A famous rebel naval captain tells his story<br><br>The author of this book, Captain Semmes, was one of the most renowned American seamen of his time-particularly among the sailors of the Confederacy. Whilst it was essential that every nation have its own naval force, for the Southern states this was doubly important because the new 'nation' was heavily reliant on agriculture and its exports, had a paucity of essential manufacturing and was subjected to rigorous blockade by the Federal government to ensure there would be no free or uncontested passage of either. This book covers the activities of two notable and famous ships of the C. S. N-the steamers Alabama and Sumter, and no one was in a better position to report the activities of the Confederate Navy at sea and at war than Captain Semmes who commanded these ships. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.