Description
Book Synopsis In the most detailed history ever of Union warships on the western waters of the Civil War, the author recounts the exploits of the timberclad ships Lexington, Tyler, and Conestoga. Converted to warships from commercial steamboats at the beginning of the conflict, the three formed the core of the North''s Western Flotilla, later the Mississippi Squadron. The book focuses on the activities of these wooden warriors while providing context for the greater war, including accounts of their famous commanders, their roles in both large and small battles, ship-to-ship combat, and support for the armies of Gen. U.S. Grant and Gen. William T. Sherman.
Trade Reviewthorough research...the first, and what is likely to be the definitive, study of the timberclads. Highly recommended. -
Choice""provides a vast amount of detail...immensely valuable...impressive...highly recommend it"" -
North & South""fantastic"" -
The Lone StarTable of ContentsTable of Contents
Foreword by B. Franklin Cooling 1
Preface 5
List of Abbreviations 9
1. Rivers and Rebellion, January–April 1861 11
2. Commander Rodgers Goes West, April–June 1861 40
3. From Cincinnati into the War Zone, June–August 1861 68
4. New Men, Hotter War, September 1–October 9, 1861 96
5. Columbus-Belmont, October 10–November 9, 1861 129
6. Skirmishing and Fleet Building, November–December 1861 166
7. Fort Henry: Preparations and Battle, January–February 1862 189
8. To Florence and Fort Donelson, February 1862 225
9. Tennessee River–Columbus–Island No. 10, February–March 1862 253
10. Tennessee River: Shiloh, March–April 1862 281
11. White River and the C.S.S. Arkansas, June–July 1862 317
12. An Anniversary, POW Convoys, and the Death of a Timberclad Hero, July–December 1862 361
13. 1863: Arkansas Post to Helena 389 14. Peripheral Streams and Red River, 1863–1864 424
15. Cavalry Versus Timberclads, June 1864 465
Epilogue: Winding Down, July 1864–August 1865 478
Chapter Notes 483
Bibliography 519
Index 537
