Podcast
War Yankee - Overland
Hosted by Kyle M. Bondo · EN
It's May 1864, and the Union enters its fourth year of war against the Confederacy succession. Ulysses S. Grant -- Hero of Vicksburg -- has been promoted to General-in-Chief of the Union Army by President Lincoln in a last-ditch effort to win the war. Grant, placing his command in the field with the Army of the Potomac, will now execute his own aggressive strategy against the rebels on all fronts. But first, he must spend the next 47 days fighting across the enemy-held Commonwealth of Virginia.
Join amateur historian and US Navy veteran Kyle M. Bondo, as he follows the history of Grant's Overland Campaign from Washington, DC, to Petersburg, Virginia, in War Yankee, an American Civil War history podcast presented by Oncetold.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Oncetold.17: Middle of Nowhere
Sep 301:23:13Tap to summarizeIn This EpisodeIt's 1:00 PM, May 5th, 1864 -- While the famed Iron Brigade is being destroyed on General James Wadsworth's right, his other Brigades -- commanded by Generals Stone and Rice -- are scattered and lost nearly half a mile too far to the left. When an invisible enemy attacks them out of nowhere, nobody knows who to shoot or where to run. Notable Quotes "[W]eird, uncanny contest—a battle of invisibles with invisibles." -- Union Soldier "[M]en's faces were sweaty black from biting cartridges, and a sort of grim ferocity seemed to be creeping into the actions and appearance of everyone within the limited range of vision." -- Union Soldier "No man can claim that he saw this battle, and although undoubtedly it had a line and formation of its own, it would puzzle even the Commanding General to lay it down on the map. There is something horrible and yet fascinating in the mystery shrouding this strangest of battles ever fought -- a battle which no man could see -- and whose progress could only be followed by the ear." -- New York Times correspondent, published May 13, 1864"So thick were the trees that it was difficult for the men to advance in line and we could seldom see further than a few rods ahead. Before long the scattering fire in front of us had grown more rapid and in a few minutes the skirmishers fall back and though we cannot see them, we know that we have encountered the main body of the enemy. A tempest of bullets cuts the air and the men fall from the ranks like autumn leaves in a November gale. Without any order that I heard, our line paused and in another instant countless tongues of flame leaped from the muzzles of our rifles and speech is drowned by the deafening and unintermitted roar of musketry." -- Adjutant William Hincks, 14th Connecticut, History of Fourteenth Regiment, C. V. Infantry, pages 236-237"[The] champion mud hole of mud holes" -- Union Soldier Support the War Yankee PodcastEvery episode is a work of passion that requires a lot of coffee. I research, read, visit, host, mix, edit, and produce every episode myself. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do two things for me: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)! Second, FEEDBACK! Please give this podcast a rating and review to let me know what you liked, what I can improve on, or that you're enjoying the show. Meanwhile, thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated! War Yankee Supports ABTAmerican Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it took place and has worked to become the only national organization working to save America's historic battlefields today. Discover how you can help preserve American history forever. Join me in the fight to save our nation's historic battlefields by visiting the American Battlefield Trust website at battlefields.org.
Transcribe →Overland.16: Tunnel Vision
Aug 1201:21:36Tap to summarizeIn This EpisodeIt's 1:00 PM May 5th, 1864 -- Brigadier General Lysander Cutler's famed Iron Brigade advanced in tandem with Bartlett through woods immediately south of Saunders Field. Although Bartlett is able to break through, Cutler meets fierce resistance as his men struggle to fight half in the openness of Saunders Field, and half in the dense thickets of The Wilderness. As the battle rages, the Iron Brigade soon discovers the dangers of fighting an invisible enemy.Notable Quotes"An elderly gentleman, spare of frame, with silvery hair, a beard nearly white, and beneath heavy eyebrows of an iron-gray color, are keen, penetrating dark eyes. His step is somewhat uneven, owing to a severe wound received at Gainesville. From behind a somewhat grave and severe aspect, shines out a kindly, even genial manner that wins you at once." -- Rufus Dawes' Memoir (about General Lysander Cutler)"All semblance of line of battle was gone and there were gaps everywhere between regiments and brigades."-- General Warren's Aide"Look to your right!"-- Officer, 6th Wisconsin"At Chickamauga there was at least a rear, but here there ain’t neither front nor rear. It’s all a [...] mess! And our two armies ain’t nothin but howlin’ mobs!” -- A Confederate prisoner to his captors"Where is my second line? Bring up my second line!" -- Wadsworth riding back and forth, trying to reform his Federal lines"It met with the greatest loss of any regiment in the battles of the Wilderness.” -- 7th, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment HistorySupport the War Yankee PodcastEvery episode is a work of passion that requires a lot of coffee. I research, read, visit, host, mix, edit, and produce every episode myself. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do two things for me: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)! Second, FEEDBACK! Please give this podcast a rating and review to let me know what you liked, what I can improve on, or that you're enjoying the show. Meanwhile, thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated!War Yankee Supports ABTAmerican Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it took place and has worked to become the only national organization working to save America's historic battlefields today. Discover how you can help preserve American history forever. Join me in the fight to save our nation's historic battlefields by visiting the American Battlefield Trust website at battlefields.org.
