Camp of the Army of the Potomac

[Dirty Chai]

The war camp for the Army of the Potomac and all its generals, officers, and soldiery.

[Majonga]

"...Glory, Glory, Hallelujah
Glory, Glory, Hallelujah
Glory, Glory, Hallelujah
His soul is marching on..."

Brigadier General, William Tecumseh Sherman slowly guided his chestnut horse down the road alongside the singing column of the 2nd Maine. The men sang with gusto and smiling faces as if they were on a summer's day walk. Sherman scowled at their poor discipline, the column was ragged, the men walking more than marching. No officer had as yet ordered the men to salute the general as he passed, or even notice him. With a grimace at the men he cantered off down the line entering the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac.

"Damn fools," Sherman growled to his aide, "Not a single soldier among them." He cast his eyes back over his shoulder to the 2nd Maine, who had just cheered riotously as they finished their song. "Those smiles will disappear as soon as the guns sound." he promised his aide, "When the round-shot begins to carve holes in their ranks, they won't be singing, they'll be stone cold silent." the General's voice was filled with bitterness and anger. "If that's the level of discipline that Meade thinks it will take to break Lee then God help us, there won't be a battle, there'll be a slaughter."

He dismounted from his horse and handed the reigns to his aide.

"Come," he said, "let us find General Meade and see what he plans for us."

[Dirty Chai]

George G. Meade was just inside his personal quarters, a small cabin in the center of the camp.
Washington was not far to the north, but the bulk of the Potomac Army had been out here for a good time now, drilling and camping out.

Contrary to the how some unique minds within the army were concerned, the general feeling of the Union soldier was a naive confidence coupled with an undercurrent of anxious curiosity.
Some even thought the war was just a matter of the two sides showing off to each other, and then the Rebs would surrender.
Just a little fireworks at Ft. Sumter, that's all.


Meade wasn't honestly sure what to think.
He knew there would be blood, but for how long, he couldn't know.
George did hope it would only last a battle though, that the foolish rivalry of North and South might drink its full of blood after the first smell of death.

Meade was born in Spain, his father a merchant from Philadelphia that supported the Spanish against Napoleon until the bitter end (bankruptcy, that is).
During the war in Mexico, he was a staff member under Taylor and Patterson and was brevetted to first lieutenant at the Battle of Monterrey.

He wasn't originally supposed to be Commander of the Potomac; he was actually recommended by the Governor of Pennsylvania for brigadier general under General McClellan, but then a few months ago McClellan's position as Commander seemed to disappear off the face of the earth, and then Meade was suddenly Commander.
Not any of the other generals or officers, but Meade.
They never told him what happened to McClellan either. Some say he came down with a major illness and was sent back up north.

George sat at his desk, glancing every now and then at his watch, pondering over these things while he observed trivial reports from the other theaters.

[Amaz]

Meanwhile, at another part of camp ambled General Hunt around where the men of the Artillery Reserve stood. He could see that they were content to pass their days slumped, leaning, or lying upon their guns, limbers, and caissons, looking to spend time with conversations of home and war. One instance he witnessed an exchange that quickly escalated to a brawl among them.

"Th'ain't gonna be a war, ways I see it." Exclaimed a tall member of the regiment. "Rebels don't got a chance in hell. All talk an' no bite, an' he better watch himself lest he crosses paths with me. I've been firing them guns since Chapultepec."

"Ain't that a lie, Willy." exclaimed another, younger and more ragged-looking man, "Lord help us if this army even moves. I reckon we'll be firin' nothing than a few'ords 'fore Lee comes to kick our asses. And I ain't gonna stay when he does, and look at yourself running, Willy, when a chargin' Reb sticks you the bayonet."

"Ain't gonna happen" the tall one retorted "You'd sooner die for abandonin' than I would for stayin'. Am as loyal as a horse to this army, and that never done me wrong."

"Relax, Willy" a third, weightier member of the battery muttered. "You bein' as old as you are, doubt you'll see any more fightin' as soon as you collapse during the march." He sniped, satisfying the ragged soldier who flashed a grin in his direction.

