E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell, Martin Pettit, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
"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. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 63.7 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Blockades
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Naval operations
New Orleans (La.) -- History -- Capture, 1862
Confederate States of America. Navy -- Biography
Admirals -- Southern States -- Biography
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