075 - "It Was Not War; It Was Murder" - North Anna and Cold Harbor

About this episode:

Washington City was buzzing with anxiety. It was the middle of May 1864 and no news had arrived from Virginia for days. Then, finally, in flurries, it came - word from the front and it was most welcome. Grant was posed to strike a mortal blow. Readers clutched papers that, in bold print, screamed “Extra.” Unable to concentrate, Congress adjourned for three days. At 10 pm on the evening of May 11th, the President moved out onto the Executive Mansion portico where, before him, a massive crowd sprawled on the lawn. He announced the times as dramatic and, in his high, reedy voice, Mr. Lincoln read a message from Grant, “I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.” And, indeed, it would. To the tune of Union casualties that numbered as many or more as Robert E. Lee had in his Confederate army. This is the story of two more Overland Campaign collisions between Lee and Grant. Two more that continued to bleed both armies. This is the story of the battles at the North Anna and Cold Harbor.

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Some Characters Mentioned In This Episode:

A. P. Hill

Richard S. Ewell

John B. Gordon

Gouverneur Warren

George Gordon Meade

Franz Sigel

Additional Resources:

Fighting at North Anna, VA - May 24th, 1864

Actions, Battle of Cold Harbor - June 3rd, 1864

For Further Reading:

To the North Anna River: Grant and Lee, May 13–25, 1864 by Gordon C. Rhea

Cold Harbor: Grant and Lee, May 26–June 3, 1864 by Gordon C. Rhea

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Producer: Dan Irving