btcb_c1u1 - Return to Corinth
Why Should You Play This Scenario?
This alternative take on Corinth is a heck of a lot more interesting than the historical one (at least for us Rebels). The Union army is advancing from the north and has three days to get into Corinth. Because it is a long scenario it should test your skills in defending an extended line for a long period against a larger enemy force. At least you have Forrest's cavalrymen on hand to help you out! That alone makes it worth playing.
Infantry Summary
There is a lot to take in here when you look at these stats. The Yankees have more men and regiments. But we do have a higher overall quality by a half-point. The Yankees have eight additional brigades and far superior weaponry. More than a tenth of our forces are armed with outdated rifles. Further, over 1,200 of our infantry are rated E or F!
The Yankee infantry here is not nearly as futile as you might be hoping. Remember these are Grant's men.
I have to give the advantage here to the Yankees. While the Rebels do have superior quality, the Yankee advantages in numbers, regiments, and weaponry, is very real.
Advantage
The Yankees do have more units and better arms, but we outnumber them and have superior quality - not to mention larger units.
Any battle with Nathan Bedford Forrest is going to be fun! This category is an obvious Rebel advantage.
Cavalry Summary
Advantage
Artillery Summary
There might be more types of artillery pieces in this battle than in any other I can recall in the west. Lots of siege guns on both sides along with howitzers, smoothbores, and rifled guns.
The Yankees dominate here. Along with 80 additional pieces, they have 30 more batteries and a lot more ammunition. And remember that of the 105 Rebel guns - 18 are permanently emplaced and cannot move. Luckily, they have good fields of fire.
Advantage
Both sides have a lot of ammo. But over a full three-day battle, the Rebs need to at least watch their wagons well and look to capture an enemy wagon or two.
Advantage
Not even Grant, Sherman, and McPherson can raise the overall Union command ratings here! Surprising.
Advantage
Setup
The battle begins with the whole Rebel army in positions behind the Corinth fortifications. This gives you plenty of time to begin building breastworks and to prepare for the coming Federals.
The town of Corinth is NOT a supply source. This means that, in theory, the Federal army could isolate your army if they managed to completely surround the town. While this would be a stretch to accomplish, it is worth noting.
The Federals arrive over the first few hours from the north. An intelligent Union player will know how strong your defenses are and will not blindly attack into them. Expect them to put pressure on you from all sides but to be looking always for a gap in your lines.
Setup Summary
While the Yankees do arrive in great numbers from the north, I'd rather be within Corinth and behind the defensive walls. Having so many abatis and embankments will make your army a very difficult one to successfully attack.
Advantage
"Return to Corinth" is a solid scenario in which the Rebel army is ready and waiting for Grant at Corinth. While there isn't much open-field strategy in this battle, there is still plenty of thinking and maneuvering to do. At 125-turns there is plenty of time for the Federals to march anywhere they want around Corinth and find any weak spot you have in your lines. While the game might not be exciting from start to finish, you know that once the action begins it will be rocking.
Three Tips
1) What Would You Do?
Don't assume your opponent will do exactly what you want them to do. Put yourself in their shoes and try to anticipate what they will do based on what you would do. Would you attack over lines of abatis? Or would you try and to march until you found a weak spot? Would you try to encircle the city or would you mass your forces against a single part of the line? Lots to consider here.
2) Don't Commit Your Cavalry in a Major Battle
Forrest's cavalrymen are excellent fighters. But trying to stop the Federal army with just a brigade of cavalry could result in disaster if Forrest loses too many men. You can use your cavalry to scout around and keep tabs on the Federals but avoid engaging the enemy with just your mounted men.
3) 90% of the Battle is Waiting, the other half is Fighting
A nod to the great Yogi Berra with that comment. But this is essentially true. There will be a lot of nothing in this battle as the Federals slowly enter the map and maneuver to where they want to be. While you could march out to engage them, why? You might need to settle in for a long wait before the action starts here. But once it starts it will get violent quickly.
Final Thoughts
This defensive setup is ideal for those who enjoy a good battle against an attacking enemy. Stay on your toes and watch for any tricks the Yankees might be looking to pull though.