Ask A Gettysburg Guide #116- Army of the Potomac After Gettysburg- with Lewis Trott

Get ready for a deep-dive ride! In Ask A Gettysburg Guide #116 Lewis Trott and I trace the story of the Army of the Potomac **after** Gettysburg — from the tense pursuit across the Potomac to the grinding Overland Campaign, the siege around Petersburg, and the final Appomattox Campaign that helped end the war. Tune in for crisp storytelling, surprising turns of command, and the decisions that kept “Mr. Lincoln’s Army” fighting through 1863–1865. 🇺🇸

⚔️ Key points include:

• Post-Gettysburg Movement (0:56): Both Union and Confederate armies returned to Virginia, with the Union Army going to Warrenton for resupply and regrouping.

• Command Changes (1:25): Notable changes included William French taking over the Third Corps and Gouverneur Warren leading the Second Corps due to casualties like Sickles and Hancock.

• Union Army Challenges (3:46): The Union Army faced significant issues, including the implementation of the Conscription Act, leading to draft riots in New York City. Units were also depleted by casualties and expiring enlistments.

• New Recruits' Impact (24:00): The arrival of conscripts and substitutes, many of whom were foreigners with little commitment to the cause, created morale problems, with instances of desertion and thieving.

• Lee's Army Challenges (40:23): The Confederate Army also struggled with manpower and supplies, and a significant portion of Lee's army (Longstreet's Corps) was sent west to Tennessee.

• Bristoe Campaign & Mine Run (52:16): The video details the Bristoe Station Campaign, a Union victory where A.P. Hill made a tactical blunder, and the Mine Run Campaign, which saw much movement but little significant fighting before both armies settled into winter quarters.

• Leadership and Morale (1:05:00): The hosts discuss Lincoln's frustration with Meade's perceived lack of "alacrity" compared to Grant's more aggressive approach, despite Meade's tactical successes. The demoralizing experience of returning to a war-torn Virginia after a victory on northern soil is also highlighted.

📺 Watch now: Ask A Gettysburg Guide #116 — with Lewis Trott 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe so we can keep bringing you expert conversations from the fields of Gettysburg!

Support the show (we can’t do it without you) • Become a patron: [www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg](http://www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg) — exclusive episodes, early access, and bonus material.

• Make a tax-deductible donation to the Digital History Pioneers Foundation: [www.dhpioneers.com](http://www.dhpioneers.com) — help preserve and produce public history. Follow & connect Instagram / Facebook / Twitter — @AddressingGettysburg Questions for Lewis? Drop them in the comments and we may answer them on a future episode! Sources & further reading (quick picks)

* Overview of the Army of the Potomac. * Retreat from Gettysburg and Lee’s crossing of the Potomac. * The Overland Campaign and Grant-Meade coordination. * Richmond–Petersburg campaign (Siege of Petersburg). * Appomattox Campaign and Lee’s surrender. Thanks for listening — see you on the battlefield (figuratively..or is it?)! 👋