DOC Ironclad of the Roanoke: Gilbert Elliott's Albemarle by Robert G. Elliott in History

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. IRONCLAD OF THE ROANOKEBy Robert A. LynnIRONCLAD OF THE ROANOKE: UPDATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS OF NEWLY DISCOVERED ARTIFACTSROBERT G. ELLIOTTWHITE MANE PUBLISHING; 2005QUALITY SOFTCOVER; $24.95; 380 PAGES; ILLUSTRATIONS; PHOTOGRAPHS; DIAGRAMS; MAPS; APPENDICES; BIBLIOGRAPHY; ENDNOTES; INDEXAlbemarle Sound; located in tne northeastern North Carolina is a partially enclosed body of water connected to the open Atlantic Ocean and its southern extreme. It is formed by the confluence of several rivers and streams; the most notable of which are the Chowan and Roanoke Rivers. The Sound is separated from the open sea by a razor-thin stretch of land running north to south and known as the Outer Banks. The Sound has many finger-like protuberances radiating out from the main body of water. Some of them have their own names; like Croaton Sound; which separates the mainland from Roanoke Island. Other smaller sounds contained within the larger one are the Currituck and Roanoke Sounds. Albemarle Sound; which is about 55 miles long and from 3 to 14 miles wide; is also home to numerous islands of varying sizes. A shallow inlet; the water depth is no greater than 25 feet.It was in this area that one of the Confederate Navy's most successful ironclads; the CSS Albemarle; would play a key role in the capture of Plymouth; North Carolina on 17-20 April 1864. The ironclad's contractor was twenty-one year old shipbuilder and engineer; Gilbert Elliott. The designer and supervisor of construction was John L. Porter; Chief Naval Constructor of the Confederate Navy and who had worked on the conversion of the USS Merrimack into the CSS Virginia.The CSS Albemarle began construction in a former cornfield on the Roanoke River at Edward's Ferry; North Carolina in May; 1863. This was a remote yard and therefore Elliott had to compete with other shipyards for workers; supplies; and other resources. But when finally completed and commissioned in April; 1864; she was 152 feet long; with a beam of 45 feet and a draft of 8 feet. Constructed of solid 8x10 pine timbers; and covered with 4-inch plates and two layers of 2-inch thick iron plating; the vessel was powered by two 200-horsepower engines. Her armament consisted of two 6.4-inch Brooke rifles; mounted at the bow and stern. An 18-foot oak prow; also covered with iron plates; could be used as a ram.IRONCLAD OF THE ROANOKE is the detailed and well-written account of the CSS Albemarle. The construction of this ironclad as well as other ones used by the Confederate Navy was no less a miracle of ingenuity; improvisation; and logistics. Even though surrounded by a superior U.S. Navy; it was their vision and dedication that saw the Confederate Navy utilizing a remarkable collection of vessels to contest the U.S. Navy's control of the rivers and coastal waters of the South for four years.Author Robert G. Elliott; a collateral descendant of shipbuilder and engineer Gilbert Elliott; gives the most detailed history of the CSS Albemarle to date. He covers the entire life of both its builder and the ironclad itself. The book is full of excellant diagrams and detailed cutaway illustrations that clearly show the intellect of the young and talented Gilbert Elliott. Further complimenting this book are the numerous quality photographs. The author has paid not only a long overdue tribute to his descendant but also to the ship he was instrumental in constructing as well.Lt. Colonel Robert A. Lynn; Florida GuardOrlando; Florida2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Civil War History at Its Best!By MoriartyFor fans of the Civil War(American) this book is great. I knew little about the Confederate ironclads until I read Elliott's wonderful book. It describes the history behind the building of this powerful ironclad; about the sailors who made her a great fightin' machine and about her unusual and amazing battles. Also sadly her demise.What happened to one of the few Confederate ironclads not destroyed by her builders? You'll find out in this great book.As to those wondering about the author. He is the third cousin of the brilliant designer of the Albemarle. A truly amazing story.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Excellent StoryBy Chris Todd DavidsonIt is an interseting story of a plucky Confederate Ironcald that was a powerful force until sunk by a Union Torpedo Boat after its brief stormy life. Ironic in the fact it was built in a Cornfield. Confederate Ingenunity at it finest! A very good book!