruction destroyed the coexisting) Black Confederate Soldiers Fighting On the Behalf of the Confederacy

2 The Black soldiers would fight for honor and bravery so their race may find respect in their new nation a few states have set up conventions to enact laws to help slaves. General Jefferson Davis though against the idea of slave soldiers strongly promotes slaves being treated well.

3 the black confederates are told they are fighting for state rights against Lincoln who started the war and they fight for the future of the children and their future. In the north black people largely aren't apart of northern society and they are taught to trust the CSA Maters more than radical abolitionists. Some slaves are promised their freedom if they fight well

​

The Eastern Theater of operations​

Jackson's 1862 Shenandoah Valley campaign 1862 March-June
Joseph E Johnston ordered Stonewall Jackson to Defend the Shenandoah for its strategic purposes and to defend the breadbasket of the Confederacy
You are the First Brigade!

Jackson led his famous “foot cavalry” on a campaign that ranged more than 650 miles (1,050 km) and fought six battles (Kernstown, March 23; McDowell, May 8; Front Royal, May 23; Winchester, May 25; Cross Keys, June 8; Port Republic, June 9) in a brilliant action that pinned down much larger Union forces and posed a continual threat to Washington, D.C. Confederate The confederates captured so many supplies from the union army IncompetentUnion general Banks received the nickname Commissary, Banks. May 1862 The Confederate army marches from the Shenandoah Valley but is given strict orders to avoid pitched battles to preserve the limited manpower of the confederacy. President Lincoln orders the entire army of the potamic to come to defend Washington dc. General McClellan is furious over the orders and refuses to cooperate and instead continued his snail pace adventure. President Lincoln personally goes over to Fort Monroe orders the army out to aid the capital. General MacDowell and other Generals previously warn Lincoln that Jackson is just having a diversion scheme. Fortunately Lincoln allows some troops to stay to make even slower movements than actual history to advance to Richmond AS action proves to be relatively quiet Lincoln/Stanton began to slowly realize they have been bamboozled and order the union army to be returned and to cancel the confusing replacement orders as the soldiers receive contradicting orders from the political/military leaders. With only partial remnants of the army, the union General quickly earns the nickname the Virginia Creeper. On May 21st Jackson gives a proposal to the president in a telegram to launch a 40,000 strong invasion force that would transfer the campaign from the potamic river to the Susquhen river. President Cobb reads the order consuls with the proposal and permits the invasion force, but to be merciful to copperheads and allow enough time for the union army to arrive on the Virginia Peninsula so he may avoid union strength. General Lees's main army is transferred back to defend Richmond before the blue coats are anywhere near the city. It is decided that Spanish soldiers will make up the invading army as Jackson speaks fluent Spanish and some of the Spanish rifles smoothbore.

Stonewall Jackson Liberating a Virginia town from the Yankees ​

Quartermaster General and Western Department General A.S Johnston order General Jefferson Davis Army to Reinforce The Defenders of Nashville TN against Hallek. New Orleans is to be given reinforcement in the prolonged siege against Admiral Farguatte the city must be held at all cost! New Orleans is the CSA's biggest industrial center that is producing war material for Southern Independence since 1861 when Cobb gave federal subsidies for war production. The CSA can now focus on the Western Theater of operations once the Jacksons' invasion force is ready. The news comes out from fighting out on the southwest frontier

General Henry Hopkins Sibley of the army of New Mexico

Sibleys New Mexico campaign

s heard​

Fort Union is taken by confederate artillery transport the supplies there back to Mesilla (present-day Las Cruces, New Mexico, the capital of the Confederate Territory of Arizona), and then march to Tucson to link up with Captain Hunter's forces arriving in the Confederate territorial capital of The territory of Arizona Mesilla (present-day Las Cruces, New Mexico) Captain Hunter would have been informed of Sibley's imminent arrival with reinforcements, and thus would have begun conducting guerilla operations in the rear of the California Column. The Union California column depended on supplies that were stored at various points...primarily at abandoned stations of the old Butterfield Overland Stagecoach route. For obvious reasons, food and fodder were rather scarce in the Arizona desert in 1862, and if some of those stations could have been destroyed, along with the supplies in them, that would have been a severe problem for the California Column, especially if they had to retreat toward California from Tucson. Hunter had previously followed a strategy of guerrilla warfare before the California column preventing the Union troops from coming to Tuscan which had it not been for his actions the Yankees would have arrived in Tuscan in early April.

