The Naval History of the United States. Volume 2

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26416

Title

The Naval History of the United States. Volume 2

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive history of the U.S. Navy from the War of 1812 through the Spanish-American War and the Mexican conflict, featuring detailed accounts of major battles, ship captures, and the evolution of naval warfare.

Summary up to 500 words

Willis J. Abbot's *The Naval History of the United States, Volume Two* chronicles the nation's maritime military evolution from the War of 1812 through the Spanish-American War. The volume opens with the desultory operations of President Jefferson's single-gun gunboats in Chesapeake Bay, which struggled against British superiority under Admiral Cockburn. Despite their poor seaworthiness, these vessels engaged in skirmishes, including the capture of the cutter *Surveyor* by the British frigate *Narcissus*, an event Abbot highlights to illustrate the bravery of the American crew despite being outnumbered. The narrative transitions to the Great Lakes and the ocean, detailing the conclusion of the War of 1812 and the subsequent Mexican War era, where Captain Stockton's stratagems and the blockade efforts played crucial roles. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the American Civil War, beginning with the opening of the conflict at Fort Sumter and the destruction of the Norfolk Navy-Yard. Abbot vividly describes the exploits of the Potomac Flotilla and the Mississippi Squadron. He details the perilous passage past Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the burning of the Confederate ironclad *Louisiana*, and the eventual capture of Port Hudson. The narrative emphasizes the professionalism of the Union fleet, noting how Commodore Porter maintained order even as a burning Confederate vessel drifted through the fleet, and how the crew of the *Richmond* fought desperately before being overwhelmed by the river's current and enemy fire. The volume concludes with the Spanish-American War, recounting the decisive Battle of Manila Bay under Admiral Dewey and the engagement at Santiago de Cuba. Abbot describes the Spanish fleet's desperate dash from the harbor and their total destruction, including the loss of the *Almirante Oquendo* and the capture of Admiral Cervera. Throughout the work, Abbot emphasizes the bravery of the "Blue Jackets," the technological shifts from wooden ships to ironclads and modern cruisers, and the Navy's expanding role in suppressing the slave trade and policing the high seas. The text serves as both a military record and a tribute to the sailors who navigated the transition to modern naval warfare.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Naval Warfare