"CSS Arkansas at Vickburg" Topic

All,
I want to set up the engagement between the Arkansas and the three Union vessels (Carondolet, Queen of the West and Lexington), outside of Vicksburg. I think it would make a good introduction to ACW naval gaming for my son in law. Reading descriptions of the action, I am somewhat confused. Was the Arkansas essentially chasing the three Union ships? What would the initial placement of the vessels look like?

It was basically a meeting engagement. The three Union vessels steaming up river encountered the Arkansas heading downstream. A running fight ensued in which Carondelet, ran aground as the Union vessels turned and headed back to their anchored fleet. The Arkansas followed and was able to run past the fleet before an effective pursuit could be made. She was able to reach the relative safety of Vicksburg, her intended destination.

Ah, okay. So they did start out facing each other. Any salient features other than the Mississippi?

In game terms there would be the possibility for shoals and oxbows to appear or even small islands that might restrict maneuvering. Mines and intentional obstructions would unlikely in Union controlled stretch of river. Currents should aid movement. If things reached the Union anchorage with picket boats, etc….

Thanks.

Remember, once Carondelet starts running, she's stern up to Arkansas' guns. There is no armor on the stern, just about 12" of oak. Not that it really matters, her side armor can't withstand Arkansas' rifles at close range.

But you must remember that the engagement started on the Yazoo River which is (even then) much narrower that the Mississippi River.

Jim

I'd love to see at least a conjectural map of what the engagement looked like when it started.

link

There's a map about 3/4 the way down. Can't speak to its' correctness.