Battle Of Tuscan May 21 (fictional )​

Union forces find their supply wagons completely destroyed or captured by confederate soldiers. Union forces retreat back to Fort Barrett 30 miles south of Phonix on the gilia river. With sufficient supplies and troops, Confederates Pursue the Yanke retreat before all of them can retreat to the fort and many are defeated

Battle of Fort Barret May 28 (Fictional) ​

The confederates capture the Fort thanks to needed reinforcement and resources invested for the confederate army of new Mexico. The union loss of the fort destroys the Californa columns and would force a death march back to California to those that did not surrender to the confederates The route for the Liberation of California is open and New Mexico territory can effectively be controlled by the confederacy

 

[JWQ]

The Confederate railways under the Cobb Revolution

Spanish, French, British help finance the CSA to build railways requested by the National government. Although the Confederate constitution forbade internal improvements to aid commerce, nothing within it said anything about improvements to aid wartime defense. The Railway projects take 6 months as planned built by European contract workers on the occasion aided by slaves borrowed from plantations.

• A new railroad connection between Danville, Virginia, and Greensboro, North Carolina funded by Loans from the national Government
• The Confederate government would provide Assistance to railways under the control of the Confederate railway commission under William Wadley
• A railroad line between Rome, Georgia, and Blue Mountain, Alabama for defense purposes
• A railroad connecting between Meridian and Selma, Alabama again built. Locomotives the government nationalized for the war effort are painted in Grey.
• 

  
  With transportation improvements, low inflation, and Southerns Switching from being dependent on cash crops to growing enough food to sustain their nation while not giving up Cotton exports exchanged for war supplies
  ​
• The South Wishes to preserve their agricultural society to those up north who want to subjugate southerners in the Yankee materialistic way of life. Southerners believe that their agrarian society is morally superior to that of the Norths.

Southern industries are booming from abundant labor from Southern women, fresh immigrants, and slaves working in southern factories for the war effort. Cities and towns receive population growth thanks to southern Industrial expansion. The ordinance department though seeing opportune in many places takes special emphasis in New Orleans.

New Orleans

1. By the year 1860, the City of New Orleans was in a position of unprecedented economic, military, and political power. The lone financial and industrial hub of the Confederacy outfitting and supplying many troops to Defend their precious city in the confederate army. However, New Orleans has greatly suffered from Lincoln shutting down the city's economy by closing traffic along the Missippie river and blockading the city's precious exports and imports. Confederate leaders help rally the people for their city's preservation against enemies who would destroy her unprecedented progress as The Jewel City in the mouth of the Mississippi River. Given the city's key importance the confederacy spars to expense in the city's defenses

