Subject
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Blockades Books
Best books
Parthenia Antoinette Hague
A Blockaded Family: Life in Southern Alabama during the Civil War
"A Blockaded Family: Life in Southern Alabama during the Civil War" by Parthenia Antoinette Hague is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative provides a first-hand perspective of life in the South during the Civil War, focusing on the experiences of families in Alabama as they cope with the blockades and resource scarcity. It paints a vivid picture of their struggles, ingenuity, and resilience in the face of adversity. The opening of the work introduces the narrator, who is a school teacher on a plantation in southern Alabama during the early summer of 1861. She receives a letter from her father, informing her that her brothers are preparing to join the Confederate army in Virginia. This news prompts her to return home to assist with the preparations while contrasting the fervent patriotism of the time with the looming challenges posed by the military conflict. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at the resourcefulness required for survival under the blockade, including the need for self-sufficiency and communal effort in producing essential goods amidst the war's toll on daily life. This gripping start sets the stage for a rich exploration of personal and societal dynamics during a turbulent period in American history.
J. (John) Wilkinson
The Narrative of a Blockade-Runner
"The Narrative of a Blockade-Runner" by J. Wilkinson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work details the author's firsthand experiences as a captain in the Confederate Navy during the American Civil War, specifically focusing on the challenges and operations related to blockade running. The narrative promises a rich examination of naval battles, the fall of New Orleans, and the complexities of war from a Confederate perspective. The opening of the narrative introduces the backdrop of Virginia's secession from the Union and the ensuing mobilization of its citizens, particularly those involved in naval service. Wilkinson recounts his shift from the U.S. Navy to engaging with the Confederate cause, detailing life at Fort Powhatan and Acquia Creek, where he and fellow soldiers faced the early stages of war preparation amid their state's changing political landscape. This section sets the stage for the wider conflicts to come, hinting at Wilkinson's subsequent role in New Orleans' defense as the Union fleet approaches—a pivotal moment in the book that promises both personal struggle and military engagement.
Thomas E. Taylor
Running the Blockade A Personal Narrative of Adventures, Risks, and Escapes During the American Civil War
"Running the Blockade" by Thomas E. Taylor is a personal narrative of adventures, risks, and escapes during the American Civil War, written in the late 19th century. The book chronicles Taylor’s experiences as a blockade-runner, detailing the challenges faced due to the Federal blockade of Southern ports. With a focus on his journeys, it highlights the dangers of running blockades, unique characters he encounters, and the economic implications of the wartime embargo. The opening of the narrative introduces us to Taylor’s position as a young assistant in a Liverpool trading firm at the beginning of the Civil War. The declaration of the blockade by President Lincoln comes as a shock to the trade dynamics in Liverpool, igniting a surge of interest in blockade-running among merchants. Taylor’s initial lack of experience gives way to a thrilling invitation to captain a blockade-runner, revealing the excitement and financial incentives driving this perilous venture. As he embarks on these dangerous journeys, the narrative paints a vivid picture of the stakes involved and the audacious spirit of those who dared to defy the blockade.
Augustus Charles Hobart-Hampden
Sketches From My Life By The Late Admiral Hobart Pasha
"Sketches From My Life" by Augustus Charles Hobart-Hampden is an autobiography written in the late 19th century. It details the author's adventurous career as a naval officer, sharing personal anecdotes and accounts from his time in the British Navy, particularly regarding his involvement in the suppression of the slave trade and various campaigns. The narrative highlights Hobart-Hampden’s experiences, including challenges, battles, personal encounters, and reflections on the tyranny present in naval discipline during his time. At the start of the autobiography, the author reflects on his early life and the events that led him to join the Royal Navy at a young age. He recounts his difficult initial experiences aboard H.M.S. as a young cadet, including harsh punishments and the tyrannical treatment of subordinate officers and crew members. Hobart-Hampden's vivid descriptions capture the brutality of naval life in the 19th century, laying the groundwork for his later reflections on authority, justice, and personal growth as he navigates through various military engagements, personal trials, and societal changes throughout his career.
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