Welcome to the Grant and Lee podcast in commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War. We resume reading from John Eston Cook's book ''A Life of General Robert E Lee originally published in 1871. This podcast is from part three chapter 3 of the aforementioned book. It is 26 27th June 1861. McClellan is threatening Richmond from the Chickahominy. Generally is about to engage as commander in his first battle of the Civil War.regard

The year is 1862. Grant is in Memphis being under utilized by general Hallock. He is anxious to be of greater service, and feels that he could be if only Hallock would utilize him.

The Battle of ShilohThe confrontation had been a slaughter on both sides. Corpses littered areas of the battlefield to the extent that, as General Grant described, ''it would have been possible to walk across the clearing in any direction stepping on dead bodies without a foot touching the ground.'' Nearly 100,000 troops had faced each other and almost 24,000 ended as casualties. This horrendous outcome was a wake-up call to the nation announcing that the continuing war would be costly for both sides.

May 1862. Halleck assumes command. Grant, although second-in-command is primarily an observer at the battle of Corinth, and does considerable second guessing in this chapter.

Grant is promoted to Maj. Gen. Advances on Nashville. Relieved of command. Restored to command.

June 27, 1862. Lee prepares to face McClellan at the Chickahominy

Lee prepares to attack McClellan.

the investment of Fort Donaldson

Johnston is wounded

Grant states his concerns regarding the number of West Point educated and experienced officers in the Confederacy.