Confederate Miltary Preparations Under General Beauregard

1. The Spanish military has docks to defend the city allowing for continued free trade within the city and the rest of the Gulf states. Spain's navy help provides modern weaponry and ammunition to the new Orleans garrison.
2. John Ericsson and James Ead heavily paid by the confederate secret service plants Sea mines including the "Singer" model. Snags are also used with the weapons invisible at the surface. The 2 inventors work together to build fleets of elite confederate gunboats armed with rifled cannons armed with high-speed, armor-piercing deadly projectiles. The inventors also improve confederate ironclads constructed including the CSS Missippi. The inventors also sink ships to obstruct passage on the rivers (later these inventors would switch their alliance back to the Union)
3. Beauregard's impressive engineering talent makes the river a death trap for union ships and Trees along the course of the Mississippi River south of Forts Jackson and St. Philip are systematically removed to make it easier for Confederate lookouts to spot any Unionist naval vessels. The CSA pool many resources to defend the city
4. A floating barrier of long twelve-inch logs tied tightly in sections of four, with heavy iron chains joining each section. The first barrier would depart from Fort Jackson to the middle of the river, where it would meet a similar barrier departing from Fort St. Philip. A strong wire rope operated from Fort Jackson would then allow Allied vessels to pass through and at the same time reduce the pressure caused by debris as it piled up against the barrier.
5. The second barrier of five barges joined by a chain between the two forts. During the night, the barrier would be patrolled by small boats and illuminated by well-hidden searchlights. Crew members on ships memorize areas that aren't safe to travel. More resources invested help go into training
6. Confederates had built excellent defensive installations on ship Island and Buegard ordered a small garrison. The forts fall into the union after much fighting but the battle is a wake-up call for the city vulnerability
7. Spain has stationed army troops along with marines to help defend the city from capture.
8. The garrison of New Madrid Garrison of Island No. 10 7,000 strong withdrawal after the CSS Arkansas and her fleet of new ships save most of the soldiers and are sent back to defend new Orleans.

Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip​

April 18, 1862 – April 28, 1862
Farragut's fleet already weakened through Naval mins, coal torpedoes and snags nonetheless sail upstream to fort Jackson and Fort Philp on April 18. The union ships are unlike in actual history are unable to be concealed with shrubbery placed on the union sloops, because the confederates chopped down the trees. As the union ships steam closer to the fort's lookouts spot the navy approaching closer confederate Gun batteries with rifled heavy cannons and mortars fire at will against the approaching federal navy at great effect. The Union navy fighting back is plagued with approaching mines, snags, and torpedoes launched from the forts that take a heavy toll against the union attackers. In close fire support are 3 advanced confederate river defender ships preventing the removal of sea mines and snags causing many vessels to capsize sinking the UNION ships. While the union fleet is kept at bay A telegram is sent to P. G. T. Beauregard the city commander warning him of the attack. The Creole General musters reinforcements along with himself to reinforce the fortifications under attack. The Spanish forces along with Louisiana Native Guard (CSA) Black Militia will be kept in reserve guarding new Orleans while the rest of the confederate military will relive the forts 67-mile away. In the meantime, union ships find it increasingly difficult to navigate against the innumerable obstructions in the shallow water making the naval ships sitting ducks against impregnable gun battery fortifications, fireships, and Torpedoes. Confederate reinforcement arrives along with the ironclad fleet to effectively protect the barriers blocking entry into new Orleans. Fargutes forces attempt to destroy the union forts, but his bombardment has little effect on the defenders. April 20th The Union Admiral loses patience Gambles his entire fleet to run the Confederate Gaunlet. The Union navy charging full speed to power ramming into sea mines, snags, primitive torpedoes meet with an unrelenting artillery barrage fired from the forts but orders the ships to press on until the fleet is an insight to destroy the rebel river defenses. What they see is

1st barrier a floating barrier of long twelve-inch logs tied tightly in sections of four, with heavy iron chains joining each section. The first barrier would depart from Fort Jackson to the middle of the river, where it would meet a similar barrier departing from Fort St. Philip. A strong wire rope operated from Fort Jackson would then allow Allied vessels to pass through and at the same time reduce the pressure caused by debris as it piled up against the barrier.

1. The second barrier of five barges joined by a chain between the two forts. During the night, the barrier would be patrolled by small boats and illuminated by well-hidden searchlights.
2. The Confederate navy along with soldiers have placed cannons on all sides of the river helping the fort defenders. The artillery pieces along with new weapon inventions are present on the banks of the rivers.

