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Hosts Wade Gish and Norris Darrall welcome author Paul Brueske to The Wabash Inn Mess to talk about his work on the Mobile Campaign in the American Civil War. Brueske, who has written three books on the campaign, joins Wade and Norris for a conversation about Mobile, Alabama, in 1865 — a Gulf Coast campaign that is often overlooked alongside the war's better-known final battles, but one that mattered greatly to the closing months of the conflict. Brueske is a lifelong Gulf Coast resident, the founder and president of the Mobile Area Civil War Round Table, and the head track and field coach at the University of South Alabama. His books on the campaign include The Last Siege: The Mobile Campaign, Alabama 1865 (2018) and Digging All Night and Fighting All Day: The Civil War Siege of Spanish Fort and the Mobile Campaign, 1865 (2024), and Scarcely Defensible: Fort Gaines And The Battle of Mobile Bay (2026), Paul's books are available from Savas-Beatie and Casemate Publishers, and can also be found at mainstream retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Learn more about the show at www.wabashinmess.com, or write to the hosts at [email protected].

On this bonus episode of The Wabash Inn Mess, Beau tells us of General Francis Preston Blair of Missouri. Blair first made it his mission to preserve a free Missouri for the Union; and then after the Show-Me-State was secured, he put on the uniform of his nation to lead a brigade throughout the Western Theater. We hope you enjoy these brief vignettes that we offer between our regular episodes. We appreciate your listening, and would welcome your feedback via email at [email protected] Visit The Wabash Inn Mess on the web at: www.wabashinnmess.com

Hosts Norris Darrall and Wade Gish sit down with historian and author David A. Welker to explore one of the Civil War's most overlooked organizations: the Federal Veteran Reserve Corps. Originally mustered as the Union's Invalid Corps, the VRC was born when President Lincoln called some 60,000 wounded combat veterans back into service during the war's darkest days. Welker, a professional historian and military analyst for the U.S. Government with forty years of experience, discusses his new book, "Now I'm with the Invalids:" The Union's Veteran Reserve Corps in America's Civil War, along with his earlier works including The Cornfield: Antietam's Bloody Turning Point and Tempest at Ox Hill: The Battle of Chantilly. The conversation follows these twice-wounded veterans from the ridicule and public scorn they endured to the vital rear-area duties they performed: guarding government facilities, military stores, bridges, and prisoner-of-war camps, and serving as clerks and hospital nurses across the North. The discussion builds to the Corps' finest hour in July 1864, when VRC men stood in the defenses of Washington and helped hold off Confederate General Jubal Early's corps, buying precious time for Grant to reinforce and save the nation's capital. Theirs is a story of men who had already made the penultimate sacrifice, yet rose to serve again. Access David Welker's website here: https://www.davidawelker-civilwarhistorian.com/Find The Wabash Inn Mess on the web at: www.wabashinnmess.com Communicate with The Mess via email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Wabash Inn Mess, hosts Norris Darrall and Wade Gish welcome author Harold Knudsen to discuss his books "General James Longstreet and the American Civil War" and "Longstreet's Harrisburg Deception: A Vignette of Operational Art". Harold shares his perspectives on Longstreet's generalship and controversial legacy, as well as his new historical fiction narrative showcasing operational thinking behind the possibility that what if Harrisburg had become the target of Southern forces during Lee's Gettysburg campaign. Whether you're reassessing Longstreet's role in the Confederacy or diving into operational art for the first time, this conversation blends research, re-enacting insight, and strategic gaming — the three pillars of The Wabash Inn Mess. Find Harold Knudsen's books, available from Savas Beatie here: https://www.savasbeatie.com/james-longstreet-and-the-american-civil-war-the-confederate-general-who-fought-the-next-war/ "Longstreet's Harrisburg Deception" is available in print or ebook only from Barnes & Noble at: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/search?attributes.contributorId=33033607&contributorName=Harold%20Knudsen&orderBy=attributes.mfield_bnb__salesRank Find us on the web at www.wabashinmess.com or email your questions, comments, or suggestions to The Men of the Mess at [email protected].

