December 1745. The Highland Army is at Derby. They have marched over 100 miles into English territory, outmaneuvering two British field armies along the way. They are just days away from London. The Stuart cause has never been closer to victory.

But at the very moment of their greatest advantage, the army halts.

In Part III of our Jacobite Rising series, hosts Dr. Alex Burns, Dr. Andrew Bamford and Lee Gugino are joined by our returning guest Dr. Aaron Johnston to break down the "High Water Mark" of the rebellion.

We move beyond the myths of panic in the capital to analyze the cold strategic realities that faced Bonnie Prince Charlie. This is the story of a daring invasion, the complex politics of French support, and the fateful Council of War that changed the course of British history.

In this episode, we dissect:

• The Invasion Route: How the Jacobites managed to slip past superior British forces to reach the heart of the Midlands.
• The French Factor: The arrival of the Royal Écossais and the strategic hesitation across the channel.
• The Council at Derby: We take you inside the room for the heated debate between the Prince and Lord George Murray. Was the retreat a failure of nerve, or the only military option left?

🎧 Want the Full, Uncut Episode? The main episode covers strategic decision making, but we had to cut nearly 40 minutes of deep-dive analysis and alternate history. Join us as an Aide-de-Camp in the Prime & Load! War Room on Patreon to hear the Uncut Episode where we discuss:

• The "What If" Scenario: We play out the alternate history, what would have happened if they had marched on London? Would the French have landed? Would the City have fallen?
• The English Militias: Who actually mobilized to defend the Hanoverian government (and were they effective)?

The Southern Jacobites: The reality of English support for the Stuarts.

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The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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They called them the “German Regiment,” but the 8th Virginia was more than that — a fascinating mix of frontier riflemen, Scots-Irish settlers, and German-speaking farmers who brought their own traditions to the fight for independence. In this episode of Prime & Load!, we’re joined by historian and author Gabe Neville, whose book The Last Men Standing: The 8th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolution explores this Continental Army regiment’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War.

We uncover what made the 8th Virginia unique — from its early use of American rifles to its blend of backcountry culture and disciplined military leadership. You’ll hear how this unit fought from Virginia’s valleys to the Battle of Brandywine and beyond, helping shape the Continental Army’s identity in the War for Independence.

If you enjoy this new Regimental Series, let us know by texting or emailing the show — and be sure to share this episode with a friend who loves Revolutionary War history.

The Last Men Standing

The 8th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolution By Gabriel Neville

DISCOUNT CODE: LMS25

Valid through January, 2026

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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This week on Prime & Load! we’re joined by Maj. Gen. Jason Bohm, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), author of Washington’s Marines. Together we explore the origins of the Continental Marines and their vital role in America’s fight for independence.

From the early recruitment of Marines and their first amphibious assault in the Bahamas to their actions at Trenton and Princeton, Maj. Gen. Bohm helps uncover how these early warriors shaped America’s identity as a maritime nation. We also discuss George Washington’s complicated relationship with the Marines, the role of naval infantry in 18th-century warfare, and how John Paul Jones used Marines to strike directly at the English coast.

Whether you’re a student of the American Revolution or a proud member of the Corps, this episode dives deep into the legacy of the first Marines and the origins of U.S. amphibious warfare.

Washington's Marines: The Origin of the Corps and the American Revolution

By Maj. Gen. Jason Bohm, USMC Ret.

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The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

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It’s Halloween on Prime & Load! — and we’re diving into the darker side of 18th-century warfare. From French soldiers sent to hunt monsters in the countryside, to Eastern European patrols investigating reports of vampires, to Hessians in America spotting UFOs, these are the stranger campaigns may never read about in the history books.

In this lighthearted but historically grounded special, we explore the real primary sources behind these eerie tales and what they reveal about the fears, folklore, and imagination of the 18th century. Were these stories born from superstition — or something else entirely?

Grab your lantern and musket, and join us for a Halloween march through the uncanny world of military legend.

