Hey everyone, welcome to episode number 6 of our

Civil War Podcast. My name is Rich and here in the recording studio with me is

my co-host her name is Tracy. Hello y'all and the recording studio is really

our kitchen. Well yes but that's just so we can be in close proximity to various

snack items in case there's a you know immediate need for a snack. During the

podcast you never know when you may have a snack emergency Tracy. Okay well

previously on the podcast we covered the start of America's War with Mexico in

1846. We talked about how the war was connected to the United States in

Exation of Texas and to the concept of manifest destiny. And to the evil

designs lurking in James K. Polk's dark little expansionist heart. Rich. Okay

anyway we also talked about the start of hostilities in April 1846 between the

Mexican Army and the American soldiers in Texas under the command of General

Zachary Taylor. Right and it's important to remember that the force which

Taylor took to Texas was composed of infantry cavalry and artillery units

from the regular army. That means those soldiers both enlisted men and

officers were professionals. Being in the army was their occupation. It's what

they did for a living right. But then the complexion of the war changed quite

dramatically in mid to late 1846 when large numbers of American volunteer units

started to show up for the fight with Mexico. As we mentioned at the close of

the last show after hostilities had commenced Congress authorized the

raising of thousands of volunteers all of whom Congress authorized to be signed

up for 12 months of military service. Large numbers of volunteers were needed

...