John Taylor Wood; the grandson of President Zachary Taylor and a nephew of Jefferson Davis; was one of the most daring and remarkable participants of the Civil War and among the few people to hold dual rank in the Confederate military as a captain in the Confederate States Navy (CSN) and a colonel in the cavalry. Wood was widely known for his wartime activities; but at the time of his death in 1904; he had been largely forgotten. This work combines a thorough biography of John Taylor Wood and three of his memoirs that were published in Century magazine between 1885 and 1898. The biography gives special attention to Wood's childhood and youth; such as his harrowing experiences in Florida during the Seminole Wars; his service in the United States Navy during and after the Mexican War; his experiences in California during the Gold Rush and his leading role among the members of the little-known postwar Confederate naval colony in Halifax; Nova Scotia; organized to fight the Fenian forces for the British in 1866. His writings about the war and other literary activities; and his friendship with William Hall; the first African American to win the Victoria Cross are covered. The memoirs in this book cover his service on the CSS Virginia; the cruise of the CSS Tallahassee (of which he was the commander); and his gutsy escape from the South as the Confederacy collapsed.
#1449890 in Books Castle Books 2008-05-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.30 x 6.13l; 1.38 #File Name: 0785820965288 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A fine testament to America's NelsonBy Jim BeckleyThe end of the age of sail drew American naval commanders across a blade's edge of risk: facing both boilerplate hulls and belching steam war machines. David Farragut's lifetime in the U.S. Navy appears to have imbued him with all the wisdom and courage of those who've mastered the sea before; salting him with the courage to repeatedly stare down great fortresses of stone; wood; and iron.Sent to sea as a child; Farragut came of age while still a boy aboard the legendary Essex. Granted an ethereal gift of luck at dodging cannonball and smaller arms in battle: he later appeared at the right time and place to help unchain millions of oppressed southerners during the Civil War. He conquered his former hometown after bloody assaults on fortresses that had vanquished the Royal Navy a generation earlier.This narrative deftly uncovers the actions and that made the man; without airbrushing the details. He is shown to be human; emotional; and even afraid -- as his actions demonstrate immense courage; intelligence; and force of will.Every student of the Civil War recalls the actions described in this book. Few will understand them in their proper light without this work. It is an excellent and concise narrative; only failing in needing more of an editorial review of the last few pages.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Polished Account of Farragut's Capture of New Orleans and Mobile BayBy KJAGThis book is not a biography; but details Farragut's exploits during the Civil War; particularly the capture of New Orleans and Mobile Bay; as well as his actions to clear the lower Mississippi River. The author also effectively covers his childhood; which was spent mostly at sea as a midshipman from the age of 9; and how the lessons he learned during this period (including violent confrontations at sea with British warships and privateers during the War of 1812) prepared him for his future success as the finest naval leader in the Union. These lessons included the benefits of treating naval crews well and tactics in defeating enemy ships and coastal forts and batteries. It's interesting to note that he also had to overcome the suspicions and stigma of being a Southerner; as well as attempts by David Dixon Porter (whose father actually raised Farragut at sea) to undermine him.This book is well researched; organized; edited; easy to read; and includes very good photographs and maps that are appropriately placed.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A great in depth study of both Admiral Farragut and the taking of New Orleans and Mobile Bay in the Civil WarBy Jean A. JonesI'm familiar with Farragut as well as the Battle of Mobile Bay in which Farragult is reputed to have said; "Damn the torpedoes! Full Speed Ahead." He said something to that effect in real life; but I wasn't so familiar with the taking of New Orleans or all the naval activity south of Vicksburg during 1863. This book answers those questions and gives a detailed analysis of the following: (1. The taking of New Orleans (which this book claims was the turning point of the Civil War) - I would agree with a caveat- Antietam in September 1862 was necessary too; just like Vicksburg and Gettysburg are traditionally thought of as the turning points of the Civil War- I could see an argument that after the fall of New Orleans and the Battle of Sharpsburg; MD (Antietam) the South was never the same again. (2. The book also covers a frustrating time during 1863 when the fleet could do little south of Vicksburg; Mississippi except close up the Red River and finally; (3. The beginning of the end- The fall of Mobile Bay and the defeat of the Confederate Ram Tennessee. If you want to familiarize yourself with American naval operations around the Mississippi River during the American Civil War; this wouldn't be a bad place to start.