Transcribe →Overland.15: Yelling Like So Many Demons
Jul 13, 202301:24:45Tap to summarizeIn This Episode It's 1:00 PM May 5th, 1864 -- General Warren has ordered his division commanders Griffin and Wadsworth forward to pitch into the enemy now lurking on the opposite side of Saunders Field. While General Ayers's 140th New York Zouaves are the first to be bloodied, another of Griffin's brigade commanders -- General Joseph J. Bartlett -- moves across the field with enough momentum to smash a hole into the teeth of the rebel defenses. Will it be enough to carry the day?Notable Quotes "When the order was given to advance all three brigades started on the double-quick with a yell, driving the enemy in confusion back upon his reserves." -- Samuel L. Miller, a veteran historian of the 20th Maine"They were splendidly in line. Moved rapidly, their colors all unfurled, and formed as they advanced one of the finest battle pictures that I can remember." -- Soldier from the 1st Michigan"A red volcano yawned before us and vomited forth fire, and lead, and death" -- Soldier from the 20th Maine"What a medley of sounds. The incessant roar of the rifle; the screaming bullets; the forest on fire; men cheering, groaning, yelling, swearing, and praying! All this created an experience in the minds of the survivors that we can never forget." -- Veteran Union Soldier"On we went, o'er briar, o'er brake, o'er logs and o'er bogs, through the underbrush and overhanging limbs, for about three-quarters of a mile, yelling like so many demons." -- Veteran Union Captain"Orders were given for regimental commanders to move up rapidly to the crest of the hill and hold it at all hazards in case Jones gave way. The woods in front were so thick that it was impossible to see more than 20 steps from our line, and all thought that General Jones held the crest of the hill. Our enemy soon hurled a heavy column against General Jones, sweeping down on his flanks and it became evident that he was pressing our men back. At this juncture, Battle’s brigade moved up at a double-quick." -- Soldier from the 3rd Alabama"Soon the troops on our left gave way and retired in confusion. We then found ourselves isolated, the enemy upon both flanks and reported to be in rear also." -- Colonel Joseph Hayes, Commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps"[As we broke for the rear] on the double quick, we ran almost every step of the way back and when we got there we laid down on our backs and panted like so many hounds which had just come back in from a ten hours' chase after a gang of foxes." -- Veteran of the 83rd PennsylvaniaSupport the War Yankee PodcastEvery episode is a work of passion that requires a lot of coffee. I research, read, visit, host, mix, edit, and produce every episode myself. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do two things for me: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)! Second, FEEDBACK! Please give this podcast a rating and review to let me know what you liked, what I can improve on, or that you're enjoying the show. Meanwhile, thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated!War Yankee Supports ABTAmerican Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it took place and has worked to become the only national organization working to save America's historic battlefields today. Discover how you can help preserve American history forever. Join me in the fight to save our nation's historic battlefields by visiting the American Battlefield Trust website at battlefields.org.
Transcribe →Overland.14: The Wild, Wicked Roar
Jun 8, 202301:04:12Tap to summarizeIt's 1:00 PM on May 5th, 1864 -- Grant had given the order, Warren had given the signal, and now Griffin and Wadsworth's divisions are emerging from the eastern edge of Saunders Field to pitch into the enemy. However, as the bugles sound and the men rise to their feet, a "wild and wicked roar" erupts from the Confederate defenses just as Col. Paddy Ryan and his 140th New York Zouaves charge forward and race across 400 yards of open ground.Notable Quotes“Stand up…forward, double-quick, CHARGE!”-- Col. George "Paddy" Ryan, 140th New York "Zouaves" Regiment"[The] wild, wicked roar of musketry”-- Wilderness Veteran"Down the slope we rushed…killed and wounded men plunging to the ground."-- Zouave Veteran"It might be better if we bring up artillery and fire back!"-- General Ulysses S. GrantSupport the War Yankee PodcastEvery episode is a work of passion that requires a lot of coffee. I research, read, visit, host, mix, edit, and produce every episode myself. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do two things for me: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)! Second, FEEDBACK! Please give this podcast a rating and review to let me know what you liked, what I can improve on, or that you're enjoying the show. Meanwhile, thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated!War Yankee Supports ABTAmerican Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it took place and has worked to become the only national organization working to save America's historic battlefields today. Discover how you can help preserve American history forever. Join me in the fight to save our nation's historic battlefields by visiting the American Battlefield Trust website at battlefields.org.