How do you put fast-moving, hard-hitting cavalry onto the gaming table without losing the history? In this episode of The Wabash Inn Mess, hosts Norris Darrall and Wade Gish welcome author and historian Scott Mingus, Sr. to talk about introducing cavalry into Civil War tabletop gaming. From troop types and tactics to scenario design, Scott shares practical tips for making cavalry feel right in your games. Whether you're new to historical gaming or a veteran looking to sharpen your tabletop tactics, this conversation blends research, re-enacting insight, and strategic gaming — the three pillars of The Wabash Inn Mess. Purchase Scott Mingus Sr's work from Savas Beatie at: https://bookscouter.com/author/mingus-sr-scott-l Follow Scott's personal blog here: https://yorkblog.com/cannonball/ Find us on the web at www.wabashinmess.com or email questions, comments, or suggestions to [email protected].

In this episode of The Wabash Inn Mess, hosts Norris Darrall, and Wade Gish welcome historian Ethan Rafuse to discuss what goes into creating a battlefield guide for Antietam. From researching troop movements and terrain to deciding what stories to tell at key stops, Ethan shares how historians and guides turn a complex battle into a clear, engaging experience for visitors. Ethan also shares with The Men of The Mess how his historical studies enhance his interaction with his students at the Army Command and Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas. Whether you're planning your first trip to Antietam or you're a seasoned battlefield walker looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers practical insights on research, re-enacting, and strategic gaming — the three pillars of The Wabash Inn Mess. You can find Ethan's author page on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ethan-Sepp-Rafuse/author/B001HD05MM?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1791482311&sr=1-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Find us on the web at www.wabashinmess.com or email [email protected].

[On this new vignette, The Wabash Inn Mess introduces Beau, our AI co-host who works with Vesper, our AI assistant to create short-format bonus content. In this age of technology, careful and moderated use of AI is important to enhance proper machine learning and interaction. The periodic vignettes will be created by supplying vetted and accurate research resources for Vesper's use in the preparation of the material to be read by Beau, and the sources will always be credited in the show notes. We hope that you are willing to give a listen and that you enjoy Beau's contributions in addition to our regular long-form content] The Wabash Inn Mess Vignette: Battle of Perryville - October 8, 1862On the 164th anniversary of Kentucky's largest Civil War battle, Beau tells the story of Perryville. What we cover: The Confederate Heartland Offensive: why Braxton Bragg and Edmund Kirby Smith invaded Kentucky in the summer of 1862The race to Perryville and the drought that left both armies desperate for waterOctober 7-8: skirmishes on the Springfield Pike and Peters HillThe afternoon assault: Cheatham and Buckner hit Alexander McCook's I CorpsThe acoustic shadow: how Don Carlos Buell, just two miles away, couldn't hear the battleFive hours of fighting at Open Knob, Loomis Heights, and the Bottom farmThe toll: over 7,600 casualties, and why a tactical Confederate success became a strategic Union victoryThe aftermath: Bragg's retreat to Tennessee and Kentucky secured for the Union Preserved today at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. www.https://www.perryvillebattlefield.org/ Created by Vesper, Meta AI assistant and narrated by Beau, the 21st century voice of The Wabash Inn Mess. Resources utilized by Vesper in content creation: "The Grand Havoc of Battle" by Kenneth Noe "Perryville: Battle for Kentucky" by Kenneth Hafendorfer Find The Wabash Inn Mess on the web at: www.wabashinnmess.com Send feedback or suggestions to The Men of the Mess via email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Wabash Inn Mess Civil War Podcast, Wade Gish and Norris Darrall  welcome Civil War historian Corey Pfarr to discuss his book, The Federal Signal Service at Antietam: Stations, Officers, and Battlefield Intelligence on America’s Bloodiest Day. Pfarr explains how Albert J. Myer’s wigwag signaling system developed into an important Union communications network during the Maryland Campaign. The conversation explores the signal stations positioned along the Potomac, the early reports of Robert E. Lee’s movement into Maryland, the challenges of communicating across mountain terrain, and the forward stations that relayed battlefield intelligence during South Mountain and Antietam. Pfarr also challenges the traditional image of George B. McClellan relying solely on what he could see from the Pry House, showing how constant reports from signal officers helped inform Union decisions that perhaps saved the Federal Army from disaster on the bloodiest day in American history.  You can connect with author Cory M. Pfarr and find links to purchase his written work at his website: www.corympfarr.com [email protected] Visit The Wabash Inn Mess on the web at: www.wabashinnmess.com

