Overview

A fresh look at naval action in the Civil War and the man who led the Union navy to victory In the Civil War, David Farragut ruled the seas. In battle after battle, when the smoke cleared, Farragut's armada reigned victorious, making a vital contribution to the ultimate defeat of the Confederacy. A national hero, Farragut earned the gratitude of President Lincoln, who made him the first full admiral in American history. Drawing on primary source material discovered in the past 20 years, Lincoln's Admiral offers new insights into the life and times of the Union's greatest naval hero. * Features information on conventional ships as well as the innovations of the era, including ironclads and new, more powerful cannons * Includes detailed descriptions of major Civil War naval battles * Illustrated with 25 period photos and campaign maps JAMES P. DUFFY (Edison, New Jersey) is the author of Target Hitler and Hitler Slept Late and Other Blunders That Cost Him The War, both selections of the Military Book Club.

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9780471042082

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Reviews

An admirably researched history of the long, successful career of America's first admiral and a popular hero of the Civil War, who is best remembered for his famous order in the heat of the battle at Mobile Bay, Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead! To complement (and correct) the mainly army perspective found in most Civil War histories, Duffy (Target Hitler, not reviewed, etc.) presents a record of the frequently overlooked naval aspects of that conflict, as reflected in the career of David Farragut. Born in the South, Farragut went to sea as a midshipman when he was nine. While Duffy offers a summary of Farragut's life before the war, he is primarily interested in Farragut's Civil War years. He explains in some detail the often highly unorthodox strategies Farragut used to shut down Southern ports. And he explores Farragut's unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle in his way, including suspicions about his loyalty expressed by some fellow officers, aroused by the presence of a Southerner in the Federal navy; jealousies stirred by his early successes, which delayed promotion; and the opposition of bureaucrats in Washington, who attempted to reverse some of his naval strategies. Farragut, who held an unshakable belief in the necessity of preserving the Union (and who, having largely grown up at sea, had little sympathy for the South), always persevered. His brilliant campaigns on the Mississippi and his capture of New Orleans electrified the North. His blockade actions captured over 1,500 vessels. And his great victory at Mobile Bay against determined resistance, and under daunting circumstances, closed another Southern lifeline and diverted Confederate forces away from the defense of Atlanta. Duffy argues that Farragut's actions had more to do with the downfall of the Confederacy than some of the more celebrated land battles. A highly readable chronicle of a remarkable man, and an exciting account of decisive incidents in naval history. (Kirkus Reviews)

Author Information

JAMES P. DUFFY is the author of Target Hitler and Hitler Slept Late: And Other Blunders That Cost the Nazis the War, both selections of the Military Book Club.

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