Civil War Podcast, Episode 135

PENINSULA CAMPAIGN (Part the Sixth)

One of the bridges that McClellan's army built over the Chickahominy River.
One of the bridges that McClellan’s army built over the Chickahominy River.

In which we set the stage for the Battle of Fair Oaks, which took place outside Richmond over May 31-June 1, 1862.

CW Book PBS

Our book recommendation for this episode is “The Civil War: An Illustrated History” by Geoffrey Ward with Ric Burns & Ken Burns.

Civil War Podcast, Episode 134

PENINSULA CAMPAIGN (Part the Fifth)

James River seen from Confederate defenses at Drewry's Bluff.
James River seen from Confederate defenses at Drewry’s Bluff.

In which we look at the First Battle of Drewry’s Bluff on May 15, 1862 and we also discuss the slow but steady march of the Army of the Potomac up the Peninsula as it closes in on Richmond.

An excellent view of the tumble home of the USS Galena.
An excellent view of the tumble home of the USS Galena.
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Our book recommendation for this episode is “Ships of the Civil War (1861-1865): An Illustrated Guide to the Fighting vessels of the Union and the Confederacy” by Kevin J. Dougherty.

Civil War Podcast, Episode 133

PENINSULA CAMPAIGN (Part the Fourth)

Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886)
Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886)

In which we look at the engagement at Williamsburg on May 5, 1862 and the heavy skirmish at Eltham’s Landing on May 7.

CWT March 2001

Our book recommendation for this episode is actually a back issue of ‘Civil War Times’ magazine. The March 2001 issue contains an article about the fighting at Williamsburg titled, “The Men Who Made Hancock ‘Superb.'”

Listen to Episode 133: PeninsulaPartFourth

Civil War Podcast, Episode 132

PENINSULA CAMPAIGN (Part the Third)

Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)
Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)

In which we continue our discussion of the Peninsula Campaign and see that George McClellan won Yorktown as he always hoped- without a fight.

NecessityBook

Our book recommendation for this episode is “The Peninsula Campaign & the Necessity for Emancipation: African Americans & the Fight for Freedom” by Glenn David Brasher.

Civil War Podcast, Episode 131

PENINSULA CAMPAIGN (Part the Second)

George Brinton McClellan (1826-1885)
George Brinton McClellan (1826-1885)

In which we hit the pause button on the action during the Peninsula Campaign and take the time to discuss (1) McClellan’s special bond with the men of the Army of the Potomac, (2) McClellan’s suspicious arithmetic and the security of Washington, and (3) Lincoln’s decision to withhold McDowell’s corps from McClellan.

time-life-books-the-civil-war-forward-to-richmond

Our book recommendation for this episode is “Forward to Richmond: McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign” by Ronald H. Bailey and the Editors of Time-Life Books.

Civil War Podcast, Episode 130

PENINSULA CAMPAIGN (Part the First)

John Bankhead Magruder (1807-1871)
John Bankhead Magruder (1807-1871)

In which we see the Army of the Potomac disembark at Fort Monroe and begin its march up the Peninsula in April, 1862.

DoughertyBook

Our book recommendation for this episode is “The Peninsula Campaign of 1862: A Military Analysis” by Kevin Dougherty with J. Michael Moore.