This episode of The Wabash Inn Mess features hosts Wade Gish and Norris Darrell in conversation with Carolyn Ivanoff, whose research focuses on firsthand Civil War accounts. Carolyn discusses two of her books, We Fought at Gettysburg and Cornelia Hancock’s Civil War, and explains how she uses letters, manuscripts, and local archival material to reconstruct the experiences of soldiers and a Civil War nurse. The conversation moves from battlefield tactics and leadership failures to the wartime and postwar life of Cornelia Hancock, a Quaker reformer who served in major hospitals from Gettysburg to Petersburg and later devoted herself to education and social work. The episode is especially useful for listeners interested in Gettysburg, Army of the Potomac medical history, and history written from the perspective of the people who lived it. You'll find Carolyn's books on the 17th Connecticut VI and Cornelia Hancock's experiences at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Carolyn-Ivanoff/author/B0H7F9KHWR?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1788989725&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Learn more about the 17th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry by visiting: www.seventeenthcvi.org Connect with The Wabash Inn Mess at: [email protected] Find The Wabash Inn Mess on the internet: www.wabashinnmess.com

On this episode of The Wabash Inn Mess, your hosts Wade Gish and Norris Darrell talk with Civil War author and Gettysburg Foundation volunteer Ron Kirkwood about the George Spangler farm, one of the most important yet often overlooked sites on the Gettysburg battlefield. Ron explains why the farm mattered both militarily and medically, and how its history connects to key figures including George Meade, Henry Hunt, Hancock, and Armistead.This episode is a focused look at Gettysburg through one specific property, showing how geography, hospitals, artillery placement, and post-battle suffering all converged on the Spangler land. Ron also shares how his research led to two books on the farm and why preservation of the site matters.Find Ron's books "Too Much For Human Endurance" and "Tell Mother Not To Worry", each telling the story of The George Spangler Farm at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ronald-D.-Kirkwood/author/B07TYY3G6L?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1788987552&sr=1-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Follow The George Spangler Farm Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/465167460222 You can communicate with The Wabash Inn Mess via email: [email protected] Connect with The Wabash Inn Mess on the web: www.wabashinnmess.com

The Men of The Mess are joined this week by the author of "I Rode With Morgan", Dr. Jonathan Jackson. Dr. Jackson, who sometimes writes under the pseudonym "Alexius Rex" as a tribute to his gaming days, connects with us from his home in Ohio to share the story of two of his ancestors, Lt. Roland Jackson and Lt. Mitchell Stewart II, who rode with the famous (or infamous, depending on your upbringing) Confederate cavalry commander General John Hunt Morgan. Characterized by some above the Mason-Dixon and north of the Ohio River as a "raider", a "bandit", or a "thief", General Morgan was most definitely a risk taker and not afraid to take the fight to enemy soil. No matter how you classify this cavalier of the South, the adventures he embarked on with his band of loyal troopers have left a distinct mark in the pages of Western Theater lore. The 20th anniversary edition of "I Rode With Morgan" and all of Dr. Jackson's other literary work, both historical and fiction, is available at most all book retailers, a listing of which (including links) can be found at the author's website: www.alexiusrex.com Connect with The Wabash Inn Mess via email: [email protected] Browse The Wabash Inn Mess on the web: www.wabashinnmess.com