The Western Gulf squadron sees the barriers and concentrated all fire to break the fortified Wire along with the enemy support vessels and ships guarding the river Barrier. As the fighting rages Confederate artillery from the forts and on the river banks fire directly at the ships turning the river into a death trap for the Union navy.
Union ship on fire from a confederate ironclade Helped by fire from the confederate Forts

The Confederate Ironclads close in preventing the ships escape while the Yankee ships are caught in the crossfire and are still ramming into mines, snags, obstruction, and subject to torpedoes. Admiral Farragut nearly destroys the Wire but is forced to attempt a break out before his entire navy is destroyed by the gauntlet of slaughter. For many hours the Confederate barrage destroys the union ships trying to cancel out the confederate river stoppers only to be trapped by the confederate navy. Though the Confederate ironclads make mincemeat out of the union navy Farrgute successfully breaks the counter-attack and returns with the destruction of his fleet

The Destruction of the Union Fleet at the Battle Fort Jackson and Fort Philp ​

 

[JWQ]

Continuation Of the Battle for Fort Jackson and fort Philp
Admiral Farragut is deeply humiliated at the practical destruction of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron and consults with the commanders to change tactics. The commanders ask for reinforcements from Washington but the deployments are delayed as the Army of the potamic is trapped at Yorktown. It is decided to start on April 22 where union troops will be landed on the marshes who will make their way to Fort Jackson while the union navy will bombard the forts with amphibians assaults by marines, sailors, and even more troop. Spotters at the forts observe that union ships that have halted skirmishes are sent out armed with repeating rifles and with the Whitworth sniper rifle to battle out union troops. The scouts report their findings HQ

Confederate sharpshooter making potshots at the union landings ​

As hours turn into a days' time these skirmishes set up many ambushes and sniper kills against the union prey who are ignorant of the land. General Beauregard gathers the scouts' intelligence to Develops a grand strategy in which he believes will destroy Butlers Union army. Unfortunately, Beauregard's plan to destroy Butler's troops goes wrong for several different reasons.1st Admiral Farragut attacks Fort Philip with the remnants of the Union Fleet causing General Beauregard to be preoccupied.

The Attack on Fort Philp April 23
2 The Little Frenchmen still delays sending out orders as luck would have it the couriers becoming lost in the swamps arriving late at the camps. As soldiers are ordered to move out the soldiers become delayed at the swamps giving time for Union troops to set up defenses When the generals finally arrive with their troops General Buergard gives inadequate instructions to his staff officers causing confusion. Worst still General Beauregard the so-called (Little Napoleon)fumbles at executing his own Battle plan of attack against the Yankees. Though initially, the attack is somehow in favor of the confederates (a possible explanation is given was Union Butlers' lack of military talent and experience. Spanish troops with only Smoothbore muskets prove disadvantaged against the union rifles. The union defenders hold out for many hours and finally repulsing the Confederate attackers. General Beauregard's mental capacity has now run out with Felix (General Beauregard )being incapacitated during the battle with not giving critical orders causing confusion within the ranks. The CSA battle plan collapses with troops in disarray routed by Union troops. The last reserves are sent out for the CSA
The First Louisiana Native Guard is called out of reserves to fight as the offense soon turns to disfavorably to the confederate soldiers

1st Louisiana Native Guard (Confederate)

These Black Militia well-trained and well-disciplined soldiers Grap their Zeal to defend Louisiana and her precious city. The troops never forget they are fighting for the honor of the Black race in the Confederacy as they are unleashed. The soldiers counterattack the bluecoats capturing many union soldiers and destroying enemy canons with explosions fuses. white Confederates embarrassed to see black militiamen join the negros and fight. As Beauregard wakes up from his breakdown he despite the newly made progress these negro soldiers accomplished he calls off the attack and orders his troops to withdraw. The union regroups under the butler's command and union forces attack the confederates as they are withdrawing rather disorganized. The Black Confederate soldiers without orders fight tooth to nail to make sure all of the confederate soldiers can be Withdrawn safely while these black confederates are baptized in blood. With the confederates reorganizing with the help of the experienced Spanish Generals as Beurgards barber serves as a translator. White reinforcement comes to relieve the Black fighters ordered to the rear while an assault is ordered to rescue the captured confederates on the battlefield. These black soldiers instead wish to accompany the Rescue mission given the lack of soldiers needed they are accepted without hesitation. The attack successfully frees many of the CSA soldiers left behind such as the wounded and captured. The attackers are restocked by the captured union supplies as they retreat behind the safety of the confederate Forts. This battle ends in a union victory and the union soldier march up to attack fort Philp

