Saints and Angels

[volksmarschall]

@ Enewald: Sun Tzu was just a name as you and I both knew it wasn't him. I've done some history search and got some interesting Chinese Marquis for the Han Dynasty, though I'm not sure the time frame fits?

@ Erie_Patriot: Thanks. They will have their judgement day coming...

[volksmarschall]

"Steady men! Steady!" said Colonel Chapman as they approached the small ridge that was about 100 or so yards from the "Butcher's Nest." He looked at his men, most of them halting at the base of the ridge and looking at their comrades in front of them being slaughtered by the Union lines.

Tom took quick aim of his seights at another Confederate, pulling the trigger and sending him to the ground. His friend Adam, along his side was quick to reload and knock off a Confederate flag bearer. The Union lines inside the "Butcher's Nest" was a line of steel as they halted everyone Confederate soldier short of the denfenses thus far. Confederate soldiers moved up on a cannon, only to have their heads torn off by a heavy dose of double-cannister which the Federal artillery were using at such a close range, spreading out hundreds of little pieces of metal rather than the large cannon ball, tearing into wood and men alike and sending them crashing to the ground. Tom looked to his right to see Colonel Daniel E. Sickles called over by General Sedgewick.

"Colonel! Colonel!"

"Yes general?"

"Bring up two companies and position them along side Hunter's men, they're beginning to waiver. We are done retreating. By God we are..." the general was struck in his stomach as he fell gently from his horse with the guidence of Colonel Sickles and other staff officers.

"Major, bring C and D companies over to Hunter's men," said Colonel Sickles.

Tom thought to himself, 'D-Company, that's us.' The major assumed the job and Tom and his many friends and around 150 other Union soldiers were off to the center of the Union line, where General David Hunter's men were under heavy pressure from the remains of General Pillow's Confederates and the wings of General Cheatham's men as well.

"Colonel, colonel. Get me a good damned towel before I bleed to death," ordered General Sedgewick laying in the tall grass with four other officers around him.

As Tom and the Union 'reserves' were rushing over to the center, Adam asked, "Well what the hell is going on?"

"They're breaking through our lines," responded Tom as he looked out into the abyss of smoke and crying dead.

Colonel Chapman stood defiant as bullets whizzed past his head and cannon fire engulfed his left and right. "Tennesians, Kentuckians. Do not forget who you are! You were the first mountaineers of this nation. Men from the hills and mountains! You are the toughest men in all of North America, don't forget it! Now I ask you all, who will come with me!"

"Come on boys," shouted a captain who was promptly cut down by Union rifle fire.

The 7th Tennessee let rip a galant scream, now infamous with the men under Bragg's command in the army of the Tennessee. Colonel Chapman was at the head of the storming spearpoint heading straight for the Union center. Bill lowered his musket, bayonet fixed and began to scream with David looking onwards; convinced now by his friend, he began to scream as well as they approached the Union centerpiece.



Union artillery began to concentrate their fire on Colonel Chapman and the 7th Tennessee. Noises filled the air: shouting, screaming, crying and shooting.
The men of the 7th Tennessee began to fire into the Union lines. Just as Tom and his friends made it to the Union center. Beside them, a Union cannoneer was struck in the head and fell back into the hands of Paul who caught him in the fall, dropping his rifle in the process. Tom looked out and aimed his rifle, capped and pulled the trigger sending a man next to Bill to the ground. He began to reload but was caught up as the soldiers beside him began to waver and flee backwards. A Union cannon at the front, taking aim at Colonel Chapman, mis-fired and exploded killing the artillerymen as well as several soldiers stationed by it.

Colonel Chapman realized the Union panic as his men and General Cheatham's men began to close the distance, especially against the wavering and tired men of General David Hunter and Benjamin Prentiss who had been routed, reformed, routed and once again being routed by Confederate soldiers in the span of a few hours. Tom fell back, running into the back of another Union soldier attempting to flee. He saw Justin trip and begin to be trampled under the feet of fleeing men. He saw Paul pick Justin up as they rushed backwards, as Adam was to Tom's left dropping his gun in the ground and run to safety.

