This day 150 years ago in Rebel Raiders’ History

-Dedicated to Civil War episodes, battles, people and ships that also appear in my game, GMT’s Rebel Raiders on the High Seas,  

May 16, 1863

            Historical Event:  Champion’s Hill.  Two Union corps under generals McPherson and McClernand repeatedly attack Confederate forces on Champion’s Hill.  Although the combat is indecisive, Confederate general Pemberton decides to retreat – but instead of marching to link up with J.E. Johnston as ordered, he decides to fall back upon Vicksburg.  It is a fatal decision, as not only with the South lose the city in two months, Pemberton’s 20,000-man army will fall with it.

            Game Connection:  Vicksburg is one of the three key cities, along with New Orleans and Memphis, which the Union needs to take to control the Mississippi.  Taking those cites not only costs the Confederate player much needed supplies (represented in victory points lost through die rolls each turn)  but is also one of the key conditions of victory for the Union.