War Yankee - Overland
War Yankee - Overland

War Yankee - Overland

Kyle M. Bondo

Overview
Episodes

Details

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.

Recent Episodes

Overland Ep.18 - Invisibles Against Invisibles
DEC 1, 2025
Overland Ep.18 - Invisibles Against Invisibles
<p><strong>In This Episode</strong></p><p>It's after 1:00 PM May 5th, 1864 --&nbsp;General James Wadsworth's center is collapsing as Cutler's and Stone's Brigades are smashed by waiting rebel forces, his last commander -- General James C. Rice, know by his men as “Old Crazy” -- has his brigade of New Yorkers in a deadly cat and mouse game with Confederates hiding in the woods nearly half-a-mile away. Will Rice be the first of Wadsworth's commanders to get the jump on the Confederates? Or will his men become lost to the Wilderness as well?</p><p><br><strong>Notable Quotes</strong></p><p><em>The brigade standard bearer, Pvte. Oliver W. Norton, claimed Colonel Rice was called “Old Crazy” because “he is brave enough, but in a fight too excitable to do anything right”.</em></p><p><em>-- H.W. Pfanz, Gettysburg: The Second Day (pg230)</em></p><p><br><em>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!”</em></p><p><em>-- A Confederate prisoner to his captors</em></p><p><br><em>"I never saw a group of more mortified men"</em></p><p><em>-- Southerner remarking of the Pennsylvanians' reaction on discovering they had been tricked into surrendering to a vastly inferior force</em></p><p><br><em>"On the brigade went in a full run"</em></p><p><em>-- One of Gen. Daniel's North Carolina Soldiers</em></p><p><br><em>"Levi Bowen, was wounded and taken prisoner in the Battle of the Wilderness [...] marched to Orange Court House and then eventually to Andersonville. It also appears that Levi kept a listing of other members of the Pennsylvania Reserves that he encountered at Andersonville as well as fellow soldiers who died there."</em></p><p><em>-- Daniel Davis, family historian and great-great-great grandson of Levi Bowen, Company H, 7th Pennsylvania Reserves</em></p><p><br><em>[The Parker's Store Road is] crowded with stragglers and large crowds of soldiers pouring out of the woods in great confusion and almost panic stricken. Some said they where flanked, others that they had suddenly come upon rebs laying concealed in two lines of battle in the thick underbrush."</em></p><p><em>-- Maj. Washington Roebling, Aide-De-Camp to General Gouverneur K. Warren </em></p><p><br><strong>Support the War Yankee Podcast</strong></p><p>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: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waryankee"><strong><u>buying me a cup of coffee</u></strong></a> (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!</p><p><br><strong>War Yankee Supports ABT</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://battlefields.org/"><strong><u>American Battlefield Trust</u></strong></a> 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://battlefields.org/"><strong><u>battlefields.org</u></strong></a>.</p>
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89 MIN
Oncetold.17: Middle of Nowhere
SEP 3, 2025
Oncetold.17: Middle of Nowhere
<p><strong>In This Episode</strong></p><p>It's 1:00 PM, May 5th, 1864 --&nbsp;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. </p><p><br><strong>Notable Quotes </strong></p><p><em>"[W]eird, uncanny contest—a battle of invisibles with invisibles." <br>-- Union Soldier</em> </p><p><br><em>"[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." <br>-- Union Soldier </em></p><p><br><em>"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." <br></em><em>-- New York Times correspondent, published May 13, 1864</em></p><p><br><em>"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." <br>-- Adjutant William Hincks, 14th Connecticut, History of Fourteenth Regiment, C. V. Infantry, pages 236-237</em></p><p><br><em>"[The] champion mud hole of mud holes" <br>-- Union Soldier </em></p><p><br><strong>Support the War Yankee Podcast</strong></p><p>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: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waryankee"><strong><u>buying me a cup of coffee</u></strong></a> (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! </p><p><br><strong>War Yankee Supports ABT</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://battlefields.org/"><strong><u>American Battlefield Trust</u></strong></a> 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://battlefields.org/"><strong><u>battlefields.org</u></strong></a>.</p>
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83 MIN
Overland.16: Tunnel Vision
AUG 12, 2025
Overland.16: Tunnel Vision