"Come on boys! The day is ours!" shouted Colonel Chapman as he placed his right leg on a wooden log, positioned there by Union soldiers. Waving his sword in the air, he urged his men on as they began to topple over the front of the "Butcher's Nest" unknown of what was in front of them. Bill leaped over the low stack of wood and took aim at a fleeing Union soldier, shooting and sending him falling face first to the ground.

"Turn the cannons! Turn the cannons," shouted Colonel Chapman to a sea of blue and gray.

[TheHyphenated1]

Just dropping in to let you know that I'll be reading this soon. Nice beginning!

[Erie_Patriot]

Another solid update as usual sir!

[Auray]

Well, I have read half of this now and I just wanted to tell you that this is awesome! I really like your writing style and the story of course. Interesting to see what happens to Bill and Tom as the civil war proceeds. I'm not very familiar with the American civil war so I don't even know which side won. I have a hunch that it was Union? I guess I have to swing around in wikipedia . By the way, in the first posts I sensed a little feeling about the movie called The Patriot? Have you maybe gain any influence from this movie? Anyways, I'll now continue reading your great AAR. I'm also looking forward to your latest AAR: The Last Crusader .

[BritishImperial]

I'm not very familiar with the American civil war so I don't even know which side won. I have a hunch that it was Union?

umm, are you serious? reminds me of a couple of years ago when a girl in my class at school asked me who won ww1.

[Auray]

umm, are you serious? reminds me of a couple of years ago when a girl in my class at school asked me who won ww1.

Unfortunately yes, I'm serious. I have watched a few films based on the American civil war but I haven't never really get the general picture what really happened in that war. I know it has something to do with slavery, the other party accepted it and the other didn't. American civil war era is a huge blank in my history knowledge.

[volksmarschall]

@ TheHyphenated1: Thanks, glad to have you reading sir!

@ Erie_Patriot: Thank you!

@ Auray: Thanks and welcome. It's great to see a few new readAARs. The Union did indeed win the war, historically speaking of course. As for reading the Last Crusader, I think it has a great storyline and plot to it, but I haven't really gotten around to it, and not sure I ever will as the game itself was rather short and a rough experience.

@ BritishImperial: Is it is bad as having someone ask you who won WWII? Or saying that the Cold War was a massive battle in Europe between the US and NATO Allies against the Soviet Union and was won by the US and NATO?

@ Auray (2): I can clear up some knowledge for you,
1. The war wasn't about slavery until late 1862 (The Emancipation Proclamation)
2. It started when Lincoln was elected (highly unpopular in Southern states) and South Carolina left the Union and other states followed. In April the Confederates attacked Fort Sumnter beginning the war.
3. Union (North and mostly Anti-Slavery) vs. South (Pro-Slavery) but slavery wasn't a major issue
4. Confederates were winning the war until 1863 (Vicksburg and Gettysburg)
5. War ended in 1865 with Union victory restoring the USA

Hopefully that clears things up a bit for you. Too many people have the impression that the war was about slavery (it wasn't but became a major crusade during the war)

[Enewald]

Has to much earlier than Han-dynasty period.
Han dynasty ruled after Warring States Era, this battle was fought maybe during Spring and Autumn or a bit before that.

Blue and Gray, together they fight, together they bleed, together they shall not live.

[BritishImperial]

@ BritishImperial: Is it is bad as having someone ask you who won WWII? Or saying that the Cold War was a massive battle in Europe between the US and NATO Allies against the Soviet Union and was won by the US and NATO?

i'd say that knowing nothing about ww1 is slightly better than knowing nothing about ww2, but its almost as bad. it just stuns me the complete lack of knowledge people have about their own country's history. for a start, everyone should know at least the bare details about the sacrifice their people have made for them so that they can live the way they do today. (this is not a dig about the person who asked about the civil war since he's not american, just about the stupidity of a lot of people i know)
about the cold war, i would consider that for people of my generation (born right at the end) are excused from not knowing very much as it isnt covered in school or talked about much except in passing. but if they think there was a massive war they are very stupid.

