Self Hibernating Campaign - Post Antietam Speech by General John Holt-Oglethorpe

Divisional Address. To be distributed to all units

“Divisional Brothers In Arms!!

Yesterday was testing as we knew it would, but the Day was your!!!!

There is no hiding the grievous loss of so many brave comrades but our inevitable path to victory continues to be carved out by your courage, fortitude and  discipline.

We have received the momentous news that after the unprovoked invasion of our soil the enemy is recoiling in shame and disorder licking their substantial casualties. We have taken many prisoners whom we will treat as misguided and misled cousins returning to the fold. They were told you could not fight and you did! They were told you would run, but you did not! They were told you were hungry and ragged, but from their sad state of affairs and sparse  sustenance it is clear you are better fed and cared for than any army put into the field. Our Field hospitals and supply trains performed beyond expectation and will continue to do so.

We are also emboldened by our Presidents Proclamation of Freedom for our enslaved Brothers, with the performance of the Massachusetts Brigade showing conclusively the superiority of our cause.

In recognition of your efforts all officers are tasked with forwarding to Division all those worthy of note of all ranks for suitable acknowledgement .

Now  Officers look to your men, Men look to your equipment, and prepare to take this war to the enemy.

John Holt-Oglethorpe

Self Hibernation Campaign - September 1862 - Paul De Krackere $10 Brigade

Heroic Iowans:   In some of the fiercest fighting of the whole Antietam battle, B.G. Paul De Krackere’s tough Iowa Ten Dollar Brigade went toe to toe with the experienced Virginian Brigade in what became known as ‘Bloody Wood’.

As neither party could bear the thought of conceding ground, casualties soon mounted on both sides as volley after volley was exchanged at close range. After near eight hours of charge and counter charge the Virginians were forced back, drawing in the Rebel reserves to shore up their line. Meanwhile, to the cries of ‘Free the Slaves’ and ‘Freedom’, units from the Massachusetts Brigade reinforced the attack.

It was around this time that Paul De Krackere suffered shrapnel wounds and had to be taken to the rear. Possibly this setback, on top of the earlier carnage, had a part in bringing a slackening of the tempo. Even so, by the end of the day the Iowa Ten Dollar Brigade and 3rd Division was clearly established on the west of the creek.3rd Division’s attack over the Antietam Creek, despite near parity of numbers, had tied up Rebel units that could have been committed to stall the main attacks taking place on their Right and Left Wings.

The Rebel have retraced their steps south and you can be sure that our heroic boys played their part in blunting this failed Rebel invasion.

Quartermaster Stores:
Despite being deemed possibly the most efficient in the Army of the Potomac, B.G. Paul De Krackere has appointed Major Byron Getwonphrey to carry out a review of all processes within the Brigade Supply Train. His appointment brings new focus to the different branches of our support structures.Under his brief, Major Byron Getwonphrey now oversees the departments of the following Officers…
Capt. Chuck Gentley (Quartermaster Ammunition)
Capt. Roland Buttar (Quartermaster Provisions)
Capt. Rusty Knails (Quartermaster Equipment)
Capt. Orson Kart (Brigade Train)
Capt. Aaron C. Resquew (Ambulance Train)
Capt. Willoughby Stainhear (Billeting Officer)

If the Hat fits: Major Byron Getwonphrey has had an early success in freeing up a supply blockage that wasdelaying delivery of replacement kepis. Major Byron Getwonphrey has sourced sufficient Black Hardee hats to re-equip the 7th and 10th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiments. The best of these regiments old kepis will be passed to 3rd and 5th Regiments until more stock can be found.The 7th & 10th Volunteer Regiments at looking mighty fine in their new headwear. The ‘Black Hats’ may yet become another synonym for the ‘Iowan Brigade of the East’.

Medical Miracles: Surgeon Andy Wiversaw and Assistant Surgeon Dickie Tumey have made their mark within the Division. The successes resulting from their skill and diligence both at the Operating table, administering Camp hygiene and in their Hospital organisation over the past year have prompted the Commanders of the Vermont and Massachusetts Brigades to review their own Medical Services. The quality of treatment of wounded across the Division is now unrecognisable from the level it was at Bull Run.

Self Hibernation Campaign - Summer 1862

A year has passed since the start of the campaign, the heady, early days that lead to the Battle at Bull Run / Manassas have passed. Soldiers are more experienced and seasoned. less inclined to put themselves at risk but more effective at their jobs.

We are now on the eve of the first major battle of 1862, at Sharpsburg, near the Antietam Creek. Maybe its time to reflect on changes in the opposing armies...

Clayton

For the Confederacy, the predominant force is the Army of Northern Virginia, lead by General Robert E. Lee, a leader and strategy almost beyond compare in the current conflict. Further down the pecking order, John Henry De Lamar Clayton has been promoted to Divisional Commander, within Lt. General Thomas Jackson's Corps.

Holt-Oglethorpe

For the North, the Union Army has also been re-organised into the Army of the Potomac and it is currently being commanded by Maj. General George McClellan. McClellean is beloved by his men, he has rough order out of chaos following the defeat at Bull Run and has gained a reputation of not wasting his men's lives needlessly.

The III Division is now commanded by Maj General John Holt-Oglethorpe after some behind the scenes machinations when a number of brigade commanders threw their hats into the ring - however- agreement is now complete.

We await developments in the next hours as forces assemble for battle.