Union defenders holding off confederate attackers during the Failed rebel attack ​

General Beauregard becomes moved by the valiant courage and determination of the black Militia who are even denied entry into the confederate army. The General personally thanks them even shaking hands with the free militia of color promising to vouch for medals for all these black militiamen while the rest of the army is retreating back. The black militia is deeply honored to escort The hero of Fort Sumter(General Beauregard) as they get back to base the black soldiers are given 2 choices.

1. To return to New Orleans and guard it and act as reserves so the Citizen soldiers may return to their occupations with battle rest
2. To continue the fight at the forts before they get anywhere near to their precious city

The black Confederate soldiers choose option 2 eager to prove themselves and to stop the Yankees before they get to the city and are apart of the garrison of the fort along with the rest of the army. The CSA troops help set up even more mines, booby traps on land

Butler's army places their artillery near on the shore to fire at the rebel gunboats and are relieved what's left of the union fleet.This is forcing the confederate river defender vessels to retreat behind the barrier chain. Butler's army goes after the weaker Ft Philp. Butler is surprised to encounter land mines, booby traps, diversionary fuse explosion bogging his soldier's down. The Forts point their cannons inland blasting away at union troop assaults accompanied by volleys of lee Enfield rifle fire with repeating rifles. The worst not yet told is mortar fire shotgun shell fire at union illness from mosquitoes and dysentery plagued the army with heat. The ships launch amphibious assaults carrying disembarked sailors, marines, and soldiers facing deadly accurate cannon fire with cannonballs killing troops on the dingy. The union navy bombards the fort in support of these landings, but without a sufficient number of ships, confederate Reinforcements. Black Confederate soldiers fight in the battle as well Butler soon declares the fort nearly impregnable and without a fleet impossible and ends the battle after heavy losses
Fort Philp

April 28th the union navy withdraws.
ON May 7th the union army withdraws
After the Union victory, The Native guard offered their services to escort Union prisoners captured at the battle Beauregard gladly accepts their offer. The 1st Louisiana Native Guard black confederate militia become Heroes in the confederacy Under future President Robert E Lee he awards the first Black soldiers to be given the nation's highest award the Southern Cross of Honor

the black militia later recognized as black confederate soldiers have Most amount soldiers awarded this medal per regiment.

1st Louisiana Native Guard (CSA) is given full parade honors during the victory parade at New Orleans

The Results of the Confederate Victory ​

Commodore Buchanon Naval fleet combines with the Spanish navy and in a lighting campaign ending all significant presence of the union navy with his powerful fleet of River defender gunboats, Subs, ironclads, ocean-going ships that help tug the river vessels

a painting of a Confederate coastal Ironclad against wooden union warships accompanied by the superior Spanish navy ​

With The Blockade destroyed in the gulf states the Spanish/confederate ships focus on the escort blockade runners heading against the more powerful Atlantic blockading Squadrons and able to make more numerous raids against Yankee commerce. Spain also brings in troop transports and supply ships as they are landed

Blockade runners returning to ports on the east coast by the Naval escorts
New Orleans

painting showing the cites Commerce Florsheing in New Orleans along with ships returning with great spoils against Union merchant vessels by privateers and CSA naval vessels ​

• New Orleans the confederacy primary port, industrial centers, recruitment center, shipyard, and Financial hub continue to provide for the confederate war effort including encouraging international investment from Europe without her sea communication being disrupted.
• The battle proved a morale boost for the confederacy and helped encourage international recognition for the time being.
• These black confederate soldiers actions helped encourage black confederate regiments to be created through the CSA
• General Beagards fame is resurrected from this victory, but he insists that the city is still vulnerable without devoted resources

The Hero Of Fort Sumter ​

The creole General continues to use his engineering talent to make city defense improvements if they come by land, sea, or by upstream or downstream. The general also continues to inspect forts across the confederacy and providing military advice. As the city is presumed safe the soldiers return back to the front including the Navy.