"You's right, you know, and you bein' as fat as you are, you'll be eaten them rebel bullets 'fore they can even get to you!" He returned.

A few inaudible words preceded the obvious outcome of a fight among them, which Hunt observed with disdain but did little to stop when he saw the battery's captain and his section lieutenants come to break it up.

"Looks like Lee's gonna have a field day with them" Hunt muttered to himself.

[Captain Blackadder]

Col Dan Sickels arrives at the camp. He walks around with his patrician bearing, nose help up high. He knows this time is his great chance to get back into the good graces of the people. For too long that murder charge has hung over his head. He is just thankful that is lawyer Edwin Stanton now advisor the Lincoln in the war department had told him to plead temporary insanity. However he knows that his reputation was tarnished by his actions even if that cad Key deserved all that he got. Thankfully his political connections with the Lincolns and his great deal of money has allowed for him to raise an entire brigade of the army. As long as he keeps his head he should be able to regain his reputation.

[Majonga]

Sherman entered Meade's headquarters with an eye not to its humble surroundings, but to its staff. They at least seemed reasonably organised, with men scurrying about in calm confusion. The General himself could be seen sitting at a writing desk, musing over reports.

"General Meade sir!" Sherman said curtly, before snapping his boots to attention and proving the general with a crisp salute.

"Brigadier General William Tecumseh Sherman reporting for duty sir." Sherman's cold eyes studied the General and his reaction. He had never fought alongside Meade before and was keen to get the measure of him.

[Dirty Chai]

Sherman entered Meade's headquarters with an eye not to its humble surroundings, but to its staff. They at least seemed reasonably organised, with men scurrying about in calm confusion. The General himself could be seen sitting at a writing desk, musing over reports.

"General Meade sir!" Sherman said curtly, before snapping his boots to attention and proving the general with a crisp salute.

"Brigadier General William Tecumseh Sherman reporting for duty sir." Sherman's cold eyes studied the General and his reaction. He had never fought alongside Meade before and was keen to get the measure of him.

The General stood after a moment, leaving the reports, and adjusting his uniform.
"At ease, Sherman", he said after a pause, his older voice erupting from his little beard.
He looked tired perhaps, as many middle-aged men did, but calm and composed.

[Majonga]

The General stood after a moment, leaving the reports, and adjusting his uniform.
"At ease, Sherman", he said after a pause, his older voice erupting from his little beard.
He looked tired perhaps, as many middle-aged men did, but calm and composed.

Meade gave nothing away when he addressed Sherman and the younger man took that as a good sign. He relaxed his posture but his face remained stern.

"General Meade sir, I have only just arrived in camp and I find myself with a commission but no command. What are my orders sir?"

[Gandalfus]

The 69th New York infantry slowly lumbered around the camp in small groups; conversing with the other soldiers, drinking, eating, talking... James was no different. The rowdy group of Irishmen were certainly making themselves known throughout the camp; many were anxious to give the damn rebels a piece of American steel, in good spirits... James new that it would not last long. His father had told him as much: when he had served in Mexico, the good spirits broke as soon as the artillery smashed into your lines. Sipping down some gin, James felt the knot in his stomach twist as he remembered his father telling him of all the blood and death. Merely shrugging to dismiss the thoughts, James rose; upon seeing many members of his platoon engaged in games of cards or dice, simply rolled his eyes and walked off to find some other company.

[Dirty Chai]

He glances at the desk again, spots his pocket watch and casually examines it before slipping it into his uniform, and then clears his throat before walking casually past Sherman to the door, looking out into the camp. The young staff members seemed to continue about their business.

"I believe you have been assigned to the Artillery Reserve."
He sniffed, continued to stare out at the camp, and then turned and looked at Sherman.
"I've read that you served with the 3rd Artillery in Florida.. I was there just five years before you."
He offered out his hand to the junior officer with a slight smile.

