031-630314-[A]Port Hudson-20 - WDS Forgotten Campaigns

(Alternative 20 minute turns) After failed attempts to close the Red River supply routes to Confederate shipping, Rear Admiral David G. Farragut determined to run the ships of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron upriver past the heavy batteries at Port Hudson. To pass Port Hudson, the Union ships must run a gauntlet of batteries atop a high bluff on the eastern shore of the Mississippi, all while fighting a strong current and hidden shoals. In many ways, the Confederate bastion at Port Hudson was more intimidating than Vicksburg. Remember, this is March 1863, before threats to Vicksburg siphoned off over half of Port Hudson's garrison. If Farragut succeeds, he could block the mouth of the Red River and prevent the transport of southern soldiers and supplies from points west. Farragut planned his attempt for the night of March 14th and asked Gen. Banks to demonstrate against the fortress by land to divert attention from the river. Banks agreed and brought up three divisions totaling over 22,000 men. This scenario begins with Bank's forces in place and with Farragut ships ready to drive upriver. To win, the Union player must get most of his ships past Port Hudson's guns, and/or capture Port Hudson. Extended dusk and variable night visibility with Bank's force fixed until dawn. Reference: "Port Hudson: Confederate Bastion on the Mississippi" by Lawrence Lee Hewitt