Episode 436 - The Battle of Perryville
Summary
This episode of Lions Led By Donkeys explores the Confederate invasion of Kentucky and the Battle of Perryville, focusing on the chaotic conditions and leadership failures of 1862. The hosts discuss the abrasive personalities of Generals Braxton Bragg and Don Carlos Buell, whose mutual disdain and poor communication contributed to the conflict. They highlight the devastating impact of the summer heat and contaminated water sources, which caused widespread illness and misery among the troops. The narrative covers the accidental start of the battle as Union forces seized Doctor's Creek for wa…
Topics discussed
Intro, Patreon pitch, and host introductions
Banter on waking up early and FBI director memes
Episode overview: Confederate invasion of Kentucky
Kentucky's neutrality and the 'name alert' warning
Kentucky demographics and the start of the war
Union recruitment and Confederate invasion of Columbus
Morgan's Raiders and the rise of Braxton Bragg
Braxton Bragg's biography and abrasive personality
Bragg's feuds with subordinates and Shelby Foote
Shelby Foote's OnlyFans jokes and Bragg's reputation
Bragg's supply management and the diarrhea tangent
Don Carlos Buell and the Confederate invasion plan
The grueling march and the heat of 1862
Water contamination, disease, and soldier suffering
Buell's inaction and the appointment of Gilbert
The McCook family and the approach to Perryville
Skirmish at Springfield Pike and Bragg's orders
Battle begins: Doctor's Creek and Peter's Hill
St. John Little's attack and Captain Ebenezer Gay
Name alerts and the 'stripper' banter
Sheridan's unauthorized attack and Lincoln jokes
Sheridan's pursuit and Gilbert's refusal to act
Polk's attack at Dixville Crossing and Cheatham
Cheatham's flank attack and the defense of Open Knob
Terrell's cannon and the counterattack down the hill
Conscript retreats and Confederate pressure
Command breakdown and friendly fire incidents
Bottom Farm fire and Buell's continued inaction
Confederate artillery bombardment and reinforcements
Patrick Claiborne and the piecemeal fighting
Polk's ride through Union lines and Buell's realization
Casualties, aftermath, and Buell's dismissal
Analysis of the battle as a 'Fort Knox' fight
Sponsor read for Petly
Outro: Hangover remedies and listener questions
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