A second pair of players has kicked off another Shenandoah PBM campaign. This one features a Confederate commander from north of the Mason-Dixon line and a Federal general from south of the line. Ahh, the mysteries of Fate. The commanders are in the early maneuvering stages, scouting for each other with their cavalry and moving their infantry forces into the Valley. A first skirmish contact has been made, with further, more serious clashes expected.

In the original campaign, we have now reached Day 10 and a decisive battle is looming. Two days ago, the Northern forces won a preliminary battle at the town of New Market, where they came upon a much smaller Rebel force and quickly defeated it. The Northern troops had been more concentrated than the Confederates up to that point, with the Southern forces more widely scattered. The Confederates have been consolidating in the two days since, however, and are trying to restore their position.

If the commanders so determine, there will be another battle, larger than New Market on Day 10. Its results could be pivotal. The loser will be in a difficult position. Either the Confederates will be thrust even further back into their own territory or the Yankees will have run out of the steam they have generated ever since Day 1.

Complicating matters for the Federals is a continuing drainage of their cavalry forces. Early skirmishing took its toll and some very unlucky moves by one whole brigade resulted in its being trapped by Confederate infantry units and being forced to surrender.

As a result, the Northern army has lost most of its eyes and likely will be hampered throughout the rest of the Valley fighting. It's been interesting to watch these campaigns develop and to see the cavalry forces used for their proper scouting role. Most of the cavalry's use is on the campaign map. Their function on the battlefield itself isn't as significant. A historical parallel, certainly.

The dice continue to confound the plans of the commanders. So the luck factor, the reliability (or unreliability) of subordinate commanders and the efforts of the opponent keep throwing monkey wrenches in how the commanders are trying to conduct their campaigns.

The offer remains open. Any soloists interested in tackling another Shenandoah campaign, or possibly a Peninsular one, drop me a line. Now, please excuse me. I have to get back to the Valley.