The Lousanian native finds replacements for the Louisiana native Guard from free blacks, mulattos recruited in the confederacy, or slaves wishing to escape plantation life to fight for the confederacy. The Native guard expands with the flag being altered for black stripes to represent black people in the States Bi racial society and to remind them who they fight for their homeland​

 

[JWQ]

I’m not quitting the timeline I’m just putting it on hold I will continue to make edits later. Right now I need to focus on what’s important for me. I would really want to edit confederate propaganda to make it reasonable, but with things going on in my life I just can’t right now. I am astonished that The mods receive daily reports from this timeline and I recognize there aren’t many likes for that was my own fault as I did not know how to make a good timeline with writing. In emotional matters, I’m broken over the woman I love who Left me permanently 💔

 

[cheffisti]

I’m not quitting the timeline I’m just putting it on hold I will continue to make edits later. Right now I need to focus what’s important for me. I would really want to edit confederate propaganda to make it reasonable but with things going on in my life I just can’t right now. I am astonished that The mods receive daily reports from this timeline and I recognize there aren’t many likes for that was my own fault as I did not know how to make a good timeline with writing. In emotional matters I’m broken over a certain matter

Sorry to hear that hope you get back into it. Don’t get discouraged.

 

[Seandineen]

We admire you my friend. If it helps We all accept and admire you.

 

[CalBear]

Fighting out on the High Seas 1862 in the war for southern independence​

SNIP​

Battle of Williamsburg
(Battle of Fort Magruder)​

Result	​ Confederate withdrawal to Richmond Stalemate​

Confederates withdrawal from Yorktown to Williamsburg Virginia. Young Napoleans subordinate Fighting Joe (General Joseph Joe Hooker) is sent to pursue the rebel army at Williamsburg. Hooker assaults Fort Fort Magruder but is badly repulsed from the confederate fort defenders. 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 and withdrawal. General George B Meclian expecting to get reinforcements from Lincoln to his frustration of great angry Lincoln will withdraw soldiers that will be used as reinforcement for General Halleck's army in the Western theater. To make matters even worse While stonewall Jackson is on a rampage in the Virginia Shenandoah valley hampering union reinforcement to arrive at George B. McClellan's careful disposal. Some of the worst news appears for the General fighting out on the campaign.

SNIP​

You plagiarized the Wikipedia article on the Battle of Williamsburg. Didn't even bother to get rid of the hyperlinks or change tenses on words where you did change part of the text to match the edits.

Plagiarism is a huge deal here. This is a one bite offense. You just had yours.

This is ALSO your 4th Kick. Running out of chances very quickly.

 

[Fernan3451]

You plagiarized the Wikipedia article on the Battle of Williamsburg. Didn't even bother to get rid of the hyperlinks or change tenses on words where you did change part of the text to match the edits.

Plagiarism is a huge deal here. This is a one bite offense. You just had yours.

This is ALSO your 4th Kick. Running out of chances very quickly.

Seriously. Why did he copy-paste a Wikipedia article? That is certainly plagiarism. 👍👍👍

 

[TheRockofChickamauga]

Considering the way the poll seems to show the community consensus of this timeline, namely that the timeline heavily shows and supports the ideas of the Lost Cause, I thought it would only be fair for the reasons behind this judgment be laid out in a clear fashion, or at least the reasons for voting the way I did. That way, the author can attempt to counter them and explain his position, and he does not seem to believe his timeline is Lost Cause. Similarly, if someone else who voted for this TL being Lost Cause wants to add something, I think @JWQ should be given a chance to try to explain that as well. With that said, here is my reasoning behind the vote.