 And don’t forget — share this episode with a friend (if they’re brave enough to listen after dark).

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The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

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The Sniper. The Frontiersman. The American Legend. Pop culture tells us the American Revolution was won by sharp-shooters hiding in the trees, picking off British officers with impossible accuracy. But how much of that is Hollywood myth, and how much is ballistic reality?

In this episode of Prime & Load, host Lee Gugino and historian Dr. Alex Burns are joined by Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver to track the evolution of the American Rifle—from a German hunting tool to the weapon that defined the Continental Army.

We move beyond the romanticized "Daniel Boone" image to explore the mechanics, the logistics, and the lethal effectiveness of America's first specialized weapon system.

Inside the War Room, we discuss:

• The Pennsylvania Transformation: How German Jaeger rifles were adapted into the sleek "American Longrifle" of the frontier.
• Musket vs. Rifle: The eternal debate. We break down the trade-off between range and reload speed.
• Washington’s Love/Hate Relationship: Why the Commander-in-Chief valued riflemen as scouts but feared their lack of discipline.
• The "Rifle Shirt" Identity: How a weapon became a symbol of American independence, distinct from the European "automaton" soldier.

Whether you are a black powder enthusiast, a student of Morgan’s Riflemen, or just want to know if The Patriot got anything right, this is the definitive history of the gun that built a nation.

🎧 Want the unedited version? We got into a deep technical debate about rifling twist rates and patch grease that was a bit too "in the weeds" for the main feed. If you want the full technical breakdown, join us as an Aide-de-Camp on Patreon to unlock the "Unsealed Dispatches"—the raw, unedited audio.

Referenced Materials

Rifles and Riflemen: Material Culture, Violence, and Early American Identity, 1720 -- 1820, By Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver

Hessians: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War

by Friederike Baer

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Its been a long time coming but we are proud to announce the Prime & Load Top Commander of the 18th Century! 

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On the morning of September 30, 1745, Frederick the Great faced one of the most perilous moments of his career. The Prussian army, just 22,000 strong, awoke in its Bohemian camp to find Austrian guns positioned on the heights above them — a force twice their size, ready to strike. What followed was a desperate battle of improvisation, aggression, and survival.

In this episode of Prime & Load!, we explore how Frederick the Great and the Prussian army clawed their way out of near disaster at the Battle of Soor, turning a potential rout into one of the most remarkable recoveries of the War of the Austrian Succession. We break down the key tactical decisions, the mistakes that nearly doomed him, and the leadership that defined his legend.

If you enjoy this episode, text or email us your thoughts — and share it with a friend who loves 18th-century warfare.

Want the Uncut Version? We had to cut 20 minutes of details from this episode to fit the time slot. Join us as an Aide-de-Camp on Patreon to hear the "Unsealed Despatches"—the raw, unedited audio where we argue about logistics, personalities, and the details that didn't make the main feed. 

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The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

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Dr. Arran Johnston returns to dive into the Jacobites! On the 280th anniversary of the Battle of Prestonpans, we explore the battle and its lead-up in depth. This massive episode is packed with fascinating details, so buckle up and get ready to talk Scots!

Recommended Reading

The Battles of Bonnie Prince Charlie: The Young Chevalier at War, Arran Johnston

Valour Does Not Wait: The Rise and Fall of Charles Edward Stuart, Arran Johnston 

Fight for a Throne: The Jacobite '45 Reconsidered, Christopher Duffy

The '45, Christopher Duffy

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Everything comes to this! You've voted and now it's down to our final 2 commanders. We're joined by long time friend of the podcast Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver to review the results of Round 4 and start Round 5.

Those participating will receive an email ballet but anyone can buy additional votes for their top picks at your Buy Me a Coffee page. $1 = 1 vote!

Buy More Votes Here!

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Something very different for us, warfare and water! Join us and our guest Dr. Sam Cavell for an overview of warfare on the high seas! Together we talk about basic tactics, life on board, and some unique insights into a distinct advantage Britain's Royal Navy had on the rest of the world.

 

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