Transcribe →Overland 13: Hat in Hand
May 6, 202301:14:35Tap to summarizeIn This Episode It's 1:00 PM on May 5th, 1864 -- Grant has had enough of both General Meade's and General Warren's excuses and has now directed them to send Griffin and Wadsworth's divisions forward and pitch into the enemy at once. Unfortunately, Grant does not yet know that General Sedgwick's 6th Corps, overcome by the tangles of The Wilderness, will not arrive on Griffin's RIGHT flank for hours. Worse yet, Wadsworth's men are also stuck trying to push through the dense Wilderness. When the order comes to march, Griffin's men will be stepping out into an open cornfield to confront the enemy... alone.Notable Quotes “[moments before the fighting began, the men], for those few minutes lay there and faced the possibilities of tragedy then inevitable.” -- Wrote a Zouave Soldier, after the Battle of Saunders Field"Suspense and dread and hope which possess men during such minutes cannot be adequately told in words." -- Zouave Veteran“Stand up…forward, double-quick, CHARGE!” -- Col. George "Paddy" Ryan, 140th New York "Zouaves" RegimentSupport the War Yankee PodcastEvery episode is a work of passion that requires a lot of coffee. I research, read, visit, host, mix, edit, and produce every episode myself. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do two things for me: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)! Second, FEEDBACK! Please give this podcast a rating and review to let me know what you liked, what I can improve on, or that you're enjoying the show. Meanwhile, thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated!War Yankee Supports ABTAmerican Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it took place and has worked to become the only national organization working to save America's historic battlefields today. Discover how you can help preserve American history forever. Join me in the fight to save our nation's historic battlefields by visiting the American Battlefield Trust website at battlefields.org.
Transcribe →Overland.12: Running in Circles
Feb 9, 202301:08:24Tap to summarizeIn This Episode It's noon on May 5th, 1864 -- The Army of the Potomac has captured the Brock Road Intersection with Orange Plank Road, has discovered Confederate cavalry probing their left flank along the Catharpin Road, and now must deal with the growing threat of Rebels digging in along the Orange Turnpike. After waiting for hours for Meade to stop talking about attacking and actually attack, Grant has had enough. But will he intervene in time to win his first battle against Lee?Notable Quotes "If [this] is what Meade meant by attacking 'at once', as he said he would at 7:30 AM (it's now after 10:00 AM) no wonder Lee was running circles around him." -- Gordon Rhea, Battle of the Wilderness"The only time I ever feel impatient is when I give an order for an important movement of troops in the presence of the enemy and am waiting for them to reach their destination. Then the minutes seem like hours." -- Grant's comment to Porter, from Hell Itself by Chris MackowskiSupport the War Yankee PodcastEvery episode is a work of passion that requires a lot of coffee. I research, read, visit, host, mix, edit, and produce every episode myself. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do two things for me: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)! Second, FEEDBACK! Please give this podcast a rating and review to let me know what you liked, what I can improve on, or that you're enjoying the show. Meanwhile, thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated!War Yankee Supports ABTAmerican Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it took place and has worked to become the only national organization working to save America's historic battlefields today. Discover how you can help preserve American history forever. Join me in the fight to save our nation's historic battlefields by visiting the American Battlefield Trust website at battlefields.org.
Transcribe →Overland.11: Proper Yankee Welcome
Jan 31, 202301:06:34Tap to summarizeIn This Episode It's afternoon on May 5th, 1864 -- Greenhorn cavalry officer Brig. Gen. Harry Wilson has stumbled onto a third Confederate cavalry force coming down the Catharpin Road. While he prepares his troopers to repel a rebel counter-attack from his former West Point classmate, Gen. Thomas "Tex" Rosser of Virginia, he is desperate to get this new information to Meade before it is too late. The only problem is that Wilson's entire cavalry division -- over 3,000 men and horses -- is completely cut off from the rest of the Union Army. No one is coming to save him or his men.Notable Quotes "I had had no word from Sheridan that day and knew absolutely nothing as to his whereabouts or even as to the position of any part of the army except my own." -- Brig. Gen. Harry Wilson"Pistol and sabre were busy in slaughter while the shrieks of the stricken and the shouts of the victors mingled with the roar of battle." -- Confederate Cavalryman"General Wilson is falling back to this point, followed by the enemy. Col. Chapman reports the enemy that attacked very superior to his [force] and compelled him to retire. Wilson himself had not yet arrived and I can't say what I will do. I have my command here and will receive the enemy." -- Brig.Gen. Gregg"Artilleryyy-ist... Artilllllery-ist? Artiller-ist? No. Can't say it. How's about, 'good shot with a cannon!'" -- Kyle M. Bondo, Amateur CannoneerSupport the War Yankee PodcastEvery episode is a work of passion that requires a lot of coffee. I research, read, visit, host, mix, edit, and produce every episode myself. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do two things for me: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)! Second, FEEDBACK! Please give this podcast a rating and review to let me know what you liked, what I can improve on, or that you're enjoying the show. Meanwhile, thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated!War Yankee Supports ABTAmerican Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it took place and has worked to become the only national organization working to save America's historic battlefields today. Discover how you can help preserve American history forever. Join me in the fight to save our nation's historic battlefields by visiting the American Battlefield Trust website at battlefields.org.
