Subject
North Carolina -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 Books
Best books
James Sprunt
Derelicts: An Account of Ships Lost at Sea in General Commercial Traffic And a Brief History of Blockade Runners Stranded Along the North Carolina Coast, 1861-1865
"Derelicts: An Account of Ships Lost at Sea in General Commercial Traffic" by James Sprunt is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work discusses the fate of numerous vessels that were abandoned at sea, particularly during the American Civil War, detailing blockade runners and other ships lost along the North Carolina coast. It captures the narrative of their journeys, the challenges they faced, and the broader implications of maritime navigation during a turbulent period in U.S. history. The opening of the book sets the stage by introducing the author's long-standing interest in the stories of derelict ships and the blockade runners that encountered various fates during the Civil War. Sprunt reflects on episodes from his own life, including his role as a paymaster on some of these ships, conveying a deep sense of nostalgia and urgency to document these stories before they fade from memory. He establishes that many of these derelict ships still hold their secrets, and introduces the term "derelict" within a legal context, while describing the dangers they pose to maritime traffic. The beginning of the book combines personal recollections, historical insights, and vivid imagery of life at sea, drawing readers into the perilous world of nautical adventures amidst the backdrop of war.
Cornelia Phillips Spencer
The Last Ninety Days of the War in North-Carolina
"The Last Ninety Days of the War in North-Carolina" by Cornelia Phillips Spencer is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work reflects on the final days of the Civil War, specifically examining North Carolina's role and experiences during this tumultuous period. The author aims to preserve the truths of the time, focusing on the state’s leaders, the war's impact on its citizens, and the complexities of secession and conflict as perceived locally. At the start of the narrative, Spencer sets the stage by discussing the challenges of accurately documenting the Civil War's history, noting the tensions and passions that still linger post-conflict. She introduces key figures, including Governor Zebulon Vance, and highlights North Carolina's precarious position during the war and her people's call to arms despite reservations about secession. Through personal correspondence and public attempts, such as delegations for peace, the opening portion paints a portrait of a state grappling with its identity and loyalties while laying the groundwork for a detailed exploration of its contributions and the hardships endured as the war drew to a close.
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