As I have said before, the Encyclopedia of Virginia identifies six key tenets of the Last Cause myth. They are:

1. Secession, not slavery, caused the Civil War.

2. African Americans were "faithful slaves," loyal to their masters and the Confederate cause and unprepared for the responsibilities of freedom.

3. The Confederacy was defeated militarily only because of the Union's overwhelming advantages in men and resources.

4. Confederate soldiers were heroic and saintly.

5. The most heroic and saintly of all Confederates, perhaps of all Americans, was Robert E. Lee.

6. Southern women were loyal to the Confederate cause and sanctified by the sacrifice of their loved ones.

To this list, I would like to add one more item:

7. The leaders of the Union--most notably Lincoln, Grant, and Sherman--were power-hungry, war-loving, tyrannical buffoons. They had no concern with the causes of freedom or the common man/soldier. They did what was best for them and continuing their power. They were willing, even eager, to subject said common folk, of both the north and south, to depredation and hardship to achieve this goal.

Based on the words of this TL, here is why I think it qualifies for the dubious distinction of being supportive of the Lost Cause and propagating its falsehoods. Starting with the first tenet:
1. Secession, not slavery, caused the Civil War.
It appears the author does not accept this falsehood. As he said in the previous edition of this TL:

I would further say at the bottom of the root slavery did cause the Civil War.

2. African Americans were "faithful slaves," loyal to their masters and the Confederate cause and unprepared for the responsibilities of freedom.
It is probably in this regard that the TL is most susceptible to the myth of the Lost Cause. To quote the author:

2 The Black soldiers would fight for honor and bravery so their race may find respect in their new nation a few states have set up conventions to enact laws to help slaves. General Jefferson Davis though against the idea of slave soldiers strongly promotes slaves being treated well.

3 the black confederates are told they are fighting for state rights against Lincoln who started the war and they fight for the future of the children and their future. In the north black people largely aren't apart of northern society and they are taught to trust the CSA Maters more than radical abolitionists. Some slaves are promised their freedom if they fight well

1 To Defend your Homeland and the Good white Folk that exists down South. The south is a Biracial society meant that black and white folks lived together for 200 years in the same community to defend and protect. loyalty to the masters. Both often grew up together. Friendship went deeper than we want to acknowledge today.(Reconstruction destroyed the coexisting) Black Confederate Soldiers Fighting On the Behalf of the Confederacy

The Lousanian native finds replacements for the Louisiana native Guard from free blacks, mulattos recruited in the confederacy, or slaves wishing to escape plantation life to fight for the confederacy. The Native guard expands with the flag being altered for black stripes to represent black people in the States Bi racial society and to remind them who they fight for their homeland

All of these quotes seem to support the idea that slaves were ready and willing to support the Confederacy by joining up in the fight against the Union. In reality, this is far from true. In reality, a slave was much more likely to work and fight against the Confederacy (see the Contraband System, Free State of Jones, United States Colored Troops, etc.).

3. The Confederacy was defeated militarily only because of the Union's overwhelming advantages in men and resources.
Another myth that seems prevalent throughout this TL. Before I continue, I would like to make a note. Having a Confederate victory TL does not automatically make it Lost Cause. For example, Dixieland: The Country of Tomorrow, Everyday (yet another Confederate TL), Cinco de Mayo, Champions of Dixie: The CSA Wins, and my own Stonewall Jackson's Way: An Alternate Confederacy Timeline all feature Confederate victory scenarios, although I do not consider any of these listed ones Lost Cause. While the line between Lost Cause and non-Lost Cause for a Confederacy victory is generally hard to define and point out, I don't think many would disagree with me that those four TLs I listed are not Lost Cause, while this one is. (If someone else reading this could go more in-depth on the topic, it would be greatly appreciated). I get this general feel from some of the victories the author has the Confederacy winning, such as capturing Washington D.C. in the immediate aftermath of Bull Run or the overrunning and annihilation of the Union at Shiloh.