Transcribe →Intelligence.04: Ring Knockers
Jan 27, 202300:31:16Tap to summarizeIn This EpisodeIt's May 1864 -- You are an officer in the Army of the Potomac during the first week of the Overland Campaign, leading men into The Wilderness against the Confederacy. As you struggle to maneuver your soldiers in a straight enough line to engage the rebels within this 70-square-mile tract of thickets and dense forest... You may ask yourself... How did I get here?Notable Quotes“Let no man be so rash as to suppose that in donning a general’s uniform, he is forthwith competent to perform a general’s functions.”— Prof. Dennis Hart Mahan, USMA (1824-1871)“[I] hail the day [I] left public office as the happiest of my life, except possibly the day I left West Point, a place I felt I had been at always and that my stay had no end.”— Lt.Gen. Ulysses S. Grant (1871)“I was always a friend of southern rights but an enemy of southern wrongs.”— Maj.Gen. Benjamin Butler (1861)Support the War Yankee PodcastEvery episode is a work of passion that requires a lot of coffee. I research, read, visit, host, mix, edit, and produce every episode myself. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do two things for me: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)! Second, FEEDBACK! Please give this podcast a rating and review to let me know what you liked, what I can improve on, or that you're enjoying the show. Meanwhile, thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated!War Yankee Supports ABTAmerican Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it took place and has worked to become the only national organization working to save America's historic battlefields today. Discover how you can help preserve American history forever. Join me in the fight to save our nation's historic battlefields by visiting the American Battlefield Trust website at battlefields.org.
Transcribe →Intelligence.03: Rifleman First
Jan 26, 202300:20:20Tap to summarizeIn This Episode It's May 4th, 1864 — You are a soldier in the Army of the Potomac marching towards the Rapidan River and into The Wilderness -- a 70-mile tract of thickets and dense forest that only a year before had been the location of this same army's defeat at the Battle of Chancellorsville. Before you cross the floating bridge over the Rapidan River that will later be torn up so that you cannot use it again to retreat... You may ask yourself... How did I get here?Notable Quotes “It's just like shooting squirrels, only these squirrels have guns..” — Federal Veteran instructing Recruits in Rifleman Skills, America Goes to War by Bruce Catton.Support the War Yankee PodcastEvery episode is a work of passion that requires a lot of coffee. I research, read, visit, host, mix, edit, and produce every episode myself. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do two things for me: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)! Second, FEEDBACK! Please give this podcast a rating and review to let me know what you liked, what I can improve on, or that you're enjoying the show. Meanwhile, thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated!War Yankee Supports ABTAmerican Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it took place and has worked to become the only national organization working to save America's historic battlefields today. Discover how you can help preserve American history forever. Join me in the fight to save our nation's historic battlefields by visiting the American Battlefield Trust website at battlefields.org.
Transcribe →Intelligence.02: An American Army
Jan 25, 202300:14:03Tap to summarizeIn This Episode It's May 4th, 1864 — You are a soldier in the Army of the Potomac marching towards the Rapidan River and into The Wilderness -- a 70-mile tract of thickets and dense forest that only a year before had been the location of this same army's defeat at the Battle of Chancellorsville. Before you cross the floating bridge over the Rapidan River that will later be torn up so that you cannot use it again to retreat... You may ask yourself... How did I get here?Notable Quotes "I am greatly obliged to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country.” — President Abraham LincolnSupport the War Yankee PodcastEvery episode is a work of passion that requires a lot of coffee. I research, read, visit, host, mix, edit, and produce every episode myself. I would greatly appreciate it if you could do two things for me: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)! Second, FEEDBACK! Please give this podcast a rating and review to let me know what you liked, what I can improve on, or that you're enjoying the show. Meanwhile, thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated!War Yankee Supports ABTAmerican Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it took place and has worked to become the only national organization working to save America's historic battlefields today. Discover how you can help preserve American history forever. Join me in the fight to save our nation's historic battlefields by visiting the American Battlefield Trust website at battlefields.org.
Transcribe →