Forlorn Hope

The campaigns and battles along the Mississippi River during the American Civil War were arguably the most important and decisive of the conflict. Even more so than the struggles in the east between the two nation’s capitals. It took two years for the Union to finally free the Mississippi from Confederate’s domination and blockade. However, once free to Union traffic, it irrevocably split the Confederacy in two, a major blow to both military and commercial operations.This scenario book contains rules to play fifteen battles along the Mississippi River in the years long struggle to open the vital waterway for the Union. They range from assaulting heavy siege lines, to the bayou low country, to urban combat.No specific set of rules is required to play the games in this book. Each scenario includes a detailed map for placing terrain and scenery on the game table. Unit starting locations are clearly marked, as well as where reinforcements may enter the board. Time is expressed in terms of 10 minute, 15 minute, and 20 minute increments; easily adaptable to most regimental level rules. The scenarios also provide a detailed Order of Battle showing each unit that fought in that battle, including figure ratios for 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100 historic men per figure/stand. The Order of Battle also includes a rating for each unit, as well as the weapons they carried into battle. This book does not contain core rules for miniature war games.Scenarios include:The Battle of BelmontThe Battle of Baton RougeThe Battle of Chickasaw BayouThe Battle of Champion Hill: The CrossroadsThe Battle of Champion Hill: The Coker HouseThe Battle of Big Black River BridgeVicksburg Assault: Sherman May 19thVicksburg Assault: Sherman May 22ndVicksburg Assault: McPherson May 22ndVicksburg Assault: McClernand May 22ndPort Hudson Assault: Northern FlankPort Hudson Assault: Eastern FlankThe Battle of Milliken’s BendThe Battle of Lake ProvidenceThe Battle of Helena