[volksmarschall]

As the Confederate forces began to overrun the Union lines, Tom and his fellow mates in retreat, Union reserves poured into the battle at the double-quick by the orders of their regimental commanders. Union reserves halted only 20 or so odd yards from the lines they were moments ago controlling. They leveled their rifles and poured a devastating volley into the Confederate lines, one of them striking Colonel Chapman in the shoulder, who fell to the ground in pain and breathing deeply in response to the heavy lead ball entering and smashing into his collarbone.

Bill was shocked and appalled at the Union ability to reform so quickly, one of Tom's officer ordered he and his men to turn about, doing so; they poured yet another volley into the oncoming 7th Tennessee and charged forward. Tom leveled his bayonet and rushed forward with the rest of the Union forces heading straight for the heart of the Confederate lines. Bill aimed his musket and fired straight at a Union officer, killing him instantly.



Bill was justly jumped by a Union soldier, punching him relentlessly in the head. Grabbing onto his wool uniform, the Union soldier would bring Bill's head close to his fist, then unload a devastating and sickening punch that would send Bill flying back. David, seeing Bill in trouble ran over and stabbed the Union soldier in the back. David was then blindsided by a Union soldier, knocking him down sideways several feet. The Union soldier moved in for the kill but was just as quickly struck down by Bill, who had found a loaded rifle to save his friend.

"Come on David, let's get the hell outta here," he said.

Bill helped David to his feet, the two looked left and right to see the true horror of the war playing out in front of them. Union regiments poured volley after volley, then charge after charge into the broken Confederate lines who were being reinforced by every soldier under General Bragg's command in hopes to end the battle right now. The Union commanders on the other hand were done retreating and were only going to order 'forwards' to their men until good ol' Johnny Reb was on the run.

"Okay, let's go," said Bill to David as they saw an opening. A gunshot nearby rang out, striking David in his calf, entering in and exited from his boot. David collapsed clutching his leg in pain, a nice sized hole visable by Bill. Bill leaned done to take a hold of David and escort him to safety. It was here out of the corner of his eyes he could see a rifle and bayonet point towards him.

"Get up, hands up," said the Union soldier.

Bill turned around slowly, moving his in the air and showing the Union soldier his face. The Union soldier looked hard at the Confederate cocked the rifle back and aimed it directly at Bill's head.

Bill defiantly stood, tears in his eyes believing he was about to be shot. David, on the ground clutching his would looked at Bill and looked at the Union soldier as nothing but screams and gunshots could be heard in the immediate vicinity of the battlefield. The Union soldier pulled the trigger, sending the bullet spinning out of the barrel and heading towards Bill, his eyes closed. Believing he was dead, he opened his eyes to the astounishment that the Union soldier missed him at point blank range. He looked up at the Union soldier, a familar face appeared. "Tom?" he asked quietly to not only himself but the Union soldier.

Tom it was, looking down at his brother in disgust. Eye to eye they looked at one another until Tom turned away. Tom's shoulder was grabbed by Paul who was ready to tell him something when he noticed the two Confederates on the ground. "David? Bill?" he asked in shock.

Tom looked at Paul and said, "Let's go," leaving his brother to his fate, but not giving it to him himself.

Bill got up, shocked at what had just happened and proceeded in picking up David and placing him over his shoulders and began moving away from the battle. A Union soldier aimed his rifle at Bill, shooting at him instantly. Tom could hear the familiar sound of Bill wincing, he looked over to see Bill falling to the ground, David falling off of his shoulders...

[Enewald]

Hah, such a small place this Kentucky/Tennessee is, and I fear that they shall meet many times in future to come.

[Erie_Patriot]

Suberb writing, I wonder what will become of our Confederate friends...

[BritishImperial]

It is a very small world but then the whole story would be pointless if the brothers never saw each other. its good to know they still have a little compassion for each other. and what will happen to Bill?

