Overland.06: Sea of Blue

In This Episode

It's May 3rd, 1864 -- Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant and Major General George Meade plan to move the 120,000 man Army of the Potomac is underway. They will move the Union War Machine under the cover of darkness, cross the Rapidan River far EAST of the Confederate Left Flank and make an end-run around to the Confederate Rear before Lee has a chance to react. It is a good plan except for three faulty assumptions: Assuming they can keep the movements of a massive army a secret, assuming that Lee's troops will take over 30-hours to move out of their defenses, and assuming that they can move their army quickly through the fabled WILDERNESS.

Noteable Quotes

"The foe that held his guarded hills -- Must speed to woods afar;
For the scheme that was nursed by the Culpepper hearth -- With the slowly-smoked cigar—
The scheme that smouldered through winter long -- Now bursts into act—into war—
The resolute scheme of a heart as calm -- As the Cyclone’s core."
-- Herman Melville: The Armies of the Wilderness - First Appearance in "Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War" (1866), page 107

"Whatever happens, there will be no turning back."
-- Lt.Gen. Ulysses S. Grant

Support the War Yankee Podcast

Every 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:

Send me a quick note of encouragement at thewaryankee@gmail.com. This keeps me going when times get tough!
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by buying me a cup of coffee (or two)!
Thank you for taking the time to listen. You are appreciated!

War Yankee Supports ABT

American Battlefield Trust knows that there is no substitute for experiencing history in the places where it actually took place and has worked to become the only one national organization working to save America\'s historic battlefields today and 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

Send War Yankee a Telegraph