[Lucius Malfoy]

2nd Division's Camp, Army of the Potomac

The sounds of drums, bugles and voices of grizzly commanders could be heard across the camp of the 2nd Division, a unit that was a part of the Army of the Potomac. Couriers rode through the area, relaying commands and instructions to the various Brigade and regimental commanders involving exercises and drill timings. Today, it was the 2nd Wisconsin of the 3rd Brigade who was given their moment to shine. The regimental commanders got their soldiers outside and into the open for an inspection. In the blazing sun of noon time, the soldiers would hear the approach of a horse. The man who stood upon it was the 2nd Division's commander, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant. He pulled on the reins of his horse as the steed came to a halt. One of the regimental commanders came forth to hold onto the reins as the Brigadier General dismounted and went about his inspection of the 2nd Wisconsin. He grabbed a few rifles and examined them carefully. After a full hour, the Brigadier General went back to the front and mounting his horse.

Men of the 2nd Wisconsin! You have shown to be promising soldiers during this drill; keeping discipline and not slacking one bit. Your rifles are cleaned as well as your uniforms. Dismissed and get yourself something warm to eat.

With that, the regiment was dismissed as Grant rode for the main camp where General Meade was. His steed rode through the main tents as he approached the tent of the Potomac's commander. He dismounted and removed his hat as soon as Grant entered the tent. He saluted Meade.

Forgive me for being late, General Meade. I was inspecting the soldiers of the 2nd Wisconsin of the 3rd Brigade. It was their turn for a drill and inspection.

[Dirty Chai]

Meade turned and grunted.
"Hunt and Hancock should be along soon now," he said, passing by Sherman and Grant, and out the door, retrieving his hat from the stand.
He put his hands behind his back as he reviewed the camp; some water of the Potomac could be seen in the distance, probably tributary streams.

[Dirty Chai]

Double post
Delete

[tyboman]

Joshua Chamberlain arrived at the camp with wonder in his eyes. He had been a college professor in Maine only a few weeks before, and now he stood a Lieutenant Colonel in Washington, amidst the glorious Army of the Potomac.
He first went to find the regiment he had been given command in, the 20th Maine. When he found the men of the regiment, he was told that a Colonel Pitcairn was in charge, and that he could be found at the mess tent. When Pitcairn was found, Joshua assessed him to be an old fashioned army boy, from Ireland and so lamented with a heavy accent.
After afew brief moments learning his duties, Joshua was told the best thing for him to do now was to acquaint himself with the head guy, a brig. General by the name of Sherman. So Joshua made his way through the camp to find the artillery reserve headquarters, were he was told Sherman would be found.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hancock rode his horse through the camp to Meade's tent when he arrived. He had been previously stationed in California, and had traveled with all haste so as to not miss the war. When all of his friends had already joined the war on various sides, wether in order to protect their state or to serve the good of their country.
As Hancock arrived at Meade's tent, he noticed the four other adjutants were already present, Hunt, Grant, Sherman, and Meade were discussing what seemed to be orders. Hancock dismounted as he arrived at the tent, walked in and gave Meade a crisp salute,then turned and did the same towards the other three generals. He then turned to address Meade, "General, sir, My apologies for the late arrival, but I was exhausted due to my trip from California."

[Majonga]

Joshua Chamberlain arrived at the camp with wonder in his eyes. He had been a college professor in Maine only a few weeks before, and now he stood a Lieutenant Colonel in Washington, amidst the glorious Army of the Potomac.
He first went to find the regiment he had been given command in, the 20th Maine. When he found the men of the regiment, he was told that a Colonel Pitcairn was in charge, and that he could be found at the mess tent. When Pitcairn was found, Joshua assessed him to be an old fashioned army boy, from Ireland and so lamented with a heavy accent.
After afew brief moments learning his duties, Joshua was told the best thing for him to do now was to acquaint himself with the head guy, a brig. General by the name of Sherman. So Joshua made his way through the camp to find the artillery reserve headquarters, were he was told Sherman would be found.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hancock to be written

Sherman's tent had only just been set up with Colonel Chamberlain arrived. Sherman was nowhere in sight, but his aide could be seen grooming the horse.

"Looking for General Sherman sir?" the aide asked, "He is in a meeting with General Meade at the moment, but you are welcome to wait until he returns."

