Confederate Western Options
My take on the choices facing the players. Your thoughts are invited. Of course, it is the commanders that make the actual decisions; this is meant just to get the old thought processes going.
For a larger image:
http://imageshack.us/a/img402/7462/confedwestoptions.png
A. Move to Topeka.
Advantage - Continue beating on Yankees. Positioned to besiege state capital.
Disadvantage - More fighting, Yanks (possibly) have defensive advantage provided by town.
B. Move to Westport.
Advantage - Widens supply corridor for future operations.
Disadvantage - Not immediate threat to Yanks.
C. Move to Jefferson City.
Advantage - Positioned to besiege state capital
Disadvantage - Needs supply base, in either Westport or Rolla, or attrition will significantly eat into troop strength.
D. Move to Rolla.
Advantage - Set up for ‘C’ option. No combat.
Disadvantage - Leaves Kansas army alone.
E. Move (detachment) to Paducah.
Advantage - Removes a supply line for Federal assault on Ft. Henry, extends Confederate options.
Disadvantage - Weakens defense of Memphis, invites defeat in detail.
F. Move to Nashville.
Advantages - Required to actually beef HQ up to published strength. Better positioning for future operations.
Disadvantage - None.
