Category Archives: 1861

Civil War Podcast, Episode 65

MAYHEM IN MISSOURI (Part the Second)

In which we continue our look at the mayhem that broke out in Missouri at the start of the Civil War. In this episode, we cover the ‘Battle of Carthage,’ and set the stage for the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.

Our book recommendation for this episode is The Civil War in Missouri: A Military History by Louis S. Gerteis.

“Making a case for the national importance of Civil War military campaigns in Missouri, Louis Gerteis portrays the operations of Union and Confederate armies in vivid detail. Although Missouri was notable for the intensity of its guerrilla warfare, this book demonstrates that conventional armies largely determined developments in the state, forming the anchor of Union control in the trans-Mississippi theater.” ~ James M. McPherson

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Civil War Podcast, Episode 64

MAYHEM IN MISSOURI (Part the First)

In which we look at the mayhem that broke out in the important border state of Missouri at the start of the Civil War.

Our book recommendation for this episode is actually a magazine article in a back issue of North & South magazine. Volume 2 #5 (June, 1999) of North & South has an article titled “Don’t Yield an Inch! The Story of the Missouri State Guard” by William Garrett Piston & Thomas P. Sweeney.

Listen to Episode 64 to find out about our

March Madness T-shirt Giveaway!

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Civil War Podcast, Episode 63

EX PARTE MERRYMAN

In which we discuss Chief Justice Roger Taney’s dramatic challenge to Abraham Lincoln’s suspension of “the great writ of liberty” (habeas corpus).

Our book recommendation for this episode is The Body of John Merryman: Abraham Lincoln and the Suspension of Habeas Corpus by Brian McGinty.

“An original, comprehensive, and well-written narrative about the first constitutional crisis pitting Abraham Lincoln against Chief Justice Roger B. Taney. Anyone interested in American history, the Constitution, and the Civil War will be anxious to read this excellent book.” ~ Frank J. Williams, former Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court and founding chair of The Lincoln Forum

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Civil War Podcast, Episode 59

FIRST MANASSAS (Part the Eighth)

In which we conclude our discussion of the First Battle of Manassas (July 21, 1861), looking at the Federal army’s retreat and the failure of the Confederates to pursue, and then we offer some final thoughts on the war’s first major battle.

Our book recommendation for this episode is The Civil War in the East: Struggle, Stalemate, and Victory by Brooks D. Simpson.

“Informative, solidly researched, well-written, and unfailingly interesting, The Civil War in the East will further solidify Brooks Simpson’s place as one of this generation’s outstanding scholars of the Civil War.” ~ Ethan S. Rafuse

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Civil War Podcast, Episode 58

FIRST MANASSAS (Part the Seventh)

In which we continue with our discussion of the First Battle of Manassas (July 21, 1861), looking at the fight for Henry Hill, and then we move over to the action at Chinn Ridge.

Our book recommendation for this episode is Battle at Bull Run: A History of the First Major Campaign of the Civil War by William C. Davis.

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Civil War Podcast, Episode 57

FIRST MANASSAS (Part the Sixth)

In which we continue with our discussion of the First Battle of Manassas (July 21, 1861), looking at the start of the pivotal fight for Henry Hill. Plus, we see how Stonewall Jackson got his famous nickname.

Our book recommendation for this episode is Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Soldier, The Legend by James I. Robertson, Jr.

“Few military figures in American history have been more written about than Jackson, but Robertson, through diligent research, uncovers a great deal of fresh material about the general’s public and private life. he shapes that material into an engrossing, detailed narrative that is the indispensable first place to turn for anyone interested in the great Confederate general.” ~ Gary W. Gallagher

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Civil War Podcast, Episode 56

FIRST MANASSAS (Part the Fifth)

In which we continue with our discussion of the First Battle of Manassas (July 21, 1861), looking at how McDowell failed to maintain the initiative after he seized Matthews Hill, and as a result the Confederates had time to forge a defensive line on Henry Hill.

Our book recommendation for this episode is a back issue of Blue & Gray magazine. Blue & Gray, Volume 27 #5 was dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas.

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Civil War Podcast, Episode 55

FIRST MANASSAS (Part the Fourth)

In which we cover the start of the First Battle of Manassas (July 21, 1861)- including the Federals’ flanking march to Sudley Ford and the fight for Matthews Hill.

Our book recommendation for this episode is The First Battle of Manassas: An End to Innocence July 18-21, 1861 by John Hennessy.

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Civil War Podcast, Episode 54

FIRST MANASSAS (Part the Third)

In which we cover the affair at Blackburn’s Ford on July 18, 1861. Plus, we look at McDowell’s decision to change his plan and attempt to turn the Confederate left flank.

Our book recommendation for this episode is A Single Grand Victory: The First Campaign and Battle of Manassas by Ethan S. Rafuse.

“Well written, judicious, and unfailingly interesting, A Single Grand Victory combines capable battle narrative with a firm grasp of the larger political context. Highly recommended.” ~ Mark Grimsley

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Civil War Podcast, Episode 53

FIRST MANASSAS (Part the Second)

In which we look at the start of the campaign that culminates with the First Battle of Manassas on July 21, 1861.

Our book recommendation for this episode is Donnybrook: The Battle of Bull Run, 1861 by David Detzer.

“David Detzer is making a distinguished reputation in Civil War history writing about great openings. In Donnybrook, he gives us a marvelous account of the first great battle of the war, at Bull Run. Like his first, this second book is comprehensive, thorough, deeply researched, rich in detail, and highly readable. It is a fine account of a major passage in that great war.” ~ John C. Waugh, author of Reelecting Lincoln

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