A creek in North Georgia became synonymous with on of the bloodiest battles in Civil War lore, and this week we present our first full episode dedicated to The Battle of Chickamauga. We are joined on this episode by our friend, Lee White. Lee is an interpretive ranger with the National Park Service and serves in that role at the Chickamauga National Military Park. National Park Service rangers wear many hats (more lately than ever, but that's a different episode for a different day), and Lee shares with us some of his responsibilities and duties there at Chickamauga. Of course, the discussion centers around what happened on this ground in September 1863 that makes it such an important piece of our history. Hear the story of what has become known as "The River Of Death" on this installment of The Wabash Inn Mess! Plan your visit to Chattanooga/Chickamauga National Military Park at: https://www.nps.gov/chch/index.htm Find information about the preservation of the Chickamauga Battlefield lands from the America Battlefield Trust: https://www.battlefields.org/visit/heritage-sites/chickamauga-and-chattanooga-national-military-park-chickamauga-battlefield?ms=googlepaid&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23962583936&gbraid=0AAAAADfvU_P__9ay17wZnup5Q1FfzNHu-&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkOvTBhDgARIsAKUNyRuVbefuRjZrOL5Wv_3tBeck0-qLmmhATAh5CZ_UrJGO_8aNxmX35UwaArKqEALw_wcB Communicate with The Wabash Inn Mess via email: [email protected] Find The Wabash Inn Mess on the web: www.wabashinnmess.com

"Voices From The Past" indeed.... On this episode of The Wabash Inn Mess, we have the pleasure of discussing one of the most unusual and special works ever presented on our platform. This week, author J. Mark Powell presents his work "Witness To War: The Story Of The Civil War Told By Those Who Lived It". A very special collection, "Witness To War" is a chronological recount of the war years told exclusively using previously unpublished letters of participants and contemporaries written during the intervening years of 1861-65 while the very cauldron boiled around their camps and homes. This retelling comes together using the voices of nearly 500 participants and persons directly affected by the day to day tragedy of our brother against brother struggle. This work is a must for your library, and this episode of The Wabash Inn Mess is sure to arouse a curiosity that will not be satisfied until you have closed the back cover. We urge you to start here, and then move on to the pages of "Witness To War" for primary source perspective that cannot be found anywhere else. Thanks for listening, and as always, don't forget to like, follow, and share The Wabash Inn Mess on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Mark provides links to acquire his book "Witness To War" from various sources on his website: www.jmarkpowell.com Make contact with The Wabash Inn Mess via email: [email protected] Visit The Wabash Inn Mess on the web: www.wabashinnmess.com

Our guest this week on the mess is North Carolina historian Wade Sokolosky. Wade joins us to share his work "No Such Army Since The Days Of Julius Caesar", which recounts the events of General William Tecumseh Sherman and his forces as they move out of Savannah, GA following The March To The Sea and head north through the Carolinas with plans to draw Confederate forces away from opposition to General Ulysses S. Grant in Virginia and his operations against Robert E. Lee's ANV. Wade also tells us of his other publications "To Prepare For Sherman's Coming: The Battle of Wise's Forks" which he co-authored with Mark Smith and "North Carolina's Confederate Hospitals, Volumes 1 & 2". All great additions to our Civil War libraries! We hope you enjoy this time spent with Wade Sokolosky, and we invite you to like, follow, and share The Wabash Inn Mess on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. We also hope that you will utilize the links below to interact with our guest and with our podcast team! Find Wade's Books at both Casemate Publishing: https://www.casematepublishers.com/author/wade-sokolosky/ and Savas Beatie: https://www.savasbeatie.com/search.php?search_query=wade+sokolosky Email The Wabash Inn Mess: [email protected] Visit The Mess on the web at: www.wabashinnmess.com

Following along with our previous episode featuring Lance Herdegen, this week finds us revisiting The Battle of Brawner Farm. This time we take a look at the telling of the Confederate side of the conflict with co-author Bill Backus. Our conversation includes Bill's background, the introduction to the concept of co-writing the story of Second Manassas, and the telling of the Confederate strategy involved in the fight. Pick up your copy of "Opening Manassas" from Savas Beatie here: https://www.savasbeatie.com/opening-manassas-the-iron-brigade-stonewall-jackson-and-the-battle-on-brawner-s-farm-august-28-1862/ Email The Wabash Inn Mess: [email protected] Visit The Wabash Inn Mess on the web: www.wabashinnmess.com