[volksmarschall]

@ Enewald: It's a small world afterall, or is it?

@ Erie_Patriot: Thanks. Perhaps something special for our fallen comrades...

@ BritishImperial: Compassion is a weakness, at least, when you do know each other. As for Bill, time will tell...

[volksmarschall]

As the battle continued, General Bragg grew impatient with the outcome of the current assaults on the Union lines, night was quickly coming and the Union lines were strong and steady in front of him, but according to reports where General Polk's men had attacked; the Union lines were completely disorganized but in a fashion unable for the Confederate general to come and run down on the flanks of the General Sedgwick's and Hunter's men in the "Butcher's Nest."

"Colonel Marks," said General Bragg, "Send a report to General Johnston, tell him I need more time or more men to break the Union lines."

"Ofcourse general," said the colonel as he rode off towards the vicinity of General Johnston.

"A few hours ago are men filled the battlefield, now we win or lose with only three fresh regiments and two understrengthed companies. General Rhodes, get the men ready for another attack."

Back at the battlefield, noises and screams of thousands of soldiers dying filled the air. Many were crying, others were in shock at the sight of their own wounds. Most of the Confederate forces were retreating back to General Bragg's position, including General Cheatham who was being dragged back by several of his soldiers as he was unable to walk at the current moment being severly wounded. General Pillow was missing, presumed dead by many of his soldiers and other Confederate officers, Colonel Chapman was missing, General Breckenridge was wounded, General Cheatham was wounded; it seemed like every senior officer that went into battle against the Union lines were either killed, wounded, or missing.

David wiped his face of dirt, his eyes blurred and unable to see more than a few feet in front of him. He looked down and saw a Confederate body by him, he presumed it was Bill. David reached down and tried to shack him awake, Bill turned over in pain as the bullet had caught him right near the spine. David looked backed and saw the Union soldiers beginning to push the Confederates who had breaken the Union lines, slowly being pushed back. Several Union cannons which were turned on the Unions were shelling them with their own rounds of double cannister, causing Union soldiers to drop like flies on every loud shot that ensued. David saw several Union soldiers coming towards him, he looked for any weapon he could fine to try and defend himself. Near his feet he picked up a revolver and cocked the trigger back.

"No!" screamed one of the Union soldier's, as he rushed forward to disarm David. David pulled the trigger and the Union soldier closed his eyes, but nothing happened. He moved forward and quickly disarmed David.

"David," said Tom, "be quick and get out of here, before it's too late."

"We'll take care of Bill from here," responed Paul.

Justin walked over and helped David to his feet, able to walk with only a staggering limp. "Quick before others decide to capture you," said Justin in the sight of his friend.

"Come on guys," said Tom, "help me get my brother up."

Bill was lifted up by the three Union soldiers who began to walk back to the Union lines.

David watched them as they nodded and went back to the Union lines, Paul was shouting out, "Prisoner, prisoner! We have a rebel prisoner."

The truth was that Tom was going to try and take his brother 'prisoner' so he could be taken to a hospital and properly treated. As the battle raged on, the dwindling moments were clear. The Confederates pushed one last time and were just as easily overwhelmed by the Union defensives. As the first day of battle closed, it was truly unclear who the winner was anymore.


The last Confederate attack issued by Bragg failed at around 7:30 that evening, of the near 9,000 men under his command he lost 5,876 soldiers on the first day; 5,708 from attacking the "Butcher's Nest," which included two brigade commands, and eleven regimental commanders.

[Enewald]

Insanity, why don't they manage to keep at least the officers alive?
Prisoners tend to die often in times of war.

[Erie_Patriot]

Such chaos, though I wonder who it would've been in real life?

Hopefully Bill can survive.

[Enewald]

Now I remember the name of that chin noble; Duke of Sung.

[volksmarschall]

Now I remember the name of that chin noble; Duke of Sung.

Duke Xiang of Song!

Mao Zedong once said about his warfare, "We are not all like the Duke of Song." (or something really close to that I believe)