[Dirty Chai]

Hancock rode his horse through the camp to Meade's tent when he arrived. He had been previously stationed in California, and had traveled with all haste so as to not miss the war. When all of his friends had already joined the war on various sides, wether in order to protect their state or to serve the good of their country.
As Hancock arrived at Meade's tent, he noticed the four other adjutants were already present, Hunt, Grant, Sherman, and Meade were discussing what seemed to be orders. Hancock dismounted as he arrived at the tent, walked in and gave Meade a crisp salute,then turned and did the same towards the other three generals. He then turned to address Meade, "General, sir, My apologies for the late arrival, but I was exhausted due to my trip from California."

Sherman was about to reply to Meade when General Grant arrived, interrupting the conversation. Sherman gave the General of the 2nd Division a nod in greeting. The 2nd Division had a reputation for discipline and was perhaps the best formation in the army, but Grant himself had a history of drunkenness that cast doubt on his ability to command.

As Hunt and Hancock entered, Sherman did not greet them, but remained silent, his eyes on Meade. Meade's news was bad indeed, there was no way this army would be ready to fight in under a month. troops were still coming in from across the country, discipline was low and with the Artillery reserve especially, the men were still getting used to their weapons.

"Do the orders specify a direction sir? Perhaps we should march North and make war on the politicians." He said with a wry smile. Then, in a serious tone he added, "But, they must realize that we won't be ready. Can't you petition Lincoln for more time? In two months I could have our gunners up to scratch, but right now half of them couldn't tell the the barrel from their arse."

He seemed to frown slightly behind his beard, but then faced the others again, gesturing for Hancock to stand by the others.
"Let us hope that it doesn't become a habit, Brigadier Hancock." he said simply before continuing the discussion.
"Washington is convinced that the enemy is as green as us, and that makes up for our lack of preparation."
He shook his head, his famous temper already beginning to show.
"We have to march, even if it's just down the Potomac a little."

[Majonga]

He seemed to frown slightly behind his beard, but then faced the others again, gesturing for Hancock to stand by the others.
"Let us hope that it doesn't become a habit, Brigadier Hancock." he said simply before continuing the discussion.
"Washington is convinced that the enemy is as green as us, and that makes up for our lack of preparation."
He shook his head, his famous temper already beginning to show.
"We have to march, even if it's just down the Potomac a little."

Sherman grimaced.

"Very well General sir, do you have any further orders? Or are we dismissed, I for one would like to get out there and lick my troops into shape, we haven't got much choice but to do our best in the month to come."

[Amaz]

"General, sir!"

Hunt exclaimed as he approached Meade casually from behind, though not forgetting to give a firm, stiff-handed salute and continue with his hand tucked will within the spaces of his greatcoat, his other resting comfortably on the hilt of his sheathed blade.

"Major General Hunt, reporting for duty sir. My best judgments tell me you will forgive me, sir, but I couldn't help but overhear your calling to see myself and General Hancock?"

[Dirty Chai]

OOC: I'm going to assume Hancock's "WIP" post brings him here..

The Ol' Snapping Turtle glances around the camp a few more times, and then faces them all.
"Over there, on my desk, is a message straight from the White House, received by my telegrapher not two hours ago."
He announced with a distasteful look, "We're marching next month."

[Majonga]

Sherman was about to reply to Meade when General Grant arrived, interrupting the conversation. Sherman gave the General of the 2nd Division a nod in greeting. The 2nd Division had a reputation for discipline and was perhaps the best formation in the army, but Grant himself had a history of drunkenness that cast doubt on his ability to command.

As Hunt and Hancock entered, Sherman did not greet them, but remained silent, his eyes on Meade. Meade's news was bad indeed, there was no way this army would be ready to fight in under a month. troops were still coming in from across the country, discipline was low and with the Artillery reserve especially, the men were still getting used to their weapons.

"Do the orders specify a direction sir? Perhaps we should march North and make war on the politicians." He said with a wry smile. Then, in a serious tone he added, "But, they must realize that we won't be ready. Can't you petition Lincoln for more time? In two months I could have our gunners up to scratch, but right now half of them couldn't tell the the barrel from their arse."