032-630315-[A]Port Hudson-20 - WDS Forgotten Campaigns

(Alternative 20 minute turns) After initial attempts to close the Red River supply routes to Confederate shipping failed, 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 would have to run a gauntlet of batteries atop a high bluff on the eastern shore of the Mississippi while fighting a strong current and hidden shoals. In many ways, the Confederate bastion at Port Hudson was more intimidating than Vicksburg. If Farragut could get his ships above Port Hudson, then he could block the mouth of the Red River and prevent the transport of southern soldiers and supplies from points west. Farragut made his attempt on the night of March 14th and successfully passed two ships upriver but suffered heavy damage to the rest. This "What If" scenario replays the action early on March 15th -- the time Farragut originally had planned to make the attempt. To provide aid and cover in the attempt, Gen. Banks stands ready to demonstrate against the fortress by land to divert attention from the river. Banks' command boasts 3 divisions totaling over 22,000 men. This scenario begins with Bank's forces in place and with Farragut's ships ready to power upriver. To win, the Union player must get most of his ships past Port Hudson's guns and/or capture Port Hudson. Reference: "Port Hudson: Confederate Bastion on the Mississippi" by Lawrence Lee Hewitt