The confederates have enclosed most of the Routed panicked Yankee soldiers Stonewall Jacksons soldiers close on the panicked Yankees. Jackson soldiers finshed capturing the union army cross the potamic river using the fords. General Lee orders fresh reserves to complete crossing the river to aid jacksons forces wh are marching to Capture DC and bring this war to a close.

Confederate soldiers march to seize the capital as they are given orders that the capital buildings are to be preserved the soldiers happily approve ,as it was their capital before the war. Though the union government did escape to Philadephia the CSA did manage to capture a handful of politicians missing however was president lincoln. The residents said that he did say he would be the last evacuated union man out of the city.

Most, however, seeing the impossibility of their position many chose to surrender. Grants Army of the Tennessee has been effectively destroyed. 5,000 union troops under General Sherman escape the onslaught and arrive at Buell's headquarters.

4. Confederate soldiers were heroic and saintly.
I think this idea needs little introduction or explanation. If you want to see it in action, just watch Gods and Generals

• The Union wish to destroy The Southern Way of Life in the Lincoln war of Northern Aggression and make the southern states Subject to the Northern society, abolitionism, and the Greedy Yanky northern society​
• The Confederate Soldiers fight to Defend Their homeland, State rights, Free trade, and to preserve the Chivalrous Southern Culture against the Yankees​
• The Confederates are fighting for their independence just as the American Revolutionary did in 1776. States had chosen to join the federal union, they can also choose to withdraw.In truth, the confederates were fighting for the right to separate from one's government just as their founding fathers did and so people may have that humanitarian right around the globe to separate from government​

5. The most heroic and saintly of all Confederates, perhaps of all Americans, was Robert E. Lee.
Also fairly well known, also portrayed in Gods and Generals

Had General Lee perhaps commanded the troops instead of Beaugard (who almost lost the battle, because he was a bad field commander )General Lee is probably a significantly better field commander could likely have kept his soldiers better organized, better trained, and possibly even inspire troops where they normally would not go. I mean to say the confederate would have truly been able to harvest the fruits of this victory by capturing the city itself within a week only after they captured many of McDowell's troops during the great skedaddle.

Corp Commander Patrick Cleburne Goes down South to discuss his Negro recruitment plan Supported by General Hardee, Major General Hindman, General Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson.

The 1st Louisiana Native Guard black confederate militia become Heroes in the confederacy Under future President Robert E Lee he awards the first Black soldiers to be given the nation's highest award the Southern Cross of Honor

6. Southern women were loyal to the Confederate cause and sanctified by the sacrifice of their loved ones.
Not much is said about Southern women in the TL, so there is not much to say on the topic.

7. The leaders of the Union--most notably Lincoln, Grant, and Sherman--were power-hungry, war-loving, tyrannical buffoons. They had no concern with the causes of freedom or the common man/soldier. They did what was best for them and continuing their power. They were willing, even eager, to subject said common folk, of both the north and south, to depredation and hardship to achieve this goal.
Even just looking at the pictures in this TL, you can see that the author adheres to this idea.

Lincoln treatment of the constitution and civil liberties in His War ​

• Lincoln Illegally suspended Habous corpus under the executive order which is illegal and unconstitutional​

And with that I think the argument can be summed up, and I rest my case. If someone else wants to add something I didn't consider into the discussion, whether for or against the idea of this TL being Lost Cause, I am eager to hear and discuss it. Similar, I await to see @JWQ response to this, as I am sure he has his own side to this story. Finally, on a personal note to the author, do not take this as an attack against you as a person. While we may have different interpretation of the American Civil War and its legacy to the present, I am sure you are still a good person in real life. I am sorry to hear about what happened in relations to your romance, and I hope that you will eventually find the right person.