<p><strong>In This Episode</strong><br>It'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.</p><p><br><strong>Notable Quotes</strong><br><em>"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." </em><br><em>-- Rufus Dawes' Memoir (about General Lysander Cutler)</em></p><p><br><em>"All semblance of line of battle was gone and there were gaps everywhere between regiments and brigades."<br>-- General Warren's Aide</em></p><p><br><em>"Look to your right!"</em><br><em>-- Officer, 6th Wisconsin</em></p><p><br><em>"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!” </em><br><em>-- A Confederate prisoner to his captors</em></p><p><br><em>"Where is my second line? Bring up my second line!" </em><br><em>-- Wadsworth riding back and forth, trying to reform his Federal lines</em></p><p><br><em>"It met with the greatest loss of any regiment in the battles of the Wilderness.” </em><br><em>-- 7th, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment History</em></p><p><br><strong>Support the War Yankee Podcast</strong></p><p>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: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waryankee"><strong><u>buying me a cup of coffee</u></strong></a> (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!</p><p><br><strong>War Yankee Supports ABT</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://battlefields.org/"><strong><u>American Battlefield Trust</u></strong></a> 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://battlefields.org"><strong><u>battlefields.org</u></strong></a>.</p>
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81 MIN
Overland.15: Yelling Like So Many Demons
JUL 12, 2023
Overland.15: Yelling Like So Many Demons
<p><strong>In This Episode</strong> <br>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?</p><p><br><strong>Notable Quotes</strong> <br><em>"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." <br>-- Samuel L. Miller, a veteran historian of the 20th Maine</em></p><p><em><br>"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." <br>-- Soldier from the 1st Michigan</em></p><p><em><br>"A red volcano yawned before us and vomited forth fire, and lead, and death" <br>-- Soldier from the 20th Maine</em></p><p><em><br>"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." <br>-- Veteran Union Soldier</em></p><p><em><br>"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." <br>-- Veteran Union Captain</em></p><p><em><br>"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." <br>-- Soldier from the 3rd Alabama</em></p><p><em><br>"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." <br>-- Colonel Joseph Hayes, Commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps</em></p><p><em><br>"[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." <br>-- Veteran of the 83rd Pennsylvania</em></p><p><br><strong>Support the War Yankee Podcast</strong></p><p>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: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waryankee"><u>buying me a cup of coffee</u></a> (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!</p><p><br><strong>War Yankee Supports ABT</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://battlefields.org/"><u>American Battlefield Trust</u></a> 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://battlefields.org/"><u>battlefields.org</u></a>.</p>
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84 MIN
Overland.14: The Wild, Wicked Roar
JUN 7, 2023
Overland.14: The Wild, Wicked Roar
<p>It'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.</p><p><br><strong>Notable Quotes</strong><br><em>“Stand up…forward, double-quick, CHARGE!”<br>-- Col. George "Paddy" Ryan, 140th New York "Zouaves" Regiment</em></p><p><em><br>"[The] wild, wicked roar of musketry”<br>-- Wilderness Veteran</em></p><p><em><br>"Down the slope we rushed…killed and wounded men plunging to the ground."<br>-- Zouave Veteran</em></p><p><em><br>"It might be better if we bring up artillery and fire back!"<br>-- General Ulysses S. Grant</em></p><p><br><strong>Support the War Yankee Podcast</strong></p><p>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: First, COFFEE! If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting the show by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waryankee"><strong><u>buying me a cup of coffee</u></strong></a> (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!</p><p><br><strong>War Yankee Supports ABT</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://battlefields.org/"><strong><u>American Battlefield Trust</u></strong></a> 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://battlefields.org"><strong><u>battlefields.org</u></strong